The Ethical Norms in Interpretation of Sacred Texts

Except for few simple and clear texts that seem to have obvious meanings, the understanding and comprehension of texts containing multiple meanings or layers is a demanding activity. Sacred texts need more interpretation than the other texts in this regard. Interpretation, here, means trying to uncover texts and get their meaning or meanings. In addition to specific technical and formal requirements, and attention to the linguistic and structural principles in understanding the text, such interpretations require an ethical endeavor as well. Interpretation ethics expresses the norms or behaviors whose observance or possession reassures us in grasping the meaning of the text. Observing the ethics of interpretation can help us pursue the ideal of complete and reality-based interpretation, without necessarily leading us to a perfect interpretation. Interpretation ethics requires the interpreter to know himself and honestly strive to obtain the meaning of sacred texts. It requires him not to impose his personal meaning on the text or disregard his or her personal assumptions or the assumptions that are widely-held in his time. After dealing with three basic assumptions of interpretation, this paper discusses and exemplifies some moral norms and behaviors that are necessary for a correct interpretation, such as seriousness in understanding, attention to the layers of the text, sympathy with text, attention to the context, having the same criteria, epistemic modesty, attention to interpretive tradition, respecting the opinions of commentators and considering the alternative views.