The Four Levels of Biblical Understanding

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal the word, but the honour of kings is to search out the [God’s] word, Jubilee Bible Translation. NOTE: I used the Jubilee bible translation because it accurately translates the Hebrew word dabar, Strong’s # 1697 as word, unlike the King James which uses two different meanings for the same word:

It is the glory of God to conceal a [thing-#1697=dabar]: but the honour of kings is to search out a [matter-#1697=dabar], Proverbs 25:2 KJV.

You can already SEE that there is some “concealing” happening even in this simple verse, if you are a careful student!

NOTE: Everything on this page would be considered "searchable" riches. Why? Due to the fact that you can search it with writings, Lexicons, even AI today.
However, the UNSEARCHABLE RICHES of Christ cannot be searched and are only Revealed, i.e., come by personal revelation and experiencing of the Word.

We will un-conceal and search out that concealed dabar, word, mentioned in Proverbs 25:2

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

(2Pe 1:20 KJV) Look at the word translated "private" from Greek Word Study:

Stong's # G2398 ídios; Derivitive is idiṓtēs (G2399), a common or private man: G2399

idiṓtēs; gen. idiṓtou, masc. noun from ídios (G2398), one's own. A common man as opposed either to a man of rank or education (1Co_14:16); a person in the private sector or a common man (Acts 4:13); uninstructed, unskilled (1Co_14:23-24); plain in speech (2 Co 11:6, in this text referring both to speech and knowledge). Our Eng. word "idiot" is derived from idiṓtēs..The un-Initiated. 

John 5:39 Ye Search the Scriptures

The Preparation of the Person

To study the Bible well two basic conditions must be fulfilled:

one, the person must be right and trained; and two, the method must

be correct. For the past hundreds of years, especially those following

the Reformation, scores of good books have been written on the

subject of how to study the word of God.

These have been volumes

of high quality, yet they share a common defect of the first degree,

which is, that they all emphasize the method of Bible study but

overlook the person who studies the Bible. The authors give the

impression that anyone can master the Scriptures if only he adopts

certain methods.

Yet the fact is that many have used these methods

but still do not know the Bible. Doubtless, those who write about

these methods know their Bible well. Why, then, do not people

obtain the same result in following their methods? It is because they

forget what kind of people they are.

The problem of studying the

Word lies not simply in method but most keenly in man himself.

Some study well, for they have learned before God; consequently, by

using the right method, they are able to know the Bible.
But merely

passing on their method without simultaneously imparting their life

will not help others whose life is not right.

One thing, then, is of supreme importance: in studying the Bible,

the man as well as the method needs to be right. Indeed, only the

right man may fully utilize the proper method. Study method is

unquestionably quite significant; without it one cannot master his

study. Yet the man himself must first be transformed before he is

able to study well.

Excerpt from the book by Watchman Nee "Ye Search the Scriptures

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (of whom the whole family in the heavens and on earth is named), that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, that the Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye, being rooted and grounded in Love, may be able to well comprehend with all saints what is the breadth X length = Horizontal and depth X height - Vertical and to know the charity of the Christ, which passes all knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto him be glory in the congregation [Gr. ekklesia — called out ones] by Christ Jesus throughout all generations of the ages of the ages. Amen, Ephesians 3:14-21 JUBILEE Translation.

Who is Paul praying to, the Foundation stone or the Capstone?  Therefore, God also has highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is Lord in the glory of God the Father., Philippians 2:9-11 JUBILEE  

May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love...
Note:  Agape, Love is both the Good Ground of the Sower Parables and the First fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5: 22

That 'you' may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it].

[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God

[‘may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–

To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

(Ephesians 3:14-21 AMPLIFIED Translation)

Pardes ~ Paradise

What is Pardes? Pardes [H6508] is a Hebrew word used in the Bible that means a forest, orchard, or park, and is referred to as Paradise. It corresponds with the Greek word paradeisos [G3857], which also means a park, Eden, or Paradise in the New Testament.

NOTE: that when you see numbers preceded by either an H or a G, they refer to the Strong’s number for the Old Testament as H as translated from Hebrew to English and G for Greek to English translation as a New Testament word. Examples [H6508] and [G3857] above – mdw

In Hebrew, Pardes is spelled, PRDS which is also an acronym for the Hebrew words Pshat, Remez, Derasha, Sod. Each word represents a different level of understanding the scriptures. Each level of understanding becomes deeper as revealed in the iceberg picture above.

Some insight from Wikipedia

The journey into Pardes also represents our journey into deeper levels of intimacy with God our Father. It represents our journey into the relationship we once had in the Garden of Eden, hence the word Pardes ~ Paradise.

The four levels of Biblical understanding are:

    P [Pshat] – literal, simple – BREADTH

           R [Remez] – parable, allegory – LENGTH
D [Derasha] – seek, search – DEPTH

                                                                                                                S [Sod] – inner, mystical – HEIGHT

Peshat (also P'shat) is one of the two classic methods of Jewish biblical exegesis, the other being Derash.

While Peshat is commonly defined as referring to the surface or literal (direct) meaning of a text,[1] or "the plain literal meaning of the verse, the meaning which its author intended to convey", numerous scholars and rabbis have debated this for centuries, giving Peshat many uses and definitions.

Peshat is most often defined as "straight," in reference to its tendency to describe the meaning of the text apparent at face value, taking into account idiomatic expressions, and focusing mostly on literal interpretation.

It is often considered the most straightforward method for reading and understanding of biblical text. In this way, Peshat differentiates itself from the other methods present in Pardes (Remez, Drash and Sod), which look at what may be hidden in the text.

Peshat interpretations also note the importance of context, both historical and literary. This is in contrast to Drash, which will often take the text of a verse out of its context, for uses beyond the context such as ritual or moral purposes.

However, this does not mean that Peshat and Drash are fully opposing methods. In fact, one may often be used in helping to explain the other, in finding and defining nuances in text that might be otherwise inexplicable without application of both methods

This is a Portal Site, the Outer Court to Holy Place where I Share what I can of my 40 plus years of diligent Study of the Lesser Mysteries contained in the New Testament. This site is not about me, but you can click "My Story" in the Menu if you would like to read my Testimony and Journey.  Of course, my story just like this site is under constant construction!  I'm sure you know the feeling! 

Thus, let a person (a man; a human) continue logically considering (measuring and classifying) us as God's subordinates (God's deputies; those under God's orders; God's under-rowers) and house-managers (administrators) of God's secrets (or; mysteries which require initiation for receiving)  1Co 4:1 Jonathan Mitchell-NT If you prefer the KJV:  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1 KJV)

Notice the Alpha Omega symbols on the pages?  "In the formula, "I am the Alpha and the o [megal, the first and the last," alpha is the symbol of the divine man, or Divinity, before his descent/involution into matter; and o mega is the symbol of the perfected man, who has passed through the cycle of reincarnation and regained the spiritual consciousness."  James M. Pryse, Apocalypse Unsealed.

This site is just one of many Alpha sites that you find online dealing with the Beginning, the Archtypical First Principles, the abc's, but hopefully, helps us come to a Deeper and Higher, Vertical Understanding of what is being Said and prepares us for some degree of elevated Omega Revelation.  Which is "telestic" work:  The term comes from the Ancient Greek adjective telestikós, which pertains to religious mysteries or initiation. The root is télos, meaning "end," "purpose," "fulfillment," or "initiation into mysteries.

It also contains some what you could call Omega Teaching,  finishing/completion material, which simply points to: You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect, Matthew 5:48 AMPLIFIED Classic translation), but, then what?

There is a lot to share about the concept of "Perfection" simply as goal and a Mark of our progress on the Journey from Nepios to Huios; from child spiritually to Son of Full Stature.  Then, maybe on to  Pater,  the Father Principle. 1 Cor 4:15.

But let patience have her perfect-ingwork, that ye [also is implied-mdw] may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing, James 1:4

NOTE:  any place that I add my In-Sights  or Revelation , I add my initials-mdw.

In-Joy the Journey, Marion Douglas Williams

The Dimensions

Mysticism teaches us that the four levels of Biblical understanding are actually dimensions of meaning or interpretation. These dimensions as seen in the New Testament are the measurements of BREADTH, LENGTH, DEPTH, and HEIGHT, as revealed in Ephesians 3:18……..

Ephesians 3:17-19

3:17- That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love (faith [only] works by love, Galatians 5:6; Love is also the 'Good Ground' referred to in the Parable of the Sower) 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth [knowledge-#1108=gnosis], that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (NOTE: there is a Greek word also often translated knowledge that represents the Higher Knowledge we are Seeking: # 1922 Epignosis. Keep an "eye" out for it in your studies-mdw)

In Ephesians 3:18, the word 'comprehend' [G2638/ G2596/ G2983] means to find, obtain, or perceive “down” in opposition, position or intensity. It’s to seek, search out, look at, and obtain what is beneath the surface of the scriptures, as below the surface of the iceberg: katalambanō pronounced kat-al-am-ban’-o; to take. To apprehend, attain, obtain, find.

The apostle Paul was encouraging every one of us to come to know by seeking out for our own possession, what is the breadth, length, depth, and height. He was encouraging us to take the journey into Pardes!

We see these four dimensions being used by Jesus Christ during his Ministry. In Pshat (literal), it’s interesting that he never used this level to teach the masses.

He only expressed literal interpretation of the scriptures, Pshat, when addressing the Pharisees.

In Remez (parable, allegory), is the level he used to begin teaching the masses, (The 5,000, etc.).

In Derasha (seek, search), from among the masses, he chose his 12 apostles to reveal to them the deeper understanding of the parable or allegory.

In Sod (inner mystical=esoteric), he chose 3 from among his apostles, and revealed to them the inner mystical truth of himself on the Mount of Transfiguration.

Likewise, to this day, the Holy Spirit is teaching us and leading us in the same manner!

THE JOURNEY

Each letter in the Pardes acronym is a new dimension of Biblical understanding of the scriptures, however, exploration into all four dimensions leads to direct, face to face communion with the presence of God as Christ in us, our hope and glory, Colossians 1:27.

Revelation, Insight:  The Horizontal Plane is the Natural Order, the third-dimension world the world of Fate(s) vs your Destiny of the Vertical upright plane. which equates to the Pasture of John 10:9 and is only accessed via the Door, Jesus.  Click Here for details on how to enter the Pasture of Jesus

Old Testament and New Testament Champions of the Quest (seekers) understand from the beginning this journey is much, much more than just a journey into 'knowledge' for the sake of knowledge. Anyone can get knowledge…….. It is, in fact, a journey into a relationship, or should it be said, return to a relationship.

In Jesus Christ, his son, this relationship has been restored as it said to have originally existed in the Garden allegory.

The experience of that relationship is the treasure, the prize of the high calling…..Phillipians 3:14

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high [calling-#G2821-Klesis] of God in Christ Jesus.

The ultimate of that relationship is also what is called the “face to face” relationship…..I Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I [know-#1922=epignosis] even as also I am [known-#1922=epignosis]. Note, the Greek word translated as "darkly is Strong's #135 G135 ainigma Thayer Definition:

1) an obscure saying, enigma, riddle 2) an obscure thing.  This verse fits so well right here:   It is the glory of God to conceal the word, but the honour of kings is to search out the word, Proverbs 25:2 Jubilee Translation. 

Why does Proverbs 25:2 fit so well here, most other translations use the English words thing and matter to convey the meaning of Hebrew word, #1697 dabar, Word.  Why didn't they know to translate it properly?  Guess God had already disguised it, camouflaged it just for diligent Seekers. 

The casual inquirer will pass this Pearl right on by without a second thought.  You'll notice that I insert Proverbs 25:2 and Eccles 7:13,4 in a lot of places to help you SEE what is being hinted at for those with ears or that are developing ears to Hear. 
Also Note, the title kings refer to a Perfecting Man, Esoterically.

There are many religious even today, as the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, who object to the seeking of a Deeper understanding of truth in the scriptures. They perceive there is only one understanding, Pshat – literal, simple – BREADTH , the dead Letter, therefore, hindering the progression of others. Obviously, this is a grave error in discernment on their part; or not being able to 'distinguish' between things that differ, Phil 1:10 YLT.   They wanted to stone Origen for using allegory, R [Remez] – parable, allegory – LENGTH. Revelation for you, both these methods are Horizontal in orientation vs Depth and Height which are both measured with a Vertical orientation.         

The Pardes is both process and fulfillment! By opening lines of communication with the Word of God, one is already on the way to Paradise while yet on earth! This method of spiritual growth and understanding is probably the most full, comprehensive, and balanced penetration of (into) the inner Kingdom, Esotericism, of God, which is within, the inner is "eso'" Strong's # 2080.

                                                                                                                                            The four levels of Biblical understanding are:

                                   P [Pshat] – literal, simple – BREADTH - Horizontal

                                      R [Remez] – parable, allegory – LENGTH - Horizontal

                                                                                                                    D [Derasha] – seek, search – DEPTH - Vertical

                                                                                                                    S [Sod] – inner, mystical – HEIGHT - Vertical

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:18

…”that you may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, the HORIZONTAL plane, and depth, and height” the VERTICAL plane.
[comprehend = katalambánō; fut. katalḗpsomai, from katá (G2596), an intens., and lambánō (G2983), to take.
To apprehend, attain, obtain, find.]  You may be please to know that there IS a FINDING to all your SEEKING.

“These four interpretive levels describe the dimensions of understanding (Breadth, Length, Depth, Height):  PaRDeS = Interpretive Layers (horizontal/vertical understanding) Interpretation is a Function.

“PaRDeS = how Scripture is understood.

2 Tim 3:16 = how Scripture acts on the reader.

Separately, Scripture also performs four operations in the believer (Doctrine, Reproof, Correction, Instruction in Righteousness), which are explained on their own pages.” In-Joy, mdw ..." the Second Advent is not a spectacle but the arrival of Interpretation—the inner sense restored, the Fig‑Tree (intuition) putting forth fruit."  Selah.