HERMENEUTICS

HERMENEUTICS

1) 2 Tim. 2:15- “Do your best”---"rightly divide"- ( handle, expound ) the word of God’’

Gk. ortho-to-meo - To cut strait, to rightly deal with a thing. Not to separate scripture from scripture but to handle and teach scripture accurately.                       

2) Lk. 24:27- “He explained to them”---“in all the scriptures”…

Gk. di-re-men-euo – A strengthened form of hermeneuo,
signifies to interpret fully, to explain.                                                                                                      
Gk. her-men-euo – (3 verb forms ) her-men-eia –
(3 noun forms ) occur 19 times in the New Testament, mostly used in the sense of translation (from another language).

Derived from Hermes the Greek name for the pagan god Mercury,
 the messenger of  the  gods.

3) Hermeneutics- In the broad definition of the term means the interpretation

 and understanding of any act of communication whether written, oral,

 verbal or non verbal (such as symbols or symbolic acts). Biblical Hermeneutics
 deals specifically with the interpreting of scripture in order to gain a correct 
understanding of the text, and the making of proper applications of those interpretations.

4) 1 Pet.3:15- “ Be ready to give an answer to every man for the hope that is in you”…

 Gk. apologia- answer for self, clearing of self, defense. The English word

  “apologetics”* is derived from this word.                                                                                       *Without a good understanding of Gods word, we cannot give a good defense of or a good explanation for our faith. Hermeneutics is the primary tool for developing
a sound apologetic as well as an enlightened and effective Christen life.

5) 2Tim.3:14-17- We like Timothy are admonished to continue in the study and the use of the scriptures. Because “All scripture is inspired* by God”--- it gives wisdom, is profitable, makes us adequate and equipped for every good work. 

 Gk. theo-pneu-stos- divinely breathed in.*

*The Holy Spirit of God is the author of scripture.

6) 2Pet.1:20+21 – In the light of these truths we can apply the following principles--- 

 Every child of God must read the Bible. (in order to know God’s truth)

 Every child of God can understand the Bible. (through the Holy Spirit)

Every child of God should be ready to give an answer for his faith and 

the hope that is in them (through an understanding of the truths in God’s

 word)


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NECESSITIES OF HERMENEUTICS                                                                                                                                             

In order to properly understand and interpret the Bible, there must be:

 Consistent basis of authority—the Bible, (2Tim.3:16+17).

 Consistent method of interpreting this authority. (2Tim.2:15).

 The illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, (Jn.16:12-15).     

Note: A word of caution; we are stewards of the “mysteries of God” (1Cor.4:1).

An awesome privilege and responsibility. Illumination does  not  mean;  

             a a)  Ones interpretations are infallable. (Only the original writings are).
 a b)  Some interpreters receive interpretations that are different from the

        normal literal meaning of a passage (contrary to normal understanding).

             a c)  A carnal Christian will be able to interpret scripture accurately

               (he is susceptible to error, due to the fact that his heart and mind are 
               not in harmony with the Holy Spirit).

                                                                           

SCRIPTURAL SUMMARY: 1Cor. 2:9-3:3- “As it is written”--- The Bible is 
the final word on authority, all of our understanding of spiritual truths must
 conform to scripture. 
                                  

 vv. 10+11- “to us God revealed them through the Spirit”---“We” (the chosen of God- see 1:26+27) are guided by the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. The “Spirit of God” knows and reveals to us the very thoughts of God.   
Note: The Holy Spirit is Omniscient, co-equally with God ; (3^rd pers. = 1^st pers.). 
Principle - God interprets God, therefore; the Bible (authored by God) interprets the Bible.

vv. 12+13- “We have received--- the Spirit who is from God”…

vs.14- “natural man”  Gk.- psuchikos - Soulish (as pertaining to the lower part of the immaterial in man), the man in Adam.

vs.15- “he who is spiritual”  Gk.- pneumatikos - “According to the scriptures, the ‘spiritual’ state of the soul is normal for the believer, but to this state all believers do not attain, nor when it is attained is it always maintained.” (“An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words” by W.E. Vine). i.e.- the carnal or backslidden Christian.

vs.16-“we have the mind of Christ”- which knows the mind of  “The LORD” (Is.40:13)

Heb.-Yehovah - God--- Note: Jesus Christ is Omniscient, co-equally with  God

the Father and the Holy Spirit; (2^nd pers = 1^st pers = 3^rd pers).               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

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Scriptural Summary: 1Cor.3:1-3- “men of flesh” (the Carnal Christian) Gk. sarkinos- similar to the flesh by analogy. 
“babes in Christ” Gk. nepios- a simple-minded person, an immature Christian.

vs.2- “milk--- not solid food (meat)---not---able to receive it”…

vs.3-“walking like mere men…” (NASB) Gk. sarkikos - unregenerate.

                                                                                                              

CONSIDERATIONS FOR GOOD HERMENEUTICAL  METHODOLOGY

1) Scripture Interprets Scripture- The Holy Spirit authored scripture, the Holy Spirit illuminates scripture. Always compare scripture with scripture.

2)       Exegesis vs. Eisegesis- Ex = out of / Eis = into; Exegesis  > to lead out of a text. The systematic way of interpreting a text, considering culture, history, and context. Eisegesis is to read into a text something that is not already in the text. Eisegesis is error and is to be avoided.

 3)       Grammatical Considerations- The meaning of words (lexicology), the origin of words (etymology), the form and function of words (morphology), the relationship of words (syntax).

4)  Context- “ A text out of context is a pretext” (a contrived excuse for an explanation to disguise a lack of real understanding). 
MYTH : “ Any one can make the Bible say anything they want it to”.  
FACT: One must ignore the context of a given passage in order to manipulate it to say what was not intended.   Example: “The Bible promotes suicide” Mat. 27:5 “ he- went and hanged himself ” ; Lk. 10:37 “Go, and do the same”…

5) Original Language- The Bible was written in three ancient languages---

     Hebrew: Almost the entire Old Testament was written in ancient Hebrew, a language that went out of use as a spoken tongue for almost two thousand years.         

     Aramaic: Portions of the book of Daniel and a few quotations and colloquialisms throughout the rest of scripture were originally written in this ancient Armenian- Semitic language. It was the commonly spoken language by peoples throughout Southwest Asia from 700 BC to 700 AD .

     Greek: The New Testament was written almost completely in a form of the Greek language that was not understood completely by scholars until the dawn of the 20^th century. It is known as “koine” or “common” Greek.

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HERMENEUTICAL   METHODOLOGY

 6) Literary Style- The Bible contains at least four distinct literary styles, which must be considered.

a) Narrative: The Pentateuch, historical books, Gospel accounts, Acts.

b) Poetry: Job through Song of Solomon.

    c) Prophecy: Major and Minor Prophets, Revelation. 

       (some estimate that approximately 25% of the entire bible has 

       prophetic implications)
    d) Didactic (teaching): The Epistles.

7) Literary Nature- The Bible employs many literary devices and figures of speech.

 This in no way justifies the practice of "spiritualizing" a text.
 A literal meaning is always behind a figure of speech.

 a)      Literal: Words retain the meaning that they would have in normal grammatical usage, Acts.

 b)      Allegory: Each literal character, object, and event represents a symbol illustrating an idea or moral or religious principle. Paul’s writings contain many allegories, Eph.6:11-17; 1Cor.10:1-4; Gal.4:21-31. According to traditional Jewish and Christian interpretation the entire book of Song of Solomon is an allegory: of God and His wife (Israel), or of Christ and His Bride (the Church).

 c)      Parables: A simple story illustrating a moral or religious lesson, Matt. chapter 13.

 d)     Metaphors: One object is likened to another by speaking of it as if it were that other object, 2Cor.3:2,3; Jas.3:6. (anthropomorphism, anthropopathism-action, emotion)

 e)      Similes: Two essentially unlike things are compared, often in a phrase introduced, by like or as. Mat.20:1; Jas.1:6.

 f)       Hyperbole: An exaggeration or extravagant statement used for added emphasis, Jn. 21:25; 2Cor.3:2; Col.1:23; Jer.9:1.

 g)      Satire: Human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, sarcasm, or wit,  Mat.19:24; 23:24; 1Kin.18:27.

 h)      General and Universal statements: Distinction must be maintained between general guidance (aphorism) and universal assurances (axiom). The book of Proverbs is illustrative of this important principle, Prov.16:7 vs. Acts14:19; Prov.22:6 vs. / the sons of Eli and the sons of David. Wisdom literature such as proverbs does not present contradiction, though they may seem to conflict with particular personal experience, because the intention is to relate general principles that apply in general ways, but allowing for individual exceptions.    
  
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                                             METHODOLOGY

 *Some other figures of speech used in the Bible:

*1. Personification: Attributing of life or humanness to inanimate objects or

abstract ideas, Num.16:32.

*2. Apostrophe: Addressing as living the inanimate object or 

 abstract idea, 1Cor.15:55.

*3. Fable: Extended personification which becomes a complete story, 2Kgs.14:8-10.

*4. Metonymy: Substitution of one word for another closely associated 

*5. Synecdoche: Part stands for the whole or vice-versa, Ps.90:17

with it or suggested by it, (i.e. sword used for punishment) Ro.13:4. 

*6. Riddle: A story designed to puzzle the hearer, Judg.14:14.

*7. Enigma: A perplexing, usually ambiguous , statement; a riddle. A baffling

 seemingly inexplicable matter, person, etc. Eccl.12: 2-5.  

                                                                                                                                                                   

 8) Identity and Purpose of the Author

Wherever possible the author of each book should be considered to help with 

      understanding. Also, consider the reason for writing the passage under scrutiny.

          a) Cultural setting- transcultural norm or custom?

          b) Political setting- theonomy, autonomy, heteronomy?

     c) Social setting- free or conquered subjects?

          d) Religious setting- which dispensation?

          e) Geographical setting- home or other?

          f) Particular problem- rebellion, error, apostasy?

9) Some Further Guidelines- Laws to keep in mind---

         a) Law of First mention: When considering a given topic 
          it is helpful to research the first time the subject appears;
          in scripture as a whole, in the particular book, and by 
          the particular author. c.f. Gen.3:15 

             “The Protoevangelium” (1st. mention of the gospel).

          b) Law of Non Contradiction: No interpretation, if correct,

         will ever contradict the rest of scripture.

     c) Clear Passage Takes Precedence over Vague Passage: 
         If seem to be in conflict. 

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MORE METHODOLOGY

d)     Law of Germinant Fulfillment of Prophecy: Later revelation explains and clarifies earlier revelation(Dan.9:1;24-27; Mt.24:2-31; Rev.6:1-19:21). Progressive revelation: more information is added progressively over time (Gen.15:18-21; 17:8; 50:24; Ex.6:8;Lev.20:24; Deut.6:10-19; 31:20; 29:1-30:10).

     Prophecy can have multiple fulfillment immediate, near future, 

    distant future, Isa.9:6-7.                     

    Prophecy may have two fulfillments. This is known as “duel fulfillment,”

    II San7:12- 14a  (Solomon and Jesus), Isa.7:14. Also, a prophecy may 

    have only one fulfillment, Zech.6:12-13, King / Priest Jesus Christ. 

           Prophecy can be fulfilled by “types” e.g. Mal.4;5; Mat.17:11-13.

      e) Types: An Old Testament prophetic symbol, which prefigures a New

          Testament truth. A type will always refer to a future antitype (the person

          or thing represented or foreshadowed by an earlier type or symbol), 

          (Mt.12:40; Lk.24:13-27; Jn.5:39).

f) Symbols: Objects used to represent Biblical truth.

1)     Determine the meaning from the context, sometimes the meaning 

     will be innate (clearly stated) i.e. Rev.6, sometimes 

     inferred (Num.21:9), sometimes explained in a later passage in the

     context (Dan.7).

2)     May be different in different contexts; i.e. compare Lion: Gen.49:9 = Christ, 1Pet.5:8 = Satan.

3)      The same truth may be depicted by different symbols, i.e. the Holy Spirit- dove, seal, oil, fire, water, wind.

4)     Colors may be symbolic- Red = sin (Is.1:18), redemption (Heb.9:22), warfare (Rev.6). White = purity / righteousness (Is.1:18), glory (Mt.17:2), false peace (Rev.6:2), true peace (Rev.19:11).

5)     Metals- Gold = deity, splendor of God; Silver = redemption, medium of exchange; Bronze or Brass = judgement; Iron = strength, durability.

6)    Numbers- Caution is advised when applying symbolic meaning to
numbers in scripture. Here are some suggestions for 
Symbolic Numbers in the Bible: 1- singleness, unity; 
2- division, separation, contrast, witness; 3- deity, trinity; 
4- creation, earth, world; 5-grace; 6- man, physicality; 
7- completion, perfection;8 new beginnings;10- Law; 12- election; 
40- probation, testing, divine judgement; 70- divine administration. 

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GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION

 1)    Consider the literary nature of the passage.

 2)   Consider the political, social religious, and/or geographical features of 
        the passage.

 3)   Consider the cultural circumstances. For it’s time only or transcultural?

 4)     Consider the person speaking .

 5)      Distinguish between what the scriptures approve or teach and what
  they simply record.

 6)     Consider the purpose of each book.

 7)     Consider the people, peoples, or class of people being addressed.

 8)      Interpret obscure passages in light of plain.

 9)      Interpret seemingly contradictory passages in harmony with each other
    and the rest of scripture.

 10)   Consider and compare parallel passages.

 11)   Interpret with a clear consideration of the context.

 12)   Interpret the meaning of Biblical words in the light of their linguistic,
        cultural, and historical background (usage by the Biblical writer 
        and etymology).

 13)    Interpret in light of Hebrew and Greek syntax.

 14)   Consider the historical perspective of the passage (how have others
      in church history understood the passage?).

 15)   Interpret according to the primary meaning of a passage and then make
      legitimate application (a passage will have only one basic meaning 
     but may have many applications).

16)    Possible applications include: practical, moral, ethical, spiritual, anagogic 

  (concerning the afterlife, heaven, the unseen realm, the immortal soul, etc.), 

  prophetic (types, pictures, foreshadows, parallels, partial fulfillment, etc).