Contextualisation

A method of analyzing the Bible that attempts to differentiate between the meaning of the text and the cultural and historical context in which it is given. The result is that when one tries to interpret the meaning of a biblical passage in terms of today's culture, the meaning of the text may have to change.

For example, in Genesis 9:1. humans are urged to be fruitful and multiply. That made sense in days when there were so many childhood diseases, and warfare. The opposite command (to limit one's fertility) might make more sense today.