Basic principles of hermeneutics

Hermeneutics is the science of biblical interpretation. Understanding how to read Scripture is an exciting and crucial way to grow as a Christian, grow in discernment, and rightly divide the Word of God. In this workshop, you will learn how to extract the intended meaning out of a passage without reading your own meaning into it. You will also learn what the Literal, Historical, Grammatical, Synthetic and Practical Principles are and how to use them to correctly interpret Scripture.

1. Basic Principles of Hermeneutics Correctly Dividing the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15) Marie Notcheva Heritage Bible Chapel, Princeton MA Oct. 2015

2. Hermeneutics ( hermeneuo ) Comes from Hermes, the mythical Greek god who was messenger/herald of other gods – also the interpreter of their messages Paul exhorts believers (2 Tim. 2:15) to “exert yourself” or “make every effort to” (‘ spoudazo ’) “cut the Word exactly/straightly” (‘ orthotomeo ’)

3. What is ‘exegesis’? ‘ Exegeomai ’ – the actual practice or application of hermeneutical principles to biblical passages The word literally means “to lead out” The exegete is “drawing” a writer’s thoughts out of his writing A working definition: Exegesis involves the use of every piece of relevant knowledge and every available help to bring out the Holy Spirit’s meaning and intention in a biblical writing.

4. What is ‘ eisogesis ’? The opposite of ‘exegesis’ – reading one’s own meaning into the text For example: disregarding moral law as obsolete because it doesn’t ‘fit’ one’s idea of how Christianity should look Spiritualizing narratives – going beyond plain reading of literal passages to make allegories; metaphors that don’t exist Hollywood movies about the Bible – putting words into Biblical figures’ mouths to serve an agenda

5. Interpretation Involves 3 Elements: The HUMAN Element 1) Must be saved (Romans 8:8; Matt. 13:12-15) 2) Mature enough to understand and use Scripture properly with the Spirit’s help )Hebrews 5:11-6:1; 1 Peter 2:2-3; John 16:12; 2 Peter 3:15-16) 3) Must never interpret the Scriptures through experience; but must interpret experience through Scripture

6. The LITERARY Element 1) The entire Bible must be used; not limited to a few favorite verses 2) We must consider all aspects of language – grammar; genre; intent ( telos or purpose); exegesis; context 3) We hold to the inerrancy of the Bible - The DIVINE Element The Holy Spirit inspired and is the final interpreter of Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21)

7. How do I start? Identify the kind of literature that the text is for insight into its meaning. Narrative – Prophecy – Poetry – History – Gospel – Epistle Consider the context of the passage for a better understanding of its meaning. Historical – Social – Political – Religious etc.

8. The Literal-Grammatical-Historical Method

9. The Literal Principle Much of what is written in the Bible is written in normal, non-metaphorical language . Should be understood as it is written – a narrative. No obvious figures of speech or idioms are used; the words simply mean what they say. Narratives not “spiritualized”

10. Misreading Poetry ( mis -applying Literal Principle)

11. The Historical Principle Specific cultural events, people or situations that are assumed in the text A dded insight into the historical significance helps us understand text Eg , inheritance rights in OT; understanding religious groups (Pharisees; Sadducees; Zealots) in NT

12. The Grammatical Principle S tudy of syntax, or how the words “relate” to one another Often the writer’s main idea is contained in a key verb Pastors prepare sermons by discerning grammatical construction   Strong’s, Vine’s, Blueletterbible.org great tools – have original Greek/Hebrew terms

13. The Synthetic Principle Scripture interprets Scripture Be careful about basing a doctrine on only one verse Scripture harmonizes (use cross-references in study Bibles) “Contradictions” usually due to context and/or historical factors ( ie genealogies)

14. The Practical Principle What was the ‘telic’ purpose of the text? What is the personal application?   How does the passage convict , instruct, encourage, exhort, transform us? Hebrews 4:12/James 1:23-24