Prior to preaching or teaching, we need to determine what
Scripture means and how we can apply
Scripture in our lives. Let us examine how to interpret Scripture.
A. Definitions : In theology, hermeneutics is the science of
interpreting Scripture. Exegesis is the application of the principles of
interpreting Scripture. Exposition is process of explaining the Scripture to
people. So a preacher uses the principles of hermeneutics to exegete Scripture
in order to proclaim an expository sermon.We want to avoid isogesis—trying to
insert our own thoughts into Scripture, or trying to change the meaning of
Scripture. Exegesis is “reading from” Scripture, whereas isogesis is “reading
into” Scripture.
A pericope is a Scriptural passage forming one complete thought or
idea. Sometimes a chapter in the Bible is a pericope. Sometimes a portion of a
chapter or more than one chapter forms a pericope. In order to properly expound
the Scripture, we need to determine where a pericope begins and ends.
B. Translation of Scripture
The original Biblical texts were written in Hebrew, Greek, and
Aramaic. The texts have been translated into many languages and updated as
languages evolve. It is important that you choose an accurate translation that
can be understood by the people that you teach. A translation must be accepted
by the mainstream Christian Church, as opposed to a translation written by a
heretical sect. I use the New International Version (NIV). Another good
translation is the New American Standard, which is more of a word-for-word translation
than the NIV. The King James Version is good, but its language is somewhat outdated,
making it more difficult to understand. It is best to choose one text as a
primary source, rather than changing from text to text. Having one primary
source allows us to more easily memorize Scripture. You may wish to supplement
your reading with a paraphrased translation—which loosely translates the
Scripture in order to make it easier to understand. Paraphrased translations
seek to be the “dynamic equivalent” of the original texts. Since paraphrased
Bibles are not translated word-for-word from the original text, I would not
make them my primary source of Scripture. The Good News Bible is a paraphrased
translation. If you have a limited English vocabulary, you may wish to get the
Bible in Basic English. This Bible contains the Old and New Testaments, and is
written using a basic English vocabulary of only about 1,000 words.
C. Meaning of Scripture
A good translation of the Bible tells us what the Scripture says.
But what did the Scripture mean in Biblical times? We are separated from the
Biblical writers by time, by geography,and by culture. A statement in Biblical
times may have had different meaning than the same statement today. So we must
apply hermeneutical principles to determine what Biblical
writers intended to communicate. Following are such principles to
be used in exegesis.
1. The Bible is authoritative. We believe that the 66 Books of the
Old and New Testament are the authoritative Word of God. God inspired Biblical
writers to communicate truth.16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man
of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
2. Scripture must be considered in context. In studying a verse or
a pericope, examine also the passage and Book from which it was taken. What is
the theme (or themes) of the Book? Why did the writer write the Book? Who wrote
the Book and to whom was it written? When and where was the Book written?
Examine the historical, cultural,geographical, and circumstantial context.
3. Determine the genre (type of literature). Is a Book or
Scriptural passage one of hymns, poetry, prophecy, history, letter, Gospel, or
Law? Language often has different meaning in different genres.
4. Assume the literal meaning of words unless there is a reason to
assume otherwise. Generally the Bible means what it says—literally. The genre
and context may indicate that some words are figurative. The Bible contains
metaphors, similes, parables, allegories, and hyperboles. For example, the
apocalyptic literature of the book of Revelation contains much figurative
language.
5. Determine the meaning of words. Often, exegesis includes a word
study to determine what a word meant when it was written.
6. Follow the rules of grammar . Bible students should understand
the use of verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, direct objects and other parts of
speech.
7. Let Scripture interpret Scripture. Clear Scriptural passages
explain obscure Scriptural passages. Consider parallel accounts, such as those
found in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Use references, such
as those found in chain reference Bibles, to locate other Scriptures related to
a topic. Also, concordances and topical Bibles are useful in finding related
Scripture.
8. The first mention of something may explain it’s meaning
wherever else it occurs. When an event or word first occurs, the meaning may be
given. So consult a concordance to find the first occurrence of that event or
word.
9. The Bible is a progressive revelation. Early Biblical writers
did not have as much information as did later Biblical writers. For example,
various mysteries were revealed with the first advent of Christ. Old Testament
Prophets were not given information concerning the church. Old Testament
Prophets did not understand that there were to be two advents of the Messiah.
Even though revelation is progressive, the information given in the Old
Testament is still valuable.
10. Use resources outside of the Bible. The Bible itself is our
primary text in knowing the will of God. But various other aids are useful in
understanding the Bible and the cultures of the Bible. Some of these resources
are listed in the section below.
D. Application of Scripture
To properly study Scripture, we must apply its teaching. We must
let Scripture guide us. Kenson Kuba offers an acrostic commonly used for
applying Scripture.
SPACE plus T
Sins - Are there Sins I need to confess?
Promises - Are there Promises for me to claim?
Attitudes/Actions - Are there Attitudes/Actions I should adopt or
avoid?
Commands - Are there Commands I ought to obey?
Examples - Are there Examples for me to follow?
Plus Truths - Are there Truths to believe? 2(For details and for free course visit
<www.missionstraining.org>)
