What are proprer hermeneutics and exegesis?

[gdemoss]

Thank you all for participating here so far.  I seek gleen whatever wisdom is in your words.

My belief is that the bible itself might contain the blue print for proper hermunetics or interpretation that is necessary for anyone to be able to understand the text who is born of God.

I am testing that through intense study and you are helping me when you add to the discussion. According to Paul when addressing the Corinthians discernment of the true is much easier when the false is there to contrast so I welcome all opinions and ideas.

One of the tools of understanding proper interpretation would seem to be to follow the lead of Jesus and his Apostles that we have biblical accounts of so doing. 

For example:  New Testament writers often quote the old testament and sometimes give an example of hermenutics as it pertains to a phrase or name of an individual.  

Mar 5:41

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, be inginterpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

Here we find the use of a form of the Greek word we get the word hermunetics from being used to describe the process of interpreting a phrase from one language to another.  Many other examples exist within the text of such interpretaions from one language to another.  

Everything I can find in scripture about hermenutics deals with translations of one language to another except one!  That one however is found when Jesus is said to be with the two on the road to Emmaus. A cursory read of the account in Luke 24 in its entire context says much about the way to interpret the scriptures.  I look forward to mining for more information on the topic. 

 

 

 

[Esther4:14]

"But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:20-21).  

I think that this verse explains that there is one way to interpret scripture.  However, most of the time, I think that proper interpretation of scripture can be done better by understanding overall context, and the back tracking with the original meaning of word usage is overdone a lot of the time.  

For example David says in Psalm 51:7 "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."  

Now, we could go looking up the definition of hyssop, which says that it is a "herb of purging qualities, but perhaps not precise botanical term," which is going to help us understand that David did not intend to chop a branch the size of pear tree branch and purify himself with it because it was probably much smaller in size, like a marjoram leaf.    

But, if we interpret this verse from the context of scripture, we can understand that David is probably referencing hyssop to make a confession that he is one is defiled, or like a leper, and he needs to undergo the same ceremony of cleansing that will restore him (Numbers 19:17-20; Leviticus 14:1-7).  So, the verse is better understood from context within the whole of scripture than from the isolation of the word origin of hyssop within a historical context.  

This is the downside to the verse structure of the Bible.  Sometimes, when we use verses as pieces of a bigger picture, we lose the ability to see the bigger picture, and only see the piece.  Not, that understanding the root meaning of words or the historical context is bad in and of itself, but it can become a distraction if someone doesn't discipline themselves to understand the context of scripture as a basic principle first.   

I was fortunate enough to have found a Bible reading plan to read through the Bible in 90 days several years ago.  I believe everything that has brought healing into my life since that point has been because of the plowing that reading through the Bible in 90 days did by enabling me to understand context.  It cured the spiritual drought so to speak because a lot of times, when we disagree with someone about the way they are using a verse, we are addressing a hindrance to our understanding of context and trying to cure it with the understanding of the languages of antiquity.  Scripture says that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; (2 Timothy 3:16).  It does not say that the Greek or Hebrew language is profitable for teaching and reproof.  Therefore, understanding context should always be encouraged as a foundation to interpreting scripture before learning how the words have been translated from original languages.  

Edited October 21, 2015 by Esther4:14

[Ezra]

When we see the phrase "being interpreted" in the KJV, it generally means "being translated as" (e.g. Aramaic to Greek, and Greek to English).  However we see that there are several references to Christ "expounding" the Scriptures. Expounding relates to exposition, and exposition is more than exegesis.  Expounding a passage not only draws out the meanings of the words and phrases, but relates the passage to other relevant passages, and then to the whole of Scripture. Thus Christ "expounded unto them IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES the things concerning Himself" (Lk 24:27).

[gdemoss]

When we see the phrase "being interpreted" in the KJV, it generally means "being translated as" (e.g. Aramaic to Greek, and Greek to English).  However we see that there are several references to Christ "expounding" the Scriptures. Expounding relates to exposition, and exposition is more than exegesis.  Expounding a passage not only draws out the meanings of the words and phrases, but relates the passage to other relevant passages, and then to the whole of Scripture. Thus Christ "expounded unto them IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES the things concerning Himself" (Lk 24:27).

Good points but they do not negate the fact that those who wrote the new testamemt chose to use our base word for hermenutics there.  Therefore we can say that within the array of meaning of that word is all that you have said about expounding.  And if Christ be in us AND we be of full age THEN we should hope to be able to do the same.  Key here is growth.  I am still young and learning.  My hope is to grow into that which I can be in fullness.  So I study these things and ask God to lead me to greater things for his names sake.

Thank you for articulating the truth of what is written brother!

[manuelf324]

Bible also teaches about dispensation. You must realize the Bible has Scriptures directed at different stewardships. The 10 commandments are the Mosaic Law it's directed towards the Jewish people not gentiles. Since Christ sacrifice now no one is under the law because Christ fulfilled the law by living a sinless life. 

Edited October 25, 2015 by manuelf324

[Ezra]

Bible also teaches about dispensation. You must realize the Bible has Scriptures directed at different stewardships. The 10 commandments are the Mosaic Law it's directed towards the Jewish people not gentiles. Since Christ sacrifice now no one is under the law because Christ fulfilled the law by living a sinless life. 

I agree that the Bible reveals different dispensations or stewardships. But at the same time the Bible shows us that the Ten Commandments are eternal, since they are all contained in the Law of Christ, which is the Law of Love, or the Law of Liberty.  The first four commandments correspond to loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. The last six commandments correspond to loving your neighbor as yourself.  As Paul says "Love in the fulfilling of the Law".

The Law of Moses (which covers more than the Ten Commandments) was perfectly fulfilled by Christ Himself, who also took upon Himself the curse of the Law.  Therefore we are free from the Old Covenant, but under the New Covenant, those Ten Commandments are written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Heb 8:10), and are obeyed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Phil 2:13).

[missmuffet]

Question: "What is biblical hermeneutics?"

Answer: Biblical hermeneutics is perhaps summarized best by 2 Timothy 2:15, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Biblical hermeneutics is the science of properly interpreting the various types of literature found in the Bible. For example, a psalm should often be interpreted differently from a prophecy. A proverb should be understood and applied differently from a law. This is the purpose of biblical hermeneutics—to help us to know how to interpret, understand, and apply the Bible.

The most important law of biblical hermeneutics is that the Bible should be interpreted literally. Literal Bible interpretation means we understand the Bible in its normal/plain meaning. The Bible says what it means and means what it says. Many make the mistake of trying to read between the lines and come up with meanings for Scriptures that are not truly in the text. Yes, of course, there are some spiritual truths behind the plain meanings of Scripture. That does not mean that every Scripture has a hidden spiritual truth, or that it should be our goal to find all such spiritual truths. Biblical hermeneutics keeps us faithful to the intended meaning of Scripture and away from allegorizing and symbolizing Bible verses and passages that should be understood literally.

A second crucial law of biblical hermeneutics is that a verse or passage must be interpreted historically, grammatically, and contextually. Historical interpretation refers to understanding the culture, background, and situation which prompted the text. Grammatical interpretation is recognizing the rules of grammar and nuances of the Hebrew and Greek languages and applying those principles to the understanding of a passage. Contextual interpretation involves always taking the surrounding context of a verse/passage into consideration when trying to determine the meaning.

Some mistakenly view biblical hermeneutics as limiting our ability to learn new truths from God's Word or stifling the Holy Spirit's ability to reveal to us the meaning of God's Word. This is not the case. The goal of biblical hermeneutics is to point us to the correct interpretation which the Holy Spirit has already inspired into the text. The purpose of biblical hermeneutics is to protect us from improperly applying a Scripture to a particular situation. Biblical hermeneutics points us to the true meaning and application of Scripture. Hebrews 4:12 declares, "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." Biblical hermeneutics is keeping the sword sharp!

http://www.gotquestions.org/Biblical-hermeneutics.html

Edited October 25, 2015 by bopeep1909

[missmuffet]

Question: "What is good biblical exegesis?"

Answer: Exegesis means “exposition or explanation.” Biblical exegesis involves the examination of a particular text of scripture in order to properly interpret it. Exegesis is a part of the process of hermeneutics, the science of interpretation. A person who practices exegesis is called an exegete.

Good biblical exegesis is actually commanded in scripture. “Study [be diligent] to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). According to this verse, we must handle the Word of God properly, through diligent study. If we don’t, we have reason to be ashamed.

There are some basic principles of good exegesis which serious students of the Bible will follow:

1. The Grammatical Principle. The Bible was written in human language, and language has a certain structure and follows certain rules. Therefore, we must interpret the Bible in a manner consistent with the basic rules of language.

Usually, the exegete starts his examination of a passage by defining the words in it. Definitions are basic to understanding the passage as a whole, and it is important that the words be defined according to their original intent and not according to modern usage. To ensure accuracy, the exegete uses a precise English translation and Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. 

Next, the exegete examines the syntax, or the grammatical relationships of the words in the passage. He finds parallels, he determines which ideas are primary and which are subordinate, and he discovers actions, subjects, and their modifiers. He may even diagram a verse or two.

2. The Literal Principle. We assume that each word in a passage has a normal, literal meaning, unless there is good reason to view it as a figure of speech. The exegete does not go out of his way to spiritualize or allegorize. Words mean what words mean. 

So, if the Bible mentions a “horse,” it means “a horse.” When the Bible speaks of the Promised Land, it means a literal land given to Israel and should not be interpreted as a reference to heaven.

3. The Historical Principle. As time passes, culture changes, points of view change, language changes. We must guard against interpreting scripture according to how our culture views things; we must always place scripture in its historical context.

The diligent Bible student will consider the geography, the customs, the current events, and even the politics of the time when a passage was written. An understanding of ancient Jewish culture can greatly aid an understanding of scripture. To do his research, the exegete will use Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and books on history.

4. The Synthesis Principle. The best interpreter of scripture is scripture itself. We must examine a passage in relation to its immediate context (the verses surrounding it), its wider context (the book it’s found in), and its complete context (the Bible as a whole). The Bible does not contradict itself. Any theological statement in one verse can and should be harmonized with theological statements in other parts of scripture. Good Bible interpretation relates any one passage to the total content of scripture.

5. The Practical Principle. Once we’ve properly examined the passage to understand its meaning, we have the responsibility to apply it to our own lives. To “rightly divide the word of truth” is more than an intellectual exercise; it is a life-changing event.

http://www.gotquestions.org/Biblical-exegesis.html

Edited October 25, 2015 by bopeep1909

[Guest shiloh357]

Hermeneutics (proper interpretation):

2 Peter 1:20–21 (AV)

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

All scripture came in this manner. And considering the definition of prophecy is the telling forth of God's truth which is sometimes past, sometimes present, sometimes future, the passage could be understood to mean "none of scripture (which is prophecy) is of any private interpretation..." and is subject to the sole interpretation of the Holy Spirit who gave it.

 

This is not talking the hermeneutics of biblical interpretation.   Peter is talking about the origin of prophecy.  If you read the context, Peter is explaining that there is no prophecy of private origin.  The word "interpretation" is a word in Greek that means "opinion."    Peter's point is that prophecy was not the product of the private opinion, imagination, or impulse of the prophets; rather, they spoke as they were moved on by the Holy Spirit.  Peter is saying that prophecy originated with the Holy Spirit, not the prophets.

Peter is NOT saying that you do  not have the right to study and interpret Scripture as a private individual, led by the Holly Spirit.  

 

[JohnD]

Hermeneutics (proper interpretation):

2 Peter 1:20–21 (AV)

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

All scripture came in this manner. And considering the definition of prophecy is the telling forth of God's truth which is sometimes past, sometimes present, sometimes future, the passage could be understood to mean "none of scripture (which is prophecy) is of any private interpretation..." and is subject to the sole interpretation of the Holy Spirit who gave it.

 

This is not talking the hermeneutics of biblical interpretation.   Peter is talking about the origin of prophecy.  If you read the context, Peter is explaining that there is no prophecy of private origin.  The word "interpretation" is a word in Greek that means "opinion."    Peter's point is that prophecy was not the product of the private opinion, imagination, or impulse of the prophets; rather, they spoke as they were moved on by the Holy Spirit.  Peter is saying that prophecy originated with the Holy Spirit, not the prophets.

Peter is NOT saying that you do  not have the right to study and interpret Scripture as a private individual, led by the Holly Spirit.  

 

Then by all means, proceed with your interpretations devoid of the Holy Spirit interpretation.

See where it gets you.

In the mean time leave those of us who want to take God at his Word alone.

Thinnnk yaw.