Hermeneutics

Biblical hermeneutics is the process by which we attempt to discover and understand the meaning of the text following specified principles of interpretation. These systems of interpretation vary somewhat within the Christian community according to theological differences, however there are some basic principles of interpretation that would be universally accepted among most Bible believing Christians.

The basic principles of interpretation are what allows us to read God's holy Word with understanding. By applying these principles, reading and studying Scripture becomes more enriching and enlightening, we come to a closer understanding enabling us to become better servants of our Lord.

It also helps us avoid falling into some of the false doctrines that arise from misunderstanding the Scripture. Using strong interpretive methods, we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, avoiding confusion and contradictions which arise from reading verses out of context.

What follows is a list of basic interpretive principles that I hope will help you read the Bible with understanding.

1st Principle: Prayer

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

In John 16:13 Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will guide us unto all truth. In John 17:17 Jesus prays to the Father that he sanctify His children through His truth, which is the Word of God. Always pray that the Holy Spirit guide you as you read and study His Holy Scripture.

Approach the Bible with reverence and humility, knowing that it is nothing less than the very Word of God.

2nd Principle: Be Objective

According to Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary: "Objective certainty, is when the proposition is certainly true in itself; and subjective, when we are certain of the truth of it. The one is in things, the other in our minds."

Exegesis means to extract the intended meaning of the text. Eisegesis means to read into the text your own opinions and presuppositions. You want to be exegetical, not eisegetical!

One should approach Scripture with objective certainty, that it is truth in of itself, and not with presuppositions of what that truth is.

3rd Principle: Context

Context means "that which goes with the text". Context is what determines correct interpretation. Any word, verse, chapter, or book of Scripture should be interpreted in light of the immediate and broader context of the verse, verses, chapter, book, and the whole of Scripture.

Context is determined by identifying certain aspects of the text, such as type of literature used, the whos, whats, whens, wheres and hows, historical and cultural backgrounds, word usage and definition, and whether the passage is literal or figurative.

Within the rule of context is a summary of the entire interpretation process. Identifying the aspects of the context is key to understanding the Bible.

In order to identify the aspects of context that allow for a proper interpretation we ask and answer questions about the text. What follows on the next page is a list of questions that we should ask.

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