Biblical hermeneutics refers to the study and interpretation of the Bible. It looks at the principles and methods used to understand the meaning of scripture. Hermeneutics comes from the Greek word hermēneuein which means “to interpret.” The goal of biblical hermeneutics is to help readers gain a deeper understanding of God’s word and apply it accurately to life.
Some key aspects of biblical hermeneutics include:
- Understanding the historical context – What was the cultural, political, geographical setting when the text was written? This provides insight into the author’s original intent and meaning.
- Literary context – Looking at things like genre, style, structure, language, and figures of speech used in the passage.
- Grammatical analysis – Examining the meanings of words, sentence structure, syntax, etc.
- Considering the biblical context – How does this passage fit with the message of the book it’s in and the Bible as a whole?
- Application – Determining the significance and implications of the text for today. How can biblical truths be applied to life?
Several factors come into play when interpreting Scripture. Here are some key principles of biblical hermeneutics:
Take Scripture at Face Value
A literal hermeneutic takes the Bible at face value – assuming the plain, normal meaning of the text is what’s intended. Unless there are clear reasons to understand a passage as symbolic or figurative, it should be taken literally. This guards against subjective allegorizing. As Jesus said, the Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35).
Scripture Interprets Scripture
The Bible is the best interpreter of itself. Unclear passages should be understood in light of clearer ones. We use scripture to interpret scripture, looking at parallel passages, themes, and consistent patterns to shed light on the meaning. This guards against taking verses out of context.
Context is Key
Every text has a context – historical, cultural, literary, biblical, etc. To interpret correctly, we must understand the original context of the passage. What did this mean to the original audience? Context guards against reading our own ideas into the text. We want to understand the author’s intended meaning.
Recognize Genre
The Bible contains different types of literature – historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistles, apocalyptic, etc. Each genre has unique characteristics that affect interpretation. Poetry is highly symbolic, apocalyptic is highly figurative. Grasping genre guards against misinterpreting figurative language as literal and vice versa.
Let Clear Passages Interpret the Unclear
When two passages seem to contradict, the unclear should be understood in light of the clear. We interpret difficult passages in light of the full counsel of God’s Word. Since scripture cannot contradict itself, the unclear must be harmonized with the larger body of clear teaching.
Be Careful Making Dogmatic Claims
Humility and caution are needed when interpreting disputed or unclear passages. We should hold our interpretations with open hands, not making definitive dogmatic claims unless the passage is abundantly clear. There are mysteries in Scripture that godly scholars disagree on.
Remember Progressive Revelation
Later Scripture builds upon earlier revelation. Old Testament practices like animal sacrifices were types and shadows of the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. The New Testament gives the fuller picture. Interpret OT passages in light of NT teachings.
Pay Attention to Grammar and Syntax
Carefully examining verbs, nouns, pronouns, etc. in the original languages aids interpretation. Grammar and syntax reveal how words are functioning together in a sentence and passage. This sheds light on the meaning of phrases, clauses, and sentences.
These principles help protect against distorted understandings of Scripture. By applying sound hermeneutics, we can rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15) and handle God’s word accurately. Failure to do so can lead to mishandling the Bible and false teaching.
Different Approaches to Biblical Hermeneutics
While most evangelicals agree on the core principles above, there are differences in hermeneutical approaches that affect one’s interpretation at times. Here are some of the main approaches:
Literal (or Grammatical-Historical) Method
This approach focuses on the literal, normal meaning of the text based on the grammar and historical context. It follows a historical, literary, and linguistic analysis of the passage using sound interpretation principles. The goal is to objectively determine the author’s intended meaning to the original audience.
Spiritual (or Christo-Centric) Interpretation
This approach sees all Scripture as ultimately speaking about Christ. It focuses on the spiritual meaning of texts. Passages are often interpreted allegorically with additional symbolic or typological meanings applied beyond the literal sense. The emphasis is on biblical themes and theological meanings versus historical details.
Reader Response Methods
These methods emphasize the reader’s interaction with the text. Meaning is determined by the reader’s perspective and context versus the author’s intent. Readers may apply their own interpretations rather than seeking the passage’s original meaning. Meaning is considered dynamic rather than static.
Redemptive-Historical Method
This interprets passages in light of the history of redemption. It focuses on each text’s place in the unfolding divine plan from creation to the consummation of Christ’s kingdom. Old Testament texts are understood in relation to their fulfillment in the person and work of Christ.
Covenant (or Reformed) Hermeneutic
This approach emphasizes reading Scripture through the lens of God’s covenantal dealings with man throughout history. Interpretation focuses on the progressive revelation of the covenants leading to their fulfillment in Christ and the new covenant. This is a redemptive-historical hermeneutic.
While these approaches share common ground, they also differ in key aspects that affect interpretation. The literal (or grammatical-historical) method is the most fundamental and serves as a basis for the other approaches.
The Importance of Biblical Hermeneutics
Sound hermeneutical principles are crucial for interpreting Scripture accurately. Here’s why proper biblical interpretation matters:
It Reveals God’s Intended Meaning
The Bible is God’s authoritative word, so we must handle it correctly (2 Timothy 2:15). Using wise interpretive methods helps us understand the original divine meaning versus inserting our own ideas.
It Guards Against False Teaching and Error
Twisting Scripture leads to false teaching and doctrinal error. Sound hermeneutics protect against mishandling God’s word, so we can discern truth from falsehood.
It Aids Application
If we wrongly interpret a passage, we can improperly apply it today. Correct interpretation allows us to know how biblical truths apply to our lives and the church.
It Promotes Doctrinal Unity and Clarity
Agreement in biblical orthodoxy requires shared commitment to sound interpretation principles. This fosters doctrinal unity rather than division.
It Equips Ministers and Teachers
Pastors, teachers, and all believers should aim to handle the word accurately (2 Timothy 2:15). Competent interpretation is needed to preach, teach, defend, and proclaim God’s truth faithfully.
Dangers of Faulty Biblical Interpretation
When unwise interpretive methods are used, it twists God’s word and leads to problems. Here are some dangers of faulty biblical hermeneutics:
- Doctrinal Error and False Teaching – Inaccurate interpretation distorts biblical doctrines and truths.
- Applying Passages Incorrectly – Taking verses out of context leads to misapplication.
- Abusing Scripture – Forcing one’s own ideas onto the text rather than seeking the divine intent.
- Confusion and Subjectivity – Unstable and diverse interpretations undermine scriptural authority.
- Division and Controversy – Differing views based on conflicting methods divide believers.
- Mishandling God’s Word – Twisting Scripture to justify actions, beliefs, or agendas is dangerous.
This emphasizes the need for wisdom and skill in interpreting God’s precious word. As Paul told Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Major Interpretive Challenges in Scripture
While sound hermeneutics aid us greatly, some passages and topics remain challenging to interpret. Here are some notable examples:
Prophecy
Prophetic literature is complex with symbolism requiring wisdom to interpret well. Prophecies about Christ’s first and second comings involve difficulty. There are various views on how to understand the sequence and timing of end times events based on different hermeneutical approaches.
Parables
While parables often have a clear main point, the details can be debated. Interpreters differ on whether every aspect carries symbolic meaning. Over-allegorizing details must be avoided.
Old Testament Law
There are diverse views on how the OT law applies today. Some divide the moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. Others see them as fulfilled in Christ. This affects interpretation of commandments, Sabbath, and more.
Covenant Theology
There is disagreement on theological covenants in Scripture like Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants. This relates to dispensational versus covenant (reformed) approaches.
Passages on Roles of Men and Women
Texts on gender roles in marriage, church leadership, etc. are interpreted very differently. Views range from hierarchical to fully egalitarian. Hermeneutical principles are hotly debated.
Predestination and Free Will
Verses on election and human choice are difficult to reconcile fully. Positions range from Calvinistic predestination to open theism. Interpreters aim to harmonize God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.
These examples and others continue to be discussed and debated. They reveal the challenges in biblical hermeneutics. This reminds us that while Scripture is clear about essential doctrines, there are secondary issues where godly believers differ. We must have humility, charity, and openness to further refinement as we study the word of God.
Major Contributors to Biblical Hermeneutics
Certain scholars have significantly influenced and advanced the study of biblical interpretation through history. Here are a few notable examples:
Origen (185 – 254 AD)
Early church father who emphasized allegorical and spiritual methods. Contributed to interpretation theory.
Augustine (354 – 430 AD)
Helped develop a systematic hermeneutic. Emphasized interpreting ambiguous passages in light of clear ones.
Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 1274 AD)
Scholastic theologian who categorized multiple senses of biblical interpretation: literal, allegorical, moral, eschatological.
John Calvin (1509 – 1564 AD)
Reformer who advanced literal-grammatical-historical method through his commentaries and institutes. Helped systematize hermeneutical principles.
George R. Beasley-Murray (1916 – 2000 AD)
Baptist scholar who wrote works on hermeneutics and interpretation methods. Emphasized studying text in its linguistic, literary, and historical context.
Gordon Fee (1934 – 2022 AD)
Pentecostal scholar and author of New Testament Exegesis. Contributed to genre analysis and understanding NT books’ literary nature.
Grant Osborne (1942 – present)
Contemporary evangelical scholar. Wrote The Hermeneutical Spiral detailing the hermeneutical process and textual literary analysis.
These and many others have built upon biblical interpretation methods over the centuries. They provide insights and principles for studying Scripture in greater depth.
Current Trends in Biblical Hermeneutics
Here are some recent developments shaping biblical interpretation today:
- Reader-response methods – More focus on the reader’s context versus just authorial intent. Meaning seen as a two-way dialogue.
- Postmodern influences – Questioning objectivity of interpretation. Emphasizing community interpretation and diverse readings.
- Contextual approaches – Increased focus on social, cultural, and ethnic contexts surrounding texts and readers.
- Literary analysis – Growing emphasis on studying genres, rhetoric, and the final form of biblical books.
- Canonical approaches – Read texts in light of the canon as a whole. See the unified theological message.
- Linguistic analysis – Using modern linguistics like syntax, semantics, structuralism to analyze ancient languages.
- Intertextuality – Studying biblical books’ connections to & influences on each other.
These developments present both opportunities and challenges. They offer helpful tools but also risks if taken to extremes. Discernment is needed to assess interpretive approaches against sound hermeneutical principles.
Applying Biblical Hermeneutics
Learning biblical hermeneutics should go beyond just gaining knowledge. To really grow, we must put sound principles into practice. Here are some ways to apply hermeneutics to your personal Bible study:
- Pray for illumination by the Holy Spirit who inspired Scripture.
- Read passages in context of surrounding verses and chapters.
- Use study tools like commentaries cautiously to aid understanding.
- Consider the historical and cultural background.
- Compare multiple translations when possible.
- Look for related passages that shed light on the meaning.
- Learn the different biblical genres and interpret accordingly.
- Check conclusions against the whole counsel of Scripture.
- Summarize key truths and themes to understand the big picture.
- Meditate on how to apply biblical principles to life.
The more we put these kinds of practices into action, the more skilled we’ll become at rightly handling God’s word. We should aim to interpret Scripture accurately and obediently apply its truth to our lives. Studying hermeneutics helps equip us for this vital calling.
The Holy Spirit in Interpretation
While hermeneutics provides an essential framework for studying Scripture, we must remember spiritual discernment is also needed. As we humbly rely on the Holy Spirit, he guides us into all truth (John 16:13). Biblical interpretation principles are tools, but it is the Spirit who gives true understanding. We should pray for the Spirit’s illumination to correctly handle God’s word and discern its meaning. Sound hermeneutics and spiritual discernment work hand in hand.
The Ultimate Goal: Transformation into Christ’s Likeness
The aim of interpreting Scripture is not just gaining information but being transformed. As we apply God’s word, it renews our minds and changes us into the image of Christ (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Interpretation and application go hand in hand. As Jesus taught, blessed are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice (Luke 11:28). Proper biblical hermeneutics aids this process so that the Spirit can use God’s truth to shape us into reflections of Christ for God’s glory.