Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics

1. Hermeneutics: Essential for Understanding Scripture's Meaning

Other than enjoying a right relationship with God, the most fundamental principle of biblical interpretation consists in putting into practice what we do unconsciously every day of our lives.

Bridging the Gap. Hermeneutics, the discipline of interpreting texts, is crucial for understanding the Bible because it helps bridge the linguistic and cultural gap between the ancient world and our modern context. While we interpret conversations and newspapers daily, the Bible requires a more conscious effort to understand its original setting. This involves grammatico-historical exegesis, which considers both the language and the cultural context of the text.

Avoiding Misinterpretation. Without hermeneutics, we risk imposing our own ideas and preconceptions onto the biblical text, leading to misinterpretations. The Bible, though divinely inspired, is also a human book, subject to the nuances and complexities of human language. Therefore, we need principles of interpretation to navigate potential misunderstandings and arrive at an accurate understanding of Scripture.

The Bible's Clarity. Despite the need for hermeneutics, the Bible is fundamentally a clear book. Most of the difficulties in interpretation arise from our own limitations, such as ignorance of the original languages or cultural contexts. By studying hermeneutics, we equip ourselves to overcome these challenges and grasp the essential truths of Scripture.

2. Meaning Encompasses Referent, Sense, Intention, and Significance

Meaning is that which is represented by a text; it is what the author meant by his use of a particular sign sequence; it is what the signs represent.

Multiple Dimensions of Meaning. The word "meaning" is multifaceted, encompassing the referent (what is being spoken about), the sense (what is being said about the referent), the author's intention (the truth assertions), and the significance (the contemporary relevance). Understanding these different aspects is crucial for a comprehensive interpretation of the Bible.

Referent and Sense. Identifying the referent and sense of a passage is essential for grasping its core message. For example, in John 6:53, understanding that "flesh" and "blood" refer to Jesus' incarnation and death is crucial for interpreting the passage correctly. Similarly, understanding the sense of Romans 9:30-10:12 requires grasping the meaning of key phrases and their contrasts.

Intention and Significance. While the author's intention determines whether words are literal or figurative, the significance of a passage lies in its relationship to a person, concept, or situation. While meaning is fixed, significance is ever-changing, allowing for contemporary application. By considering all these aspects, we can arrive at a richer and more nuanced understanding of the biblical text.

3. Logic and Language: Tools for Accurate Biblical Interpretation

The greatness of Greek civilization is not to be equated with the grammatical system of its language. It is what people did with the language rather than the language itself that deserves admiration.

Original Languages. Understanding the original languages of the Bible (Greek and Hebrew) is crucial for accurate interpretation. While English translations are generally adequate, they can sometimes obscure nuances or lead to misinterpretations. Knowledge of the original languages helps us avoid imposing our own ideas on the text.

Avoiding Linguistic Fallacies. Several common errors arise in discussions involving language, such as equating the meaning of a word with its history (etymological fallacy) or reading all possible meanings of a word into a specific use. We must focus on the contemporary usage of words and avoid overemphasizing subtle points of grammar and vocabulary.

Context is Key. The context of a passage is paramount for determining the meaning of words and phrases. We must consider the immediate context, the broader literary context, and the historical and cultural context. By emphasizing context, we can avoid misinterpretations and arrive at a more accurate understanding of the biblical text.

4. Biblical Theology: Unifying the Parts into a Coherent Whole

Biblical theology may be defined as theological interpretation of Scripture in and for the church.

Holistic Perspective. Biblical theology seeks to understand the Bible as a unified whole, tracing the unfolding plan and purpose of God throughout history. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the various parts of Scripture and avoids treating individual passages in isolation. By taking a holistic perspective, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the overarching narrative of redemption.

Promise-Plan of God. The "promise-plan of God" serves as a unifying theme that connects the Old and New Testaments. This plan, initiated with promises to Eve, Shem, and Abraham, finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. By tracing the development of this promise-plan, we can see how each part of Scripture contributes to the overall message of God's redemptive purpose.

Avoiding Reductionism. Biblical theology helps us avoid a "flat" view of the Bible, where all parts are treated as equally significant or where later revelations are imposed on earlier texts. Instead, it emphasizes the historical progress of revelation, recognizing that each passage must be understood in its own context and in relation to the unfolding plan of God.

5. Principlization: Applying Scripture to Contemporary Questions

If inferences are not binding in the interpretation of the divine law, then we would ask for the express command which was violated by Nadab and Abihu in offering strange fire [Lev. 10:1 – 3], and which cost them their lives.

Bridging the Gap. Principlization is a method of applying Scripture to contemporary questions that are not directly addressed in the Bible. It involves extracting underlying principles from biblical texts and applying them to new situations. This approach allows us to address modern ethical, moral, and doctrinal issues while remaining grounded in the authority of Scripture.

Scriptural Principles. The key to principlization is to identify the fundamental truths or principles that are taught in the biblical text. These principles should be timeless and universally applicable, reflecting the character and will of God. Once identified, these principles can be used to guide our decisions and actions in contemporary contexts.

Avoiding Subjectivity. To ensure that principlization remains faithful to Scripture, we must avoid imposing our own biases or preferences on the text. Instead, we should seek to understand the author's intention and the original context of the passage. By carefully extracting principles from the text, we can apply Scripture to modern questions in a responsible and authoritative way.

6. New Testament's Accurate Use of the Old Testament

The Spirit of God did not mechanically whisper the text into the writer’s ears, nor did the authors experience automatic writing. Instead, they experienced a living assimilation of the truth, so that what they had experienced in the past by way of culture, vocabulary, hardships, and the like was all taken up and assimilated into the unique product that simultaneously came from the distinctive personality of the writers.

Intertextuality. The New Testament frequently quotes and alludes to the Old Testament, demonstrating a deep connection between the two Testaments. This intertextuality is not merely a matter of borrowing language but reflects a shared understanding of God's plan and purpose. By recognizing these connections, we can gain a richer appreciation for the unity of Scripture.

Authorial Intentionality. When the New Testament quotes the Old Testament, it generally does so with the intention of affirming the original meaning of the text. While the New Testament may expand on or apply the Old Testament in new ways, it does not contradict or distort its original message. The New Testament writers had an adequate understanding of what was intended both in the near and the distant future, even if they lacked a grasp of all the details that were to be embodied in the progress of revelation and of history.

Divine Intervention. The divine intention in the revealed word is the same as the human authorial intention. There was such a divine-human concursus (that is, a “running together” in the realm of thought) that the Spirit of God was able to take the truths of God and teach them in words to the writers of Scripture.

7. History's Role: Contextualizing the Biblical Narrative

If the Bible is not reliable in the area of the history it portrays, how can it claim to teach truth in other areas such as in matters of the soul and eternity?

Anchoring in Space and Time. The Bible is deeply rooted in history, with numerous references to specific events, people, and places. This historical grounding is essential for understanding the biblical narrative and its message. By studying the historical context of the Bible, we can gain a better understanding of the author's intention and the original audience's understanding.

Avoiding Extremes. In interpreting the historical aspects of the Bible, we must avoid both maximalism (assuming that every detail is historically accurate) and minimalism (rejecting the historical reliability of the text). Instead, we should approach the text with a critical but open mind, seeking to understand its historical claims in light of available evidence.

Faith and History. Faith and history are intimately linked in the Bible. The Christian faith is grounded in historical events, such as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If these events did not actually occur, then the Christian faith would be without foundation. Therefore, we must take the historical claims of the Bible seriously and seek to understand them accurately.

8. Narrative: Unveiling Meaning Through Storytelling

The event demonstrates the great power of Jesus, so that there was no need for the disciples to despair.

Indirect Communication. Narrative, a prevalent genre in the Bible, communicates its message indirectly through the selection of details, arrangement of events, and rhetorical devices. Unlike prose, which states things directly, narrative relies on storytelling to convey its meaning. To understand a biblical narrative, we must pay attention to its key elements, such as the scene, point of view, dialogue, and rhetorical devices.

Key Elements. The scene, the point of view, the dialogue, and rhetorical devices such as repetition, inclusion, and chiasm. Each element assists the interpreter to more adequately understand the meaning and purpose for including an episode narrated in Scripture.

Avoiding Moralizing. When interpreting biblical narratives, we must avoid imposing our own moral or spiritual lessons on the text. Instead, we should seek to understand the author's intention and the message he or she was trying to communicate. By focusing on the narrative itself, we can avoid distorting its meaning and appreciate its unique contribution to the overall message of the Bible.

9. Poetry and Wisdom: Expressing Truth Through Art and Insight

The Greek language is the beautiful flower, the elegant jewel, the most finished masterpiece of Indo-Germanic thought.

Distinctive Features. Poetry and Wisdom literature, prominent in the Old Testament, employ unique literary devices to convey their message. Poetry is characterized by parallelism, terseness, and imagery, while Wisdom literature includes proverbs, riddles, and dialogues. To interpret these genres effectively, we must be sensitive to their distinctive features.

Figures of Speech. Figures of speech, such as similes, metaphors, and hyperboles, are abundant in poetry and Wisdom literature. These devices add depth and richness to the text, but they must be interpreted carefully. We must avoid reading too much into these figures and focus on the author's intended meaning.

Practical Application. Wisdom literature offers practical guidance for living a life of wisdom and righteousness. By studying the proverbs, admonitions, and dialogues in these books, we can gain insight into how to make wise choices and live in accordance with God's will.

10. Gospels: History and Theology Intertwined

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Historical and Theological. The Gospels are unique in that they are both historical accounts and theological interpretations of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To understand the Gospels, we must consider both their historical accuracy and their theological message. We must recognize that the Gospel writers were not merely reporting facts but also interpreting them in light of their faith.

Parables. Parables, a distinctive feature of Jesus' teaching, are simple stories that convey profound truths. To interpret the parables correctly, we must consider their historical setting, cultural context, and literary context. We must also recognize that the parables were intended to both reveal and conceal truth, depending on the hearer's disposition.

Authority. Jesus taught with authority, not like the teachers of the law. His teaching was rooted in the Old Testament but also transcended it, offering a new and fuller understanding of God's will. By studying Jesus' teaching, we can gain insight into the nature of God's kingdom and the path to eternal life.

11. Epistles: Reading Letters in Their Historical and Literary Context

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ!

Occasional Writings. The Epistles of the New Testament are occasional writings, meaning that they were written to address specific situations and problems in particular churches. To understand the Epistles, we must consider their historical context and the issues they were addressing. By reading between the lines, we can gain insight into the challenges faced by the early Christians.

Literary Structure. The Epistles are carefully crafted literary documents, often reflecting rhetorical techniques used in antiquity. By analyzing their structure and literary devices, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their message. We must also recognize the distinctiveness of each Epistle, avoiding the temptation to impose a uniform interpretation on all of them.

Theological Significance. The Epistles are rich in theological content, offering profound insights into the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, and the life of the Christian. By studying the Epistles theologically, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its implications for our lives.

12. Prophecy: Understanding the Future Through God's Word

I the LORD do not change.

Foretelling and Forthtelling. Prophecy in the Bible encompasses both foretelling (predicting the future) and forthtelling (declaring God's word to effect change). While the predictive aspect of prophecy is important, we must not neglect its ethical and moral dimensions. Prophecy calls us to respond to God's word in the present, even as it points us to the future.

Interpreting Symbols. Prophetic language often employs symbols and imagery to convey its message. To interpret these symbols correctly, we must consider their historical and cultural context. We must also recognize that some symbols are explained within the text itself, while others are paralleled by Old Testament imagery.

Multiple Fulfillments. Some prophecies have multiple fulfillments, with earlier events serving as partial realizations of a larger, ultimate fulfillment. This does not mean that prophecy has a "double sense" but rather that it has a complex single sense that incorporates all of its fulfillments. By recognizing the organic unity of prophecy, we can gain a more complete understanding of God's plan for the future.

Last updated: February 23, 2025