Bible/Hermeneutics

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What is Hermeneutics?

Hermeneutics is a technical term referring to the set of principles or methods by which one seeks to accurately understand the scriptures. It involves every aspect of the interpretative process.

There are different views on what makes for a good hermeneutic or hermeneutical method. One of the leading methodologies is called the “literal-grammatical-historical” method. As Chou, Abner states:

We may be familiar with the terms “literal-grammatical-historical” hermeneutics or the notion of seeking the “author’s intent” as opposed to our own meaning. The Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit moved men to write his Word such that their words are the very message of God (2 Peter 1:20– 21). Traditionally, we believe we ought to understand the ideas the (dual) author intended through the normal rules of language and the facts of history. This formulates the basis by which we evaluate right and wrong understandings of Scripture. Accuracy occurs when our reading of a text matches the (dual) author’s ideas, and misinterpretation occurs when we misconstrue that intent. This demands examination of historical background, context, grammar, and individual words. [1]

Historical / Cultural Context Resources

Gramatical / Exegesis Resources

Sources

  1. Chou, Abner. The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers Learning to Interpret Scripture from the Prophets and Apostles, Kregel Publications, 2018.