Meaning: This quote by Anne Hutchinson, a prominent figure in early American history, reflects her belief in the importance of direct revelation from God. Anne Hutchinson was a Puritan woman who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century. She is best known for her role in the Antinomian Controversy, a theological and political crisis that shook the foundations of the Puritan community in New England. Hutchinson's outspoken views and unorthodox religious practices ultimately led to her banishment from the colony.

In the quote, Hutchinson expresses her belief that she could not fully understand scripture without the direct intervention of God. She attributes her understanding of scripture to the "prophetical office" of the Lord, suggesting that divine revelation was necessary for her to comprehend the meaning of the scriptures. This reflects Hutchinson's rejection of traditional clergy-led interpretation of scripture in favor of direct spiritual insight.

Hutchinson's theological views were deeply influenced by the teachings of John Cotton, an influential Puritan minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Cotton emphasized the idea of the "inner light," the belief that individuals could receive direct spiritual revelation from God without the need for intermediaries such as clergy or church hierarchy. Hutchinson embraced this concept and became a charismatic spiritual leader, holding meetings in her home where she shared her interpretations of scripture and offered spiritual guidance to others.

The reference to "the Hebrews" in the quote likely alludes to Hutchinson's study of the original Hebrew texts of the Bible. She believed that a deeper understanding of the scriptures could be gained through direct engagement with the original language and context of the biblical passages. This reflects Hutchinson's commitment to scholarly inquiry and her desire to uncover the true meaning of the scriptures through rigorous study.

The quote also sheds light on Hutchinson's contentious relationship with the Puritan clergy in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her assertion that the Lord had to personally "open" scripture to her challenges the traditional authority of the clergy as the sole interpreters of God's word. Hutchinson's insistence on her own direct access to divine revelation and her willingness to challenge established religious hierarchies ultimately led to her trial and banishment from the colony.

In conclusion, Anne Hutchinson's quote encapsulates her belief in the necessity of divine revelation for understanding scripture and her rejection of traditional clergy-led interpretation. It also reflects her commitment to scholarly inquiry and her contentious relationship with the Puritan clergy. Hutchinson's legacy as a pioneering advocate for religious freedom and individual spiritual insight continues to resonate in American history, making her a significant figure in the development of religious thought in the early colonial period.