Hermeneuo - Greek means to “Interpret”It is the study of sound Bible Interpretation.
It is a Science.It is a Principle.It is an Art.
Introduction: What is Hermeneutics?
Material References:Basic Bible Interpretation:
A Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth Roy B Zuck
How to Read the Bible in Changing Times: Understanding and Applying God’s Word Today
Mark Strauss
How to Read the Bible for All Its WorthGordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
Exegetical Fallacies DA Carson
Introduction
Bible as the Word of God It is inspired or “God breathed” (2 Tim 3:16).
Authority of Scripture (Sola Scriptura)Over personal experienceOver reasonOver tradition or dogma
Interpreter must be born again and be Spirit-filled. I Cor 2:14
The Clarity of Scripture (Perspicuity)
Our Presuppositions
Week 2: Goals of Hermeneutics & Methods
Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics
Goals of Hermeneutics
Exegesis
Contextualization
ExegesisDrawing out the author’s original intended
meaning.Opposite of Eisegesis.Similar to Interpretation but more specific.Need to bridge the gaps.
ContextualizationDetermining the contemporary significance. What the text means to our context today.Similar to Application but more specific.Need to bridge the gaps.
Goals of Hermeneutics
Goals of Hermeneutics
1. Allegorical Method2. The Literalistic Method3. The Devotional Method4. Ideological Method5. Grammatical-historical (literary) Method
Hermeneutic Method/Approaches
AllegoricalThe plain or literal reading is a cover for
something deep and hidden.Literal meaning is superficial, the allegorical is
the true meaning. How the Bible was interpreted from 2nd and 3rd
century, through the Middle Ages until the Reformation in 1300’s.
The interpreter of the allegories is the authority.
Hermeneutic Methods/Approaches
LiteralisticEvery word taken literally including figures of
speech and symbolism.Used by cults and extreme fundamentalists.
(Children of God, JW’s, Mormons…etc)Examples:
Mormons- God has a body, eyes, hands...etc.JW- Christ was a created being.Open Theism- God can change His mind.
Hermeneutic Methods/Approaches
The Devotional MethodFocuses exclusively on what is personally
applicable. Ignore the context, historical background and
other interpretive principles. What most Christians unconsciously use today.Can lead to eisegesis and improper application.
Hermeneutic Methods/Approaches
Ideological ApproachThey approach the Bible with specific agenda
and uses the Bible to support their ideology.Examples:
Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology, Health-Wealth Prosperity Theology
Hermeneutic Methods/Approaches
Grammatical-Historical (Literary) MethodBegan in the Reformation.Interpretation required by laws of grammar
and the facts of history.Consider the Bible Grammatical/LiterallyConsider the Bible in the Historical context.Consider the whole of Scripture.
Unified, cohesive and complementary.
Hermeneutic Methods/Approaches