Are all readers of the English Bible engaged in interpretation?

All readers of the English Bible are indeed engaged in interpretation. This is because interpretation occurs whenever a reader interacts with a text to derive meaning from it. Every individual brings their own experiences, cultural background, beliefs, and understanding to their reading of the Bible, and this personal context significantly influences how they interpret the text.

Even if a reader is not consciously trying to analyze or understand deeper theological concepts, they still interpret the passages based on their understanding and perspective. The act of reading itself involves making decisions about meaning, whether that be understanding narratives, applying moral principles, or deriving spiritual insights. Therefore, it can be said that interpretation is an inherent part of engaging with any text, including the Bible. This process is not limited to scholars or religious leaders; it is a universal aspect of reading and understanding literature.