Hermeneutics is the study of the principles and methods of interpreting the text of the Bible. While exegesis focuses on the "then and there," hermeneutics brings the message to the "here and now." As 2 Timothy 2:15 commands, we are called to correctly handle the word of truth.
The Rule of Literal Interpretation
The most important law of biblical hermeneutics is that the Bible should be interpreted literally. We are to understand the Bible in its normal or plain meaning unless the passage is obviously intended to be symbolic or uses figures of speech. For instance, when Jesus fed the 5,000 (Mark 8:19), we understand it as a literal miracle with real bread and fish.
Context and Occasionality
Context is key to determining meaning. This includes the verses immediately surrounding a passage, the chapter, the book, and the entire Bible. We must also consider Occasionality—every book was written to a particular audience in a specific situation. We must ask what the original readers heard when the letter was first read to them.
The Lens of Christ
We read the Old Testament through the lens of the New Testament and the person of Christ. Note Jesus’ high regard for the Old Testament (John 10:35, Matthew 5:17-18). We look for typology and illustrations while being careful not to force the New Testament back into the Old without biblical precedent.
The Bible as the Subject
Often we think we are the "subject" analyzing the Bible as the "object." However, the Bible is greater than the interpreter. It should be the Subject that examines us. As a two-edged sword, it penetrates our being and judges our hearts. We want to see the truth, know the truth, and live the truth.
- Exegesis = Then & There; Hermeneutics = Here & Now. Why do we need both?
- What happens when we try to "spiritualize" or "allegorize" verses that are meant to be taken literally?
- In your study, is the Bible the "Object" you are dissecting, or the "Subject" that is dissecting you?
Next Up: We conclude this series and transition into our deep dive: Wisdom Literature Series.