Kendrick Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper and 17-time Grammy Award winner, is known for his thought-provoking lyricism and deep social commentary. As one of hip-hop’s most influential artists, he made history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans. His high-energy performance blended music with bold symbolism. His song choices, along with distinct choreography, made the show not just a musical event but a cultural statement that invited diverse interpretations from various factions of society.
African American Viewers: Saw it as a powerful assertion of Black identity, with imagery like the divided American flag in HUMBLE symbolizing systemic struggles.
General Public: Some celebrated Lamar’s artistry, while others felt the performance was too politically charged or overshadowed by his rap feud.
Conservative News Channels and Viewers: Criticized the show as divisive, framing it as part of the NFL’s broader shift toward diversity and inclusion.
Online Reactions: Many praised Lamar’s ability to balance entertainment with deeper messages, while others saw the inclusion of Not Like Us as a direct challenge to Drake.
Serena Williams, a Compton native like Lamar, joined him during Not Like Us, performing the Crip Walk, a move she famously did after her Olympic win. Given her past rumored relationship with Drake, her presence was widely interpreted as symbolic support for Lamar in their feud.
Sports analysts noted that Lamar’s performance signified the NFL’s evolution since Colin Kaepernick’s 2016 firing after his silent protest against police brutality. What was once controversial—protesting systemic injustice—was now center stage at the league’s biggest event. The show reflected how much the NFL has changed in eight years, embracing artists willing to engage with social issues.
Lamar’s halftime show was a defining moment in hip-hop and sports culture, mixing artistic mastery with social critique. Whether seen as a celebration of progress or a polarizing statement, it cemented his status as a cultural force. However, unless Lamar himself provides insight into his intentions, the performance remains open to interpretation. Each perspective likely holds some truth, but without his explanation, the deeper layers of his choreography, symbolism, and choices remain speculative.
Similarly, interpretations of the Bible, God’s infallible Word, have led to various denominations, writings, and worship styles worldwide. So how do we determine biblical truth? Is it shaped by culture? Are we influenced by historical biases? Is Scripture poetic, historical, or metaphorical? Just as Lamar’s performance sparked diverse interpretations, so too does the Bible—depending on one’s background, perspective, and openness to understanding through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Some conservative viewers struggled to grasp Lamar’s message because they lacked familiarity with him and had no interest in his cultural background, which shaped his performance. Likewise, if we approach Scripture without historical, cultural, and spiritual understanding, we may miss what God is truly saying. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
The Pharisees had immense knowledge of God’s law but lacked true understanding. Jesus rebuked them because they read Scripture but did not see Him in it. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me (John 5:39). Likewise, if we rely solely on human reasoning or personal bias, we risk misinterpreting God’s Word. Without a relationship with the Author and Creator, we will go astray. The key to biblical interpretation is loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). Every interpretation should lead us to Jesus and His truth.
Scripture itself is not fluid—it stands unchangeable throughout time and culture. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 5:18, For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. The New Testament is also historically validated, with more manuscript evidence than any other ancient text.
However, while Scripture remains unchanged, our understanding of it can deepen as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. We must also be clear that in the essentials of the gospel, we must be firm and united (One Lord, one faith, one baptism – Ephesians 4:5). The Nicene Creed succinctly outlines these essentials. In all else, we must interpret with humility and charity.
Every biblical interpretation should lead us to humbly love and serve our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). We must be careful not to weaponize our interpretations against others, as that can cause spiritual harm. Instead, we should listen, learn, and remain open to God’s sanctifying work in us. Philippians 2:3 reminds us, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Maturity in faith often requires reevaluating our perspectives as we grow in understanding.
If Lamar’s performance teaches us anything, it is that people will always interpret things differently. The more we know and understand the Author of the Bible, the more accurately we will interpret His Word. Thankfully, in faith matters, we have an advantage: the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). Without Him at the center of our understanding, we risk missing the very heart of God—just as the Pharisees did.
We should be open to learning and willing to allow God to shape our understanding, recognizing that My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). Our goal in interpreting the Bible is not to win theological arguments but to know and glorify God and to humbly make His love known to a lost world through our actions.