... not to derail the thread, but, I'm just trying to decipher this...
Question: How would you understand what you are reading if you don't interpret?
Example, if a russian is talking to me with his language, how would I understand him if I don't find an interpreter?
If the bible wasn't written in english and was just in original language - may it be hebrew, greek, latin or whatever... how would anyone understand the whole thing if no one interprets the book?
Bro, interpret is different from interpreter as well as from understand and translation.
The bible has been translated to almost all language and dialect available.
All you have to do is to read it and understand it, and search for the truth.
Interpretation is a self act, you will interpret it by your own which you think is right.
While understanding the bible is to accept it and follow it.
Like some interpreted this verse:
30 I and my Father are one.
they interpreted it that Christ and the Father are one, Christ is the Father and Father is Christ.
"are one" there refers to that they are one in or nagkahiusa.
Like the married couple, they are considered as one but physically they two entity.
In Biblical term, if " one" means united and considered as one.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. John 17:11.
When reading the verses it should not be interpreted, but it must be understand through the understanding being mentioned in the bible.
how would anyone understand the whole thing if no one interprets the book?
The bible was not interpreted from the original language but it was translated.
Interpretation may vary depends on the interpreter, while translation is to find the corresponding word or the similar word in other language.
Peace!