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.
This is a facilitation prepared by a group of students to be presented in replacement of an actual lecture in the university. This session covers the definition of Hermeneutics, its purposes and how to use it in our daily life.
This is a facilitation prepared by a group of students to be presented in replacement of an actual lecture in the university. This session covers the definition of Hermeneutics, its purposes and how to use it in our daily life.
An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Effective Bible Study)roberthatfield
While reading the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible say?," interpreting the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible mean by what it says?"
Presented at the North Charleston church of Christ | http://northcharlestonchurchofchrist.com
While a preacher cannot add to the effectiveness of the Word, the effectiveness of the Word can be hindered by poor preaching or delivery. This is why Homiletics is necessary.
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.
Preaching is one ministry of the Christian church... it is how the church addresses issues of all sorts... (spiritual to ethical to social to political)...
Notes from Contemporary Handbook of Preaching...
ABGTS Baguio Philippines 2016... A presentation submitted to Dr A. Canoy (PBTS President) for ABGTS Colloquium Class...
Understanding The Bible Part One The Canons Of The BibleEdward Hahnenberg
The first in a six-part series examining how to understand the Bible using the historical-critical method. The subject of Part One is the Canons of the Old and New Testament, how they were decided, and the difference between the Catholic and Protestant canons.
An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Effective Bible Study)roberthatfield
While reading the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible say?," interpreting the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible mean by what it says?"
Presented at the North Charleston church of Christ | http://northcharlestonchurchofchrist.com
While a preacher cannot add to the effectiveness of the Word, the effectiveness of the Word can be hindered by poor preaching or delivery. This is why Homiletics is necessary.
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.
Preaching is one ministry of the Christian church... it is how the church addresses issues of all sorts... (spiritual to ethical to social to political)...
Notes from Contemporary Handbook of Preaching...
ABGTS Baguio Philippines 2016... A presentation submitted to Dr A. Canoy (PBTS President) for ABGTS Colloquium Class...
Understanding The Bible Part One The Canons Of The BibleEdward Hahnenberg
The first in a six-part series examining how to understand the Bible using the historical-critical method. The subject of Part One is the Canons of the Old and New Testament, how they were decided, and the difference between the Catholic and Protestant canons.
Working on Qualitative Research - HermeneuticsHermeneutics
Hermeneutics considers habituated practices (Schatzki) of meaning making, whether visiting shopping malls or social media. Practices can be tacitly ready-to-hand (Heidegger) or explicitly considered (presented), notably when issues arise. They may be celebrated, in enlightened moments.
Doing phenomenology and hermeneutics: Australian civilian nurses' lived exper...Jamie Ranse
Ranse J. (2014). Doing phenomenology and hermeneutics: Australian civilian nurses' lived experience of being in a disasters; presentation at the Higher Degrees Week - Flinders University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery. Adelaide, South Australia, 30th June.
This is lesson 1 from a 12 week course in Hermeneutics that I am teaching at Brookwood U. For more information, go to: www.brookwoodchurch.org/brookwoodu
A verse by verse commentary on Acts chapter 2 dealing with the events of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the early Christians. It also covers the first sermon by Peter in which he called for repentance, and three thousand responded in faith and were baptized and added to the church.
The Feast of Pentecost points to the following: 1) the time when Christ will pour the Holy Spirit upon his saints to prepare them for his coming during the last days; and
2) the gathering together of the 144,000, a group of saints that are deemed the “first fruit” of God’s harvest or his people.
When people read the descriptions of Israel’s feasts in the Old Testament, they are often tempted to shift into high speed . . . what possible relevance do they have for us today? Yet we believe that this often overlooked subject is full of spiritual truths that are intensely relevant to our past, present, and future.
REL404 Exploring Faith Session 1: Origins and Authorship of the Old TestamentClint Heacock
This is the first of 4 slide shows from a recent class I taught for the Church in Wales in September 2012. This slide show is an overview of the origins and authorship of the Old Testament and explores various views related to that topic.
Biblical Theology in Relation to Other Categories of TheologyRobert Munson
Introductory Presentation for courses on NT Biblical Theology. Draws from a perspective ,more in line with G. E. Ladd, especially since that was the textbook for the course..
This was the introductory presentation for a short-course I taught on Biblical Theology (OT). While not my specialty, I do love Biblical Theology. This presentation relates Biblical Theology to other theological categories.
Exegesis means to bring out the meaning of a text as it was intended by the original author. It is the right and the obligation of every person to determine the meaning of the inspired text. How do we do that?
Presented at the North Charleston church of Christ | http://northcharlestonchurchofchrist.com
How to study the bible - Pastor Joseph V. TheluscaClint Brown
Power Point Presentation on the various ways to read and study the bible by Pastor Joseph V. Thelusca of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of the Oranges.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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
7. • 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)
8. 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.
10. 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”
12. The Historical Principle
• Specific cultural events, people or situations
that are assumed in the text
• Added insight into the historical significance
helps us understand text
• Eg, inheritance rights in OT; understanding
religious groups (Pharisees; Sadducees;
Zealots) in NT
13. The Grammatical Principle
• Study 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
14. 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)
15. 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
Editor's Notes
Hermeneutics is the SCIENCE OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION. We have the Bible in our own language – it is not up to the clergy to interpret it subjectively and tell us what it means; we’re to be Bereans and search the Scriptures ourselves.
Calvin: (1st great interpreter of the Protestant Church): It is the first business of an interpreter to let the author say what he does instead of attributing to him what we think he ought to say”.
In other words, one must come to the well with an empty bucket – leaving pre-conceived biases or presuppositions aside.
In preaching, expository preaching like Pastor Tim does – going methodically through verses, pulling the meaning out and showing how it fits in the passage as a whole – that is exegesis in preaching. The other type would be “topical”, where many different parts of Scripture on a given topic – such as love; hospitality – might be pulled together to demonstrate a common theme running through Scripture.
Spiritualizing text – John Macarthur conference example – Luke 10 – not allegory of Old Covenant/New Covenant “No one has ever read Luke 10 that way”
Noah; Moses (New 10 Commandments movie); Mary, Mother of Jesus
Illumination of truth and sanctification, which are works of the Holy Spirit, are in harmony with human interpretative efforts. All 3 elements must be kept in sync.
Bible scholars call this the genre of the text – we’re all familiar with literary genre from middle school English class. In the Bible, we have lots of different genres. Sometimes they overlap. The different kinds of literature present their message in different styles and structures to get their meaning across to the reader. Now, the variety on forms can become a complicated study – Bible scholars will go beyond these basic forms to ‘subforms’ with subtle differences, but even without knowing these technical distinctions, the reader can still recognize the text’s form and how it affects the meaning.
We view Scripture through a “Literal-Historical” lens where the text is primarily narrative. The Orthodox Church uses primarily a spiritual, allegorizing hermeneutic. Literal - means that we take the words for what they mean in their normal, or plain sense.
This means that we start out by taking the words in their most normal meaning. If I say My house is red, you will understand what I mean. There would be no question about it. However, if I say Listen to this parable about the Homeowner, or used comparative words like the word like as in like a roaring lion, you would understand that my words might not be meant to be taken literally, but possibly figuratively. Grammatical - means we follow the grammatical rules of literature; Historical - means we seek to determine the historical background and context before rendering an interpretation.
Much of what is written in the Bible is written in normal, non-metaphorical language. No obvious figures of speech or idioms are used; the words simply mean what they say. Conversely, when ‘the trees clap their hands’ in Isaiah 55:12 and ‘the earth is glad’ with the ‘distant shores rejoicing’ in Psalm 97:1, we instantly recognize it as anthropomorphism. Jesus’ command to cut off the hand that leads one to sin is an obvious case of hyperbole; He also routinely employed metaphor (as when He referred to Himself as the door and as the bread of life). God’s anguished accusations against Israel allegorize the nation as a prostitute. The parables of Jesus are readily understood as such – simply hypothetical stories told to make a spiritual point. There are many such figures of speech used in Scripture, but where none is apparent in the text, we just assume literal, straight-forward language.
This is an example of applying the wrong hermeneutic to a passage of Scripture. Poetry, allegory, prophecy, etc. can not be “taken literally”.
The skeptic’s question “Do you take the Bible literally?” – How do we answer that? The Bible is all INSPIRED and INFALLIBLE, but we take the “Literal narratives” literally; the poetry as poetry; the symbolism as symbolism; the parables as parables; and so on.
The second principle to keep in mind is the Historical Principle. This refers to the many terms and descriptions that would have meant something specific to certain people at a certain time, and the writer (or speaker) took this for granted when addressing given audiences. For example, the Samaritan protagonist of Jesus’ parable in Luke 10 would have had special poignancy to a first-century Jew. Hated because of their “mongrel” religion (a blend of Judaism and paganism incorporated during the Assyrian exile), Samaritans were so reviled by the Jews that they would not touch or associate with them for fear of becoming ceremonially unclean. Likewise, the Lord’s comparing the Pharisees to ‘whitewashed tombs’ (Matt. 23:27) was in reference to the custom of painting graves white in order to make them stand out (and prevent observant Jews from inadvertently breaking the Levitical prohibition on touching a tomb or corpse).
Confusing MORAL LAW with ritual/purity Law given in Leviticus (ie claiming the verses stating homosexuality is an abomination are equal to the ones about shellfish and is mixing wool and linen) shows a misunderstanding of the Historical Principle, as well as Synthetic (Paul also wrote much about sexual sin; is in agreement with OT). Any First Century Jew or Jewish Christian would have understood the different Mosaic Laws’ purpose.
There are thousands of such nuggets in Scripture, where although the intended meaning is self-evident from the passage, an added insight into the historical significance sheds additional light. Note, for instance, the detail given to inheritance rights in the Pentateuch. This indicates how closely guarded property was in clan-based agrarian society, and how codified the law needed to be (especially where there was no male heir, as in the case of Zelophehad’s daughters in Numbers 27 and 36). Even without knowledge of ancient Near Eastern property laws, we may still appreciate the passage for the care and concern God evidences for His children and His desire for justice in all personal matters. At the same time, considering that the Bible covers 4,000 years of history and mentions many cultures, learning to apply the Historical Principle will help us gain additional understanding of the text.
The third principle a student of the Word needs to consider is the Grammatical Principle. This is the study of syntax, or how the words “relate” to one another. Studying the structure of language is not only useful for learning a foreign language (remember sentence diagramming?), it is indispensable for Bible scholars. Of course, most of us will never need to go as deeply as a seminarian into deconstructing the Hebrew and Greek etymology, but often the writer’s main idea is contained in a key verb. Modifiers in the passage support what is being conveyed, and understanding the entire sentence structure in context helps prevent eisogesis (reading one’s own interpretation into the passage). The Grammatical Principle is at the heart of expository preaching, as pastors prepare sermons by discerning grammatical construction and exegeting difficult passages verse by verse (and clause by clause).
“HELPMEET” is NOT a word!! It was a noun (‘help’) and adjective (‘meet’ = ‘suitable’ in Middle English) that KJV people made into a word
Jehovah Witnesses have changed entire doctrines/removed the Deity of Christ by playing fast and loose with a few words in Scripture!!
Blueletterbible.com and Strong’s Concordance – give example of “agapeo/phileo” in John 21
The fourth principle to consider when reading the Bible is the Synthetic Principle. Simply put, we must always interpret Scripture in light of other Scripture. The Reformers put it this way: “Scriptura Intra Pratatum” – Scripture is it’s own interpreter. Any given doctrine will have support elsewhere in Scripture, as God never contradicts Himself. As a pastor I know once used to warn his congregation, “Be careful of basing a doctrine on one verse.”
Most of us would grasp by what we call ‘common sense’ that Mark 16:18 is not encouraging us to go out and pick up deadly snakes or drink strychnine: “they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” First, by applying the Literal Principal, we can take the Lord’s statement at face value. It does not appear metaphorical or a case of hyperbole from context.
Next, the Historical Principal doesn’t lend us any new information – poison in the first century was still deadly; vipers still bit people and they died. Also, the same principle must be applied evenly throughout the whole passage – which also talks about laying hands on the sick for their recovery. While we are certainly to pray for the sick, Christians still sicken and die.
Grammatically, the Lord is speaking futuristically – He is prophecying that certain miraculous signs (which are for the benefit of unbelievers, 1 Cor. 14:22); would follow believers in the Early Church. Now we come to the Synthetic Principle – is there any other passage in Scripture that would seem to advocate picking up snakes or drinking poison? No. The verse stands as a literal and true statement, (we know of one instance, from Acts 28:5, where Paul was spared by God when a viper attached itself to his hand), but nowhere does the Bible indicate that this is normative in the lives of all believers. There is no harmony with other passages; no new doctrine can be formed or inferred from Scripture about the Christian’s immunity to poisonous snakes.
Where the Bible seems to have contradictions, it is because either we are interpreting the passage incorrectly, or we are not looking at it in context. A general rule for understanding the context of a given reference is to look at the verses immediately preceding and following it. Usually, cross-references are given in the margins of Bibles, which may refer the reader either to individual words or to similar teachings and statements elsewhere in the Bible.
One “contradiction” to which many skeptics point in an attempt to discredit the Bible is the apparent dichotomy between Jesus’ teaching to “Love thy neighbor as thyself”, given in all three Synoptic Gospels, and the Levitical penal code that demanded “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20). The claim is that Christ represented a more ‘evolved’, kinder, gentler religion than the so-called “God of the Old Testament”. In reality, this is a false dichotomy. First, we know that the Triune God is immutable (unchanging) and He describes Himself as all-loving, compassionate, forgiving and gracious throughout the Old Testament. Second, Christ was actually quoting Leviticus 19:18 when He admonished His followers to love their neighbors as themselves. This was the entire spirit of the law from God’s Sinai covenant with the Israelites. Third, the “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” expression was a measure to prevent excesses in retributive justice. The context was judicial – penalty was to be appropriate to the nature of the crime; it was never intended as a rationale for personal vengeance. Studying out difficult passages keeping the Synthetic Principle in mind will help us see how they complement each other, even if at first glance they seem at odds.
The last principle in the hermeneutic process is the Practical Principle. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the question “What does this verse mean to me?”, it is only relevant after looking at the passage in its original context and applying all four of the previous principles. The reason for this is self-evident: we don’t want to be putting our own interpretations or twists on Scriptures and miss the full meaning. Worse, cults have been started by misconstruing key doctrines and reading one’s own agenda into given passages. The Word of God has an objective, intrinsic meaning which is not open to subjective interpretation (which is why studying and rightly dividing it is so important). However, this does not mean that God doesn’t offer us a very personal application of specific passages to our lives. Of course He does, and this is the area of our study where the Holy Spirit “quickens” the words on the page to our spirits. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” It has the power not only to inform, but also to convict, instruct, encourage, exhort and ultimately transform our lives.