Bullet points of proper hermeneutics.

dece870717 said:

Does anyone know of/have a list pointing out the different things that are used to do right hermeneutics? Like, if you wanted to quickly explain to a non-Christian what reading the Bible the right way involves. Here's a short list I could come up with;

- Reading verses within their context.

- Reading and understanding passages without always limiting the passages context by chapter divisions.

- Understanding what is said in light of historical context. As what is often written or said means what it meant to those that it was spoken/written to/how those people at that time would have understood it.

- Identifying literal language over and against poetic language, figurative language, figures of speech, parables, and analogies.

- Understanding the original language when necessary and the grammar being used.

If there isn't a list, maybe some others reading this could add to or adjust what I've already written down.

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mgkortus said:

The one overarching rule of interpretation: Scripture interprets Scripture.
In addition, there are three different aspects to proper interpretation of Scripture.

Spiritual Aspect of Interpretation
The Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture. Therefore, there is a spiritual aspect to interpretation.
1.Exegesis must be done in the context of the regula fidei (the rule of faith). Go to the Scriptures through the confessions.
2.The work of exegesis must be done in light of the historical development of revelation.
3.Canonical significance of each book is determinative for the interpretation of its texts.
4.Difficult passages must be interpreted in light of easier passages.
5.Scripture determines the meaning of its own vocabulary and concepts.
6.The exegesis must determine the one main thought that the Spirit intends in the text.

Grammatical Aspect of Interpretation
These rules flow out of the fact that Scripture was written by ordinary men (inspired by God) in human language. Thus, there is a grammatical aspect to interpretation.
1.The ordinary rules of grammar, syntax, and logic apply to Scriptural interpretation.
2.The literal meaning of the text is the correct one.
3.A passage must be interpreted in light of its context.
4.The meaning of words must be given detailed attention
5.A word appearing more than once in the same context has the same meaning unless the passage itself indicates a change of meaning.

Historical Aspect of Interpretation
The Bible arose out of historical circumstances. Each book was written for a different people, with a different way of life, in a distant time, and with historical purposes. Due to this, there are different kinds of books. Thus, there is a historical aspect to interpretation.
1.Whenever possible, the purpose and plan of the book must be ascertained and the passage within it interpreted in light of that purpose and plan.
2.The exegete must put himself as much as possible within the historical situation, which existed when the book was written, and try to understand the viewpoint and situation.
3.The type of literature with which one is dealing must be taken into account and interpreted accordingly.
4.Though the revelation was given in history, it must be remembered that Scripture is for the church of all ages.

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