Hermeneutics1 HERMENEUTICS Presented to iServe Africa Apprenticeship Team on 3 rd March 2009 By:...
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Hermeneutics Hermeneutics 1 HERMENEUTICS HERMENEUTICS Presented to Presented to iServe iServe Africa Apprenticeship Africa Apprenticeship Team Team on 3 on 3 rd rd March 2009 March 2009 By: Kepha Nyandega By: Kepha Nyandega
Hermeneutics1 HERMENEUTICS Presented to iServe Africa Apprenticeship Team on 3 rd March 2009 By: Kepha Nyandega
Hermeneutics1 HERMENEUTICS Presented to iServe Africa
Apprenticeship Team on 3 rd March 2009 By: Kepha Nyandega
Slide 2
Hermeneutics2 Introduction What have you learnt in IBS? What
have you learnt in IBS? What expectations do you have in this
session? What expectations do you have in this session?
Slide 3
Hermeneutics3 Outline Introduction Introduction What is
Hermeneutics? What is Hermeneutics? Why Hermeneutics? Why
Hermeneutics? General Hermeneutics General Hermeneutics Special
Hermeneutics Special Hermeneutics Requirements for Effective Bible
interpretation Requirements for Effective Bible interpretation
Conclusion Conclusion
Slide 4
Hermeneutics4 Introduction: What is Hermeneutics? A technical
word from Greek meaning to explain, interpret or translate. A
technical word from Greek meaning to explain, interpret or
translate. It therefore refers to the science and art of biblical
interpretation. It therefore refers to the science and art of
biblical interpretation. To interpret means to understand the right
or intended meaning of a certain word or phrase. And not merely
unique meaning To interpret means to understand the right or
intended meaning of a certain word or phrase. And not merely unique
meaning Exegesis : studying a text in its context to establish the
original intended meaning. Exegesis : studying a text in its
context to establish the original intended meaning. This is opposed
to eisegesis imposing ones meaning into a text This is opposed to
eisegesis imposing ones meaning into a text Hermeneutics is
scriptural! Luke 24: 27 Hermeneutics is scriptural! Luke 24:
27
Slide 5
Hermeneutics5 Introduction. (Contd) Why Hermeneutics?
Interpretation is a basic skill in life. Interpretation is a basic
skill in life. Bible pose problems, such as: Bible pose problems,
such as: Bible composition: 66 bks by abt 40 authors and diff
styles/ genres Bible composition: 66 bks by abt 40 authors and diff
styles/ genres Time Gap Time Gap The cultural gap The cultural gap
Geographical Gap Geographical Gap Language Gap Language Gap The
nature of the scriptures themselves: the bible is both divine and
human The nature of the scriptures themselves: the bible is both
divine and human To guard against error in doctrine and practice as
well as apply Gods word in our lives and encourage growth. To guard
against error in doctrine and practice as well as apply Gods word
in our lives and encourage growth.
Slide 6
Hermeneutics6 General Hermeneutics Refers to general guidelines
to interpreting any text Determine the context & Content of the
text Determine the context & Content of the text Context is the
setting or background of a message eg a statement like I am going
home may mean differently depending on the context. What are some
possible meanings? Content is the message being communicated ie the
meaning of words and phrases. Words & concepts only makes sense
in a context Words & concepts only makes sense in a context A
text out of a context is a pretext A text out of a context is a
pretext Two critical contexts are: Literary Context and historical
context Two critical contexts are: Literary Context and historical
context
Slide 7
Hermeneutics7 General Hermeneutics.. Contd. Immediate context
Book context Same author context. Whole Bible context Historical
Context Each Bible Book has its history in terms of: The time and
the culture of the author and his readers The time and the culture
of the author and his readers The occasion and purpose of the book.
The occasion and purpose of the book. Text Literary Context Use the
7FFQs to determine these contexts
Slide 8
Hermeneutics8 Special Hermeneutics Refers to specific skills
required for each genre Refers to specific skills required for each
genre All Bible books fall in any of the following genres: All
Bible books fall in any of the following genres: Narrative:
describe events, people and report dialogue and teaching eg the
first 17 books of OT and the first 5 Books of NT Narrative:
describe events, people and report dialogue and teaching eg the
first 17 books of OT and the first 5 Books of NT Discourse: An
argument persuading people to change their behavior or belief eg
prophets and Epistles Discourse: An argument persuading people to
change their behavior or belief eg prophets and Epistles Poetry and
Wisdom: Records testimonies or feelings of the writer eg Job,
Psalms, proverbs, etc. Poetry and Wisdom: Records testimonies or
feelings of the writer eg Job, Psalms, proverbs, etc. Apocalyptic:
records visions, dreams, or special terminology, symbols and other
vivid imagery, secrets of Gods plan for history and the coming
triumph e.g., Revelation, parts of Daniel and Ezekiel. Others are
Matt 24= Mrk 13 = Lk 21 Apocalyptic: records visions, dreams, or
special terminology, symbols and other vivid imagery, secrets of
Gods plan for history and the coming triumph e.g., Revelation,
parts of Daniel and Ezekiel. Others are Matt 24= Mrk 13 = Lk
21
Slide 9
Hermeneutics9 Interpreting Narratives Narratives simply tell
what happened not what ought to have happened Narratives simply
tell what happened not what ought to have happened Narratives are
static and temporal ie they dont tell all hence the need to
understand the context i.e. background information (behind the
scenes) Narratives are static and temporal ie they dont tell all
hence the need to understand the context i.e. background
information (behind the scenes) To interpret a narrative, seek for
the full story to get the plot, setting, characters, authorship,
audience, theme, and style (language, expressions, words, etc) To
interpret a narrative, seek for the full story to get the plot,
setting, characters, authorship, audience, theme, and style
(language, expressions, words, etc)
Slide 10
Hermeneutics10 Interpreting Narratives contd. A narrative is an
episode in an ongoing story i.e. Meaning is lost if any narrative
is read independent of what is going on A narrative is an episode
in an ongoing story i.e. Meaning is lost if any narrative is read
independent of what is going on Every narrative has to fit three
levels: Every narrative has to fit three levels: Gods overall
redemptive history plan Gods overall redemptive history plan Gods
level with Israel/ church Gods level with Israel/ church The level
of the narrative as an episode The level of the narrative as an
episode Every narrative has own character; the chief character is
God even where he is not mentioned like Esther. What is he doing?
Every narrative has own character; the chief character is God even
where he is not mentioned like Esther. What is he doing?
Slide 11
Hermeneutics11 Interpreting Parables A parable is an ordinary
story meant to communicate a spiritual or moral truth. Its usually
employs a particular event in the past tense for a present
situation without direct and obvious comparison. A parable is an
ordinary story meant to communicate a spiritual or moral truth. Its
usually employs a particular event in the past tense for a present
situation without direct and obvious comparison. Key Principle in
interpreting parable: Key Principle in interpreting parable:
Examine the setting shows why parable is said Examine the setting
shows why parable is said What is the main point of the parable?
What is the main point of the parable? Is there examination/
application given? Is there examination/ application given? You can
use the following methodology You can use the following
methodology
Slide 12
Hermeneutics12 Interpreting Parables Contd. Mark out details
that have individual theological meaning and those that merely add
colour to the story Mark out details that have individual
theological meaning and those that merely add colour to the story
Check context at three levels: Check context at three levels: The
larger context within the parable is found The larger context
within the parable is found The parable itself The parable itself
The historical background of the details of the story The
historical background of the details of the story NT parables has 3
audience: the crowd, the Pharisees & scribes and the disciples
NT parables has 3 audience: the crowd, the Pharisees & scribes
and the disciples Determine your reference points within the
dynamics of the story- this is the power of parables Determine your
reference points within the dynamics of the story- this is the
power of parables Compare other gospel accounts for various
emphasis. Mark out any repetition Compare other gospel accounts for
various emphasis. Mark out any repetition
Slide 13
Hermeneutics13 Interpreting an epistle NT Epistles fall in the
following pattern: NT Epistles fall in the following pattern: a)
Sender- name is usually given eg Paul b) Recipient given plus short
description c) Greetings d) Thanks giving or prayer e) Body of the
epistle reason of writing f) Closing commands or remarks (may miss)
g) Conclusion- greetings to others and parting words
Slide 14
Hermeneutics14 Interpreting an epistle contd. Get the context
of writing for correct application. Get the context of writing for
correct application. (Where can you get historical context of the
epistles?) Differentiate the normative and the relative. What
principle is behind the relative command (local not universal)
Differentiate the normative and the relative. What principle is
behind the relative command (local not universal) Get the argument
presented by author and reasons given & how they are presented
Get the argument presented by author and reasons given & how
they are presented
Slide 15
Hermeneutics15 Interpreting Poetry Psalms Note the strophic/
stanza patterns of the poem or hymn Note the strophic/ stanza
patterns of the poem or hymn Group parallel lines Group parallel
lines Study the metaphorical language used Study the metaphorical
language used Note historical background of the psalm Note
historical background of the psalm Study the psalm in terms of its
type eg messianic psalms in terms of their historical purpose
before noting their historical importance Study the psalm in terms
of its type eg messianic psalms in terms of their historical
purpose before noting their historical importance Study the psalm
as a whole before drwaing conclusion Study the psalm as a whole
before drwaing conclusion
Slide 16
Hermeneutics16 Interpreting Poetry Contd. Wisdom (Proverbs,
Job, Ecc., and riddles, allegories, etc) Note the form of wisdom eg
war cry, messianic, lament or hymn/ praise song Note the form of
wisdom eg war cry, messianic, lament or hymn/ praise song Is the
context important Is the context important Is hyperbole used? Any
other device? Is hyperbole used? Any other device? Obscure passages
must be cross culturally applied to analogous situations today
Obscure passages must be cross culturally applied to analogous
situations today
Slide 17
Hermeneutics17 Interpreting Apocalypse Forms &
Characteristics Uses largely dreams and visions Uses largely dreams
and visions An individual sees events as God unravel them An
individual sees events as God unravel them Usually mediated eg by
an angel to help the in understanding of the seer Usually mediated
eg by an angel to help the in understanding of the seer Celestial
beings and demonic powers are introduced as Gods messangers and
agents against God respectively Celestial beings and demonic powers
are introduced as Gods messangers and agents against God
respectively Events concern the future as an end to present
realities. Events concern the future as an end to present
realities. Interpretation must consider peoples concern at the
moment and eschatological concerns Interpretation must consider
peoples concern at the moment and eschatological concerns Dreams
and visions as well as symbolism and imagery are used Dreams and
visions as well as symbolism and imagery are used
Slide 18
Hermeneutics18 Interpreting Apocalypse contd. Common themes
Gods sovereign reign in chaotic world Gods sovereign reign in
chaotic world Protection of Gods people culminating in catastrophic
judgment of the wicked and supernatural deliverance of Gods people
Protection of Gods people culminating in catastrophic judgment of
the wicked and supernatural deliverance of Gods people Temporal
nature of the current affairs and victory of God and his people
Temporal nature of the current affairs and victory of God and his
people
Slide 19
Hermeneutics19 Interpreting Apocalypse Contd. Purpose To
inspire hope and comfort in times of suffering and persecution that
prevailing conditions will surely end and Gods reign of justice and
righteousness will come. God give his prophetic time table to
comfort his people To inspire hope and comfort in times of
suffering and persecution that prevailing conditions will surely
end and Gods reign of justice and righteousness will come. God give
his prophetic time table to comfort his people To encourage
consistent faithfulness and obedience to God in times of trial and
warn against apostasy To encourage consistent faithfulness and
obedience to God in times of trial and warn against apostasy
Slide 20
Hermeneutics20 Interpreting Apocalypse Contd. Symbolism were
easily understood by the original audience and not their enemy
Symbolism were easily understood by the original audience and not
their enemy The general message is usually clear from the context.
Focus more on the general message rather than the meaning of each
symbol used. Dont pursue minors at the expense of the major The
general message is usually clear from the context. Focus more on
the general message rather than the meaning of each symbol used.
Dont pursue minors at the expense of the major Unfamiliar things
are used in real life to create mental pictures that gives the
message better Unfamiliar things are used in real life to create
mental pictures that gives the message better Refer to respectable
Bible dictionary and commentary where need be Refer to respectable
Bible dictionary and commentary where need be
Slide 21
Hermeneutics21 Requirements for Effective Bible Interpretation
The Interpreter Being regenerate 2nd Cor 4:4, Eph 2:1 Being
regenerate 2nd Cor 4:4, Eph 2:1 Reverence and humility to Gods
word. Avoid the author game Reverence and humility to Gods word.
Avoid the author game Prayerful attitude and willingness to obey.
It is of no benefit to know more unless you first do something with
what you know already Selwyn Hughes Prayerful attitude and
willingness to obey. It is of no benefit to know more unless you
first do something with what you know already Selwyn Hughes
Dependence on the Holy Spirit. Dependence on the Holy Spirit. Sound
judgment and reason. Sound judgment and reason.
Slide 22
Hermeneutics22 Requirements for Effective Bible interpretation
Contd. Tools for interpretation Heart determined to study Gods word
guided by the Spirit. Heart determined to study Gods word guided by
the Spirit. A good bible translation or different version if
possible A good bible translation or different version if possible
Good reliable bible helps e.g. bible dictionary, commentary, atlas,
etc Good reliable bible helps e.g. bible dictionary, commentary,
atlas, etc Writing material Writing material Good grasp of the
bible language if you can Good grasp of the bible language if you
can
Slide 23
Hermeneutics23 Test Your Interpretation Natural sense- the rule
of simplicity. Natural sense- the rule of simplicity. Take the
Bible simply first unless it contradict or does not make sense
(interpret as a figure of speech if doesn't) Original sense- the
rule of history. Original sense- the rule of history. Seek for the
authors intended meaning General sense: the rule of harmony.
General sense: the rule of harmony. The Bible does not contradict
itself. Distinguish between moral and ceremonial laws. Distinguish
between moral and ceremonial laws. Differentiate the descriptive
from the prescriptive Differentiate the descriptive from the
prescriptive
Slide 24
Hermeneutics24Conclusion The process of understanding the
scripture may appear hard and in deed it is. Thankfully, God does
not expect us to be perfect overnight. We are asked to do our best
to present ourselves as those approved, workmen who do not need to
be ashamed, but those who correctly handle the word of truth (2
Timothy 2: 15). We need to soak the process with prayers for it may
be hard and dry without the water of the Spirit.
Slide 25
Hermeneutics25 Reference Osborne, Grant R. The Hermeneutical
Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation.
Illinois: InterVarsity Press. 1991. Osborne, Grant R. The
Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical
Interpretation. Illinois: InterVarsity Press. 1991. Terry, Milton
S. Biblical Hermeneutics: A Treatise on the interpretation of the
Old and New Testaments. 2nd ed. Michigan: Zondervan Publishing
House. 1974. Terry, Milton S. Biblical Hermeneutics: A Treatise on
the interpretation of the Old and New Testaments. 2nd ed. Michigan:
Zondervan Publishing House. 1974. Fee, Gordon D. and Stuart,
Douglas. How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth: A Guide to
Understanding the Bible. London: Scripture Union. 1989. Fee, Gordon
D. and Stuart, Douglas. How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth: A
Guide to Understanding the Bible. London: Scripture Union.
1989.