Eugene F. Douglass 12/86
Hermeneutics - A manual
I. Introduction
1. What is hermeneutics?
Hermeneutics is the science that teaches us how to derive the
intended meaning from a passage of writing. It involves principles,
laws, and different methods of interpretation. Sacred Hermeneutics
deals with the interpretation of the Bible as The Inspired Word of
God. Divine inspiration must be maintained, otherwise the Bible
becomes like just another Book.
2. Why is Sacred Hermeneutics necessary?
Because Sin has corrupted the understanding of man, therefore,
great effort must be used to guard against error. The meaning of the
passage must not be distorted by preconceived notions,
presuppositions, denominational doctrine or confessions of faith. If
it is distorted in this way, the study can become a self-serving
search for proof texts and not a search for doctrine or the intended
meaning from Scripture. Sacred Hermeneutics is also described as
Biblical Interpretation.
3. What does Biblical Interpretation involve?
Biblical Interpretation involves Exegesis and Synthesis to gain
an understanding of the passage and then Exposition and Application
to put the meaning of the passage into a contemporary context. For
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example, in Luke 24:27 Jesus opened up the meaning of the scriptures
written by Moses and The Prophets concerning Himself to the
disciples. He enabled them to understand the Scriptures, with the
power of The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is He who opens up the
Word of God, so we can clearly understand it. A study of Biblical
Interpretation gives us tools that the Holy Spirit can use to give us
a deeper understanding of God's Word. The Holy Spirit is the vital
connector, one who is not a Christian and not indwellt by The Holy
Spirit is likely to have faulty interpretation of God's Word.
Therefore, a Christian is likely to interpret Scripture better, than
a non-Christian Theologian, or even a "Christian" Theologian who does
not believe in The Inspired Word. Even one who grew up in the Church
can have faulty interpretation because of a lack of a personal
relationship with God.
4. The Significance of a Sound Theory of Interpretation.
Proper interpretation is ammunition that confronts issues that
divide The True Church of Christ from pretenders and heretics
(Mormons, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.). It also confronts
issues that divide denominations Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and
different Protestant groups. Although, as long as Sin remains a
problem, certain issues that divide the Church into denominations
will never be resolved. Therefore, the only TRUE confession of faith
is The Word of God, not constructions of man. Confessions of faith
are useful, but cannot be used as foundations for Biblical
Interpretation, the Bible must always fill that role.
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5. The Preacher/Teacher as Interpreter.
Anyone who preaches or teaches the Word of God (all Christians)
is called upon to interpret the Word of God correctly. First of all,
He must apply it to himself, and then show his audience how to apply
it. In the Old Testament the Levitical Priesthood had that
responsibility (Malachi 2:5-7 and Nehemiah 8:1-8). Beginning with
New Testament times with the abolition of the priesthood, all
Christians have the responsibility to apply the Word of God to their
lives and then teach it.
6. The Interpreter's Spiritual Condition.
zra 7:10 describes Ezra as a Man of God who knew His Word
well, and practiced it in his own life. Teaching the Word of God
requires understanding and understanding requires practicing what is
learned. Those who preach the Word of God must understand it and
therefore, they must live it out themselves. This involves a growing
Christian faith, continued sanctification by The Holy Spirit, and a
life that becomes more and more Christ-like. The practicers
understand it, therefore they can teach it.
II. The Object of Sacred Hermeneutics
1. The Bible, The Inspired Word of God.
The object of Sacred Hermeneutics is The Holy Bible, the
inspired Word of God. It is God's direct and special revelation to
man, his creation. It is His communication to us in human language
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that we need to hear Him and to do what He, the Lord, asks of us. 2
Timothy 3:16-17 expresses very clearly that The Word of God is God
breathed; God's Word sent to us, to correct us, rebuke us and train
us in righteousness. Inspiration involves non-contradiction,
clarity, coherence, consistency, truthfulness and freedom from error
in what it teaches. For Jesus Christ himself said many times "It is
written" meaning God says, or I say. This is additional proof that
the written word is Inspired; God breathed. Also, the Word is God's
word as Jesus Christ in referred to in John 1 as the Word become
flesh.
2. God used human authors to write his word.
Our Sovereign God used human authors to write His Word. They
wrote what needed to be written as gave them the Words and enabled
them to remember accurately events (John 14:26). Their written
words, as we have them, are the Words of God to mankind. God used
their idiosyncrasies, character, intellect, temperment, talents,
education, likes, dislikes, and biases as tools to write the
necessary words.
3. God as Personal, Immanent, and Omnipotent Author.
God being a personal, immanent, and omnipotent God, has the
power to keep His Word accurate in its teaching, truthful in its
history, and consistent in its content. Therefore, The Word of God
is inerrant in what it teaches to man today. Because it is God's
Word, this implies Unity in the Bible, God's self revelation.
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4. The Unity and Diversity of The Bible.
The Bible is the product of The Holy Spirit, the books center
on or point to Jesus Christ and His eventual return. Man's Fall, and
Christ's redemption are all intertwined in all the Books of The
Bible. The progressive nature of God's revelation, his
longsuffering, his faithfulness all point to the Redeemer Jesus
Christ. Old Testament passages explained in The New Testament give
additional and different meanings, not readily apparent in the Old
Testament, serve to unify scripture.
The Diversity of The Bible as to content, form, language,
historical narrative, laws and commandments, prophesy, and poetry is
clear. These all serve to point aspects of God's Character and Man's
relationship with God serve to unify The Bible. The diversity brings
more unity.
5. Unity in the Sense of Scripture.
There is unity in the Sense of Scripture, therefore it can be
investigated scientifically, logically and coherently and that sense
is spiritually discerned. God uses unequivocal language to say what
needs to be said without misleading us. God's purpose is the
Redemption of His Creation through Jesus Christ. God's basis is that
He created us so we can understand his rational revelation. God uses
perfectly the language of Man to express with clarity what we need to
understand. This Unity is encompassed in Jesus Christ as The Word
(The Logos) who became man and dwelt among us.
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III. Exegesis - General Hermeneutical Principles.
Grammatico-historical Interpretation.
Exegesis - gather from the scriptures themselves the precise
meaning that the writer (God) intends to convey. The necessary
presupposition, to interpret the scriptures properly is, God has
written His Word through human authors, whose use of language
expresses the common linguistic conventions and literary forms of
their day.
Some basic rules for Exegesis are:
1. Interpret words according to use.
2. Interpret sentences according to context.
3. Interpret literary units according to genre.
4. Interpret books according to their historical context.
1. Interpret words according to use.
Lexical Semantics - The Study of words.
1) Etymology - The study of roots or origins of the word.
It is the study of the development of the word to its first
known use and compare it, to its use in the sentence. One analyzes
it, comparing it to the same word or idea in other languages. The
problem with this kind of study is it may give some hints as to its
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meaning, but may not tell much about its current use. For example,
in English the word "nice" comes from the latin word "nescius" which
means ignorant. That is very different from the current meaning
"pleasant". The word must also be studied using real roots not
logical roots from the english. For example, "eucharist" comes from
the greek word eucharistia which means thanksgiving. Some split it
up, eu for good, charist for caress or touch from the latin "carus".
This is faulty etymology.
Because of these difficulties etymology has limited benefit.
It is better to study how the words are used, in its immediate
context, in other places in the book, in other books by the same
author, by other authors, extra-biblical sources and are there Old
Testament concepts for the New Testament word. Various tools for
this kind of study are Greek and Hebrew lexicons, parallel lexicons
to compare languages and classical lexicons which give uses in
extra-biblical sources.
2) Polysemy - Different meanings from them same form.
For example, in English the word "wind", written, can mean a
rush of air, or can mean to wind up a clock. These are two different
meanings for the same four letters, one is a noun and one is a verb.
The meaning would have to be determined by context. Greek and Hebrew
have many forms which have different meanings in different context.
In Hebrew "davar" can mean thing or matter, in a different context it
can mean word, or speech. The key is context.
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3) Syntax - The relationship of words in a sentence.
The relationship of words used in a sentence can shed light on
the meaning of words. The sentence structure, the grammar, the verb
forms, tenses, moods, voices, number all play an important role.
Using grammars parsing of the words may be done to bring out the
meaning in that context.
4) Figures of Speech.
The use of words in a sentence to give directed meaning. They
are a normal and natural way to communicate forcefully ideas.
a. Metaphor - a comparison by direct assertion and used as a
creative force in language. Most metaphors are designed to make a
direct coparison. In Isaiah 1:8-10 Egypt and Babylon are used as
metaphors of a lace of bondage or evil place. In Luke 22:31 Jesus
says Peter will be sifted as wheat. Elsewhere, suffering is referred
to as a refiner's fire or as a cross we must bear.
b. Simile - An explicitly stated comparison using like or as.
For example, in Luke 10:3, Jesus sends his disciples forth as "lambs
in the midst of wolves". In a simile, that which follows "like" or
"as" is usually a commonly known experience.
c. Synecdoche - A part representing the whole, or a whole
representing the part. For example, "Tickle the ivorys" means play
the piano. In John 3:22 Jesus is baptizing, yet in 4:1 he is
described as not baptizing, as his disciples are doing it.
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d. Metonymy - Using the name of one thing to describe
something else. For example, The Body of Christ for The Church or
The White House referring to the President.
e. Personification - A thing, quality, or idea is represented
by a person. For example, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:34) In Psalm 114
the Red Sea is described as fleeing, the Jordan turns back and the
mountains skip like rams.
f. Apostrophe - Words are expressed in an exclamatory tone to
an actual person. The presence or absence of the person is
unimportant. As in David's lament over his son Absalom in II Samuel
18:33 where he cries "O my son Absalom, my son, my son, my son
Absalom...".
g. Ellipsis - An idea not fully expressed, so the reader must
supply the rest of the words to get the idea. Usually the idea is
implied in the context, so it is simple to provide the subject or the
verbs.
h. Euphemism - A word or phrase is substituted because the
direct form of the Word is too harsh, or offensive. For example,
"sleep" is used for "death", "to know" is used for sexual
intercourse. In Acts 1:25 Luke describes Judas as going down to
"his own" place, they tone it down. The language is direct enough to
be clear, but it does not offend.
i. Meiois - A negative statement is used to declare an
affirmative truth. For example, Jesus' words in Acts 1:5, "You will
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be baptized with the Holy Spirit not long after these days." In
Thess. 2:15-16 the Jews are described as "not pleasing God", that
means they anger God.
j. Hyperbole - A conscious exaggeration for effect, a
rhetorical overstatement. For example, in I Kings 10:27, numbers are
exaggerated for effect and in verse 26 they are detailed. Hyperbole
is also a relative concept described in absolute terms. In Luke
14:26, Jesus says we must hate our father and mother in comparison to
Him.
k. Irony - To express something other than or the exact
opposite of the literal meaning for effect. There are three types of
irony.
1. Rhetorical - Fools for Christ
2. Sarcasm - Irony intended to hurt. For example,
2 Samuel 6:20 Michal, David's wife, mocks him for his
spectacle of dancing in the streets.
3. Satire - Intended to get a point across in a
mocking way. For example, in Matthew 23 Jesus
pharisees "White washed tombs" and "blind guides".
2. Interpret sentences according to context.
This can be done by language analysis. The sentence structure,
grammatical forms and syntax. There are many grammatical aids for
this purpose
The most helpful of all is discourse analysis. The concrete
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expression of an idea in a specific context. The discourse can be,
historical narrative, prose, poetry, prophesy, laws and geneologies.
For example, In John 9:3 Jesus said "Neither this man nor his parents
sinned", this must be interpreted within its context. Jesus does not
say He never ever sinned. He is explaining that neither he or his
parents' sinned to cause his blindness from birth. One can
legitimately say that the Bible says "Commit adultery" and yet it
does not mean that, that must be taken in context. That context is
"You shall not commit adultery." That is quite a different meaning.
Two types of extended figures of speech are used in The Bible.
Extended figures of speech are combinations of sentences to prove a
point or illustrate a concept. These are:
a. Parables - Parables are an extended simile (a comparison,
using like or as) used to illustrate a concept. The parable of the
Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 is to teach us how God will respond to
us, if we reject Him and then when we run back to Him. He will
welcome us and celebrate our return. Jesus used parables to teach
spiritual truths; They illustrate the reign of God, the demands of
God, the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the patience of God,
His mercy, and other similar attributes. Parables are a major part
of the Gospels. The source of the imagery was everyday life and the
settings were those the hearers could relate to. They were purposed
to illustrate the keys to the gospel and encourage people to respond.
b. Allegories - An allegory is an extended form of the
metaphor. In John 10:1-16 The good shepherd represents Christ, the
sheep are those he gave his life for and the flock is His Church.
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Paul uses an allegory in Galatians 4:21-31. He gives the story of
Hagar, Ishmael, Sarah and Isaac and gives it new significance. Hagar
as the slave represents the Old Covenant. Sarah represents the New
Covenant. The child of Hagar was born through the flesh, the child
of Sarah is the child of promise. He extends the story to teach
something much more significant, and not addressed in the original
text.
3. Interpret Literary Units according to Genre.
The Bible is literature and therefore can be analyzed as
literature using regular methods. Although, one must not forget it
is the Inspired Word of God. The psalms are to be read as poetry or
songs, otherwise they lose some significance. The Bible is not
unique in its forms, but its content. The purposes of Language in
Scripture are to: inform, command, illuminate, perform (like a play)
and celebrate. These are done using three main styles: Narrative,
Poetry and Prophesy.
a. Narrative - This is mainly historical, telling of people
involved in all shorts of situations. Some examples are, the story
of Noah, Adam and Eve, Jonah, Daniel in the Lion's Den and many more.
The narratives are to enable us to experience what they experienced,
see what they saw and more. This is for the purpose of understanding
how God dealt with them, what He taught them, thereby we can learn
from their mistakes and see things from God's perspective.
Particularly, in what He expects of us.
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b. Poetry - The psalms are the major portion of poetry in The
Bible. They illustrate and highlight the longings of the human soul
for forgiveness, deliverance, and redemption. They also praise God
for His works, His Gifts, His promises, His attributes and His
wisdom. Poetry in Hebrew is used as emphasis and to focus more
intently on a subject. Most of the poetry is very graphic in its
imagery.
c. Prophesy - Prophesy is God speaking to His people through a
man about their spiritual condition, and what is to come. It is used
as a warning and also to present promises. The language is pointed,
blunt, and they are filled with distinct imagery. This imagery can
be very bleak, very brutal, even savage and crude. Yet, its intent
is to shock the people of God into action, repentance or to give them
hope. Old Testament prophesy largely is warnings about the coming
judgement, the New Testament in Revelation the concentration is on
deliverance, judgement and Christ's return.
4. Interpret Books According to their Historical Context.
The Bible books must be interpreted with an understanding of
the cultural context of when they were written, historical reasons
for why they were written and the cultural mindset of those they were
written to. In interpreting them it is necessary to ask these
questions: "What did the author have in mind?", "What issues of the
day was he addressing and Why?," How should these books be understood
in their historical settings?" One must explore the Political,
Social, Spiritual, Cultural, Geographical, Ethical and Technological
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environments of Israel and her neighbors at the time the Books were
written.
IV. Theological Interpretation
This is referred to as "Special Hermeneutics" and it has
distinctive principles of Hermeneutics in light of the uniqueness of
The Bible.
A. The Unity of Scripture
1. The Theme of the whole Bible
The theme of the whole Bible is Man's problem (Sin) and God's
solution, Jesus Christ. God's authorship and direction towards the
final Redemption guarantees its theological unity. The major themes
in the Bible are the creation, the fall, redemption and judgement.
These all point to God and are the backdrop of every biblical text.
In this unity there are a series of Covenants (Formal Promises He
makes to His people), which are Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic,
Davidic and the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Each book
addresses one or more of these covenants and knits them into the
unity of the whole.
2. The History of Redemption
There is a distinct development of revelation throughout
redemption. God shed the blood of animals, and clothed Adam and Eve
after they sinned. They were promised that in the future the seed of
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woman would crush the serpent. This was the first messianic
prophesy. The more God revealed to man over time the more He
expected of them. At certain levels of revelation God allowed
certain things polygamy, the taking of concubines and various customs
of the day. As God's revelation expanded these were no longer
allowed, He expected more of His People. The is an epochal structure
of Biblical History, with a certain level of revelation to those
points and then we take this structure and place it in the context of
the complete revelation of The Bible. For example, Abraham had a son
by Hagar and God blessed Abraham and allowed it. Abraham was still
referred to as believing God; although in the light of the whole
revelation of scripture now, we see his family did suffer the
consequences of his sin. In light of the Whole Bible, the story of
David and Goliath is not just heroism, but it shows the significance
of Kingship with God's Authority. David was the redeemer for Israel,
as His seed Jesus was the redeemer for all mankind. Progressively
revelaton and redemption move hand in hand throughout the Bible.
This results in the final redemption by Christ on the Cross, and His
resurrection and ultimately the final judgement.
B. The Relationship between The Old and The New Testaments.
1. Typology - Parallels between the Old and The New Testaments
This relationship can be discussed in terms of Typology.
Typology is the spiritual relationships between persons,
institutions, offices, and events within the history of redemption,
between the Old and New Testaments. The essential relationship is a
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promise and its fulfillment, or a sign post and the destination
between the two Testaments. Therefore, New Testament authors have
referred again and again to the Old Testament Scriptures to show
Christ's fulfillment.
a. Ceremonial Types - Divinely purposed and redemptive
enactment of future truth. The Old Testament ritual (i.e. passover),
symbolizes what Christ did in the future (His sacrifice on the
Cross). The lamb of Passover, and the Lamb of God both sacrifices.
In Leviticus 16:10 on the Day of Atonement the scapegoat assumed all
the people's sins, Jesus is our scapegoat.
b. Institutional Types - The divine purpose of the institution
of the High Priest was the mediator between the People and God, only
the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies. Whereas, in the New
Testament Jesus Christ becomes our High Priest in a higher order, the
order of Melchizedek, as direct intercessor as in Hebrews 4:14, 15, &
7:27. He approaches the Father on our behalf.
c. Historical Types - Hosea in 11:1 describes Israel being
called out of Egypt and of bondage by God, this is fulfilled in
Matthew 2:15, when the baby Jesus is called out of Egypt to return
home to Israel. Jonah in Jonah 1-4 is in the belly of the whale for
three days, fulfilled by Jesus for three days in the tomb.
2. The New Testament Use of the Old Testament
The New Testament uses the Old Testament in a variety of ways:
a. Apologetically - In Psalm 16:10 where it refers to the
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resurrection, and God's Holy One will not see decay. With
fulfillment described in Acts 26:22,23 by Paul.
b. Prophetic - Joel describes the Coming Day of The Lord in Joel
2:28-32. In Acts 2:17-21 is it repeated for the fulfillment.
c. Typological - In I Cor. 10:1-13 Paul uses a warning from Israel's
History not to grumble, as their forefathers did in the wilderness.
d. Theological - In Hebrews 3:1-6 is described how Jesus is greater
than Moses.
e. Practical - In I Cor. 9:9 Paul quotes Deut. 25:4 to show that
pastors should be paid.
C. The Use of Scripture to Interpret Scripture
There is a fundamental hermeneutical principle that Scripture
is its own interpreter. This presupposes the unity of scripture, the
inerrancy, consistency, coherence, and the sole authority of the
scriptures in matters of faith and practice.
1. Interpret obscure passages in the light of the clear passages.
For example, certain portions of Revelation need to be
interpreted in the light of other more clear last days passages.
Using portions of Daniel, Ezekiel, Matthew 24, I Thessalonians and
other passages the meaning of the symbolism will become clearer.
Luke 12:40 becomes clearer using I Thess. 5:2 and Rev. 3:3 to back it
up. Scripture clarifies scripture.
2. Interpret Individual passages in harmony with the rule of faith.
The rule of faith refers to central areas of Christian Doctrine
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dawn from the clear areas of scripture, where the specific subject
matter is dealt with. This means one would not interpret Scripture
in such a way that would deny the Diety of Christ, nor the humanity
of Christ. However, this principle followed too literally can result
in continued error, because confessions of faith are written by men
and as such are fallible. Scripture must always be the authority not
a statement of faith.
3. Interpret Scripture as a whole, in the light of all its parts.
This means we do not take one portion of scripture and act on
it without consulting the whole Bible on that issue, to look for
additional guidance.
4. Interpret Scripture regulations in light of the principal behind
them.
For example in Matthew 19:3-9 Jesus is addressing the issue of
divorce, but discusses the principal behind the prohibition "Two
shall become One flesh", but divorce was only allowed because of the
hardness of man's heart. The hardness of man's heart leads to
adultery and the resulting divorce. It does not make divorce
acceptable.
5. Interpret historical in light of the didactic.
The didactic can protect from over emphasis on a historical
passage. The didactic sets the constraints. Acts 18 mentions
Priscilla as a leader in the church and a woman of God and then say I
Timothy 3 when it gives the leadership to men only is therefore
wrong. Women can serve in the church other women and children, Acts
18 does not bless the ordination of women.
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6. Interpret the Old Testament in light of the New Testament.
For example, Romans 4 in the New Testament will help us
understand the story of Abraham in Genesis 12-23 and God's promise of
the land to him.
D. The Use of Logic in Biblical Interpretation.
The Bible is the Word of God in what it expresses directly and
by what is logically deduced from it. The language of the Bible
suggests important truths that are imbedded in the words. This is
why the parables of our Lord are so clear, they encourage logical,
rational thought on the part of the hearers to receive the full
meaning. The parable of the Prodigal son if Jesus told it only for a
literal, strict interpretation, would only apply to a man who gets
his inheritance and squanders it and returns humbled and is received
warmly, because he returned. That is all, the rest of the message
comes from logical deduction of the extended simile. Men when they
write can say things between the lines they do not intend to say, but
God being perfect will have only that between the lines be consistent
with clear scripture. No doctrine should come from only between the
lines, it therefore would not be consistent with God's clearly
revealed Word. For example, the Roman Catholic Church interpreted
Scripture in such a way as to prove that all the heavenly bodies
revolved around the earth. Therefore, Galileo was excommunicated
because scientific investigation proved that the earth and the
planets revolved around the Sun. Their interpretation was faulty
because of their Aristotlian presuppositions. Their presuppositions
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colored how they interpreted between the lines, and the result was
not confirmed with a clear passage, so it was condemned to fail. If
we let scripture interpret scripture by putting implied scripture to
the light of clear scripture, more error can be avoided. No truth
implied in scripture will contradict a clear truth in scripture.
V. Contemporary Application of Scripture.
A. The Scriptures must be applyed according to thir due and proper
proportion.
The more important truths are central. In Matt. 22:37-40 Jesus
states the two commandments, that all the law hangs on. You shall
have no other Gods before me, and Love your neighbor as yourself.
The penalty for adultery was death, the penalty for stealing was
restitution, the proportion is very clear.
B. Apply Scripture according to its generic sense.
The meaning of scripture in its context must be applied, and no
accommodation of the language of Scripture is allowed. For example,
saying "No, it really doesn't mean that!" when it obviously does is
wrong. Those "Christians" that say a homosexual marriage or union is
acceptable are dead wrong. This is why constant bible study is
important, so we can build a reservoir of understanding and wisdom
that the Holy Spirit can draw as we apply it to our lives. Romans
15:4 states, The Bible was written to teach us, so we can be
encouraged in our walk. I Cor. 10:11 states the Bible is full of
examples and warnings to teach and train us.
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C. Apply Scripture to situations that are genuinely parallel.
In Matthew 4:5-7 Satan perverts scripture to tempt Jesus and
Jesus responds with scripture directly applicable to the situation.
Satan tempts him to jump "God will protect you", Jesus responds "You
shall not put the Lord your God to the test." Obviously, the
scripture Satan was using was not applicable to the situation Jesus
was in, Satan perverted scriptures for his own ends. Jesus got it
back on course, with an appropriate scripture. There are two types
of parallels:
1. Redemptive - Historical Parallels
For example, circumscision for the people of Israel in Old
Testament times to represent the Covenant. The New Covenant brought
a circumscision of the heart.
2. Cultural and Moral laws, encompassed in ceremonial and
civil law or customs.
Some cultural traditions were a holy kiss, foot washing, or
that respectable women did not braid their hair. These would not
necessarily be applicable for today. Some actions or rules are all
custom, others are from principles that transcend culture, and some
are a combination. The interpreter must decide.
Conclusion: Interpreting Scripture can be challenging,
rewarding and enjoyable as long as some central concepts are not
forgotten:
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1. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God not merely a book.
2. The Holy Spirit is the true interpreter of Scripture, His
work in the life of a Christian can guard him from error. The Holy
Spirit's Illumination is vital for proper interpretation. Without
Him, much of The Bible will be foolishness.
3. Apply the Word of God to your life. This gives us true
understanding of God's Word so we can share it with others. One
cannot possibly properly interpret the scriptures, if his life does
not glorify God.
THE END
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Bibliography
Berkhof, Louis Principles of Biblical Interpretation
Baker Grand Rapids, MI Copyright 1950
Ryken, Leland How to Read the Bible as Literature
Academie Grand Rapids, MI Copyright 1984 Zondervan
Stuart, Douglas Old Testament Exegesis
Westminster Phila., PA Copyright 1984
Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis
Westminster Phila., PA Copyright 1983
Mickelson, A. Berkeley Interreting the Bible
Eerdmans Grand Rapids, MI Copyright 1963
Holmes, Arthur F. All Truth is God's Truth
Eerdmans Grand Rapids, MI Copyright 1977
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Index of Preacher's Help and Notes
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