Coastland Christian Bible College & University

Hermeneutics -

Pastor Brett Peterson, Ph.D.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Qualifications of an Interpreter:

Bibliology: our fixed point of reference – the Bible

INTRODUCTION

Some Facts About The Bible

Descriptions of our Bible:

REVELATION

TYPES OF GENERAL REVELATION:

THE MANNER OF REVELATION

God’s Word

INSPIRATION

VERBAL PLENARY INSPIRATION

CANONICITY

AUTHORITY

ILLUMINATION

THE NEED FOR ILLUMINATION:

INTERPRETATION

Session 7 PRESERVATION

INERRANCY OF THE SCRIPTURE

Our Church Fathers Views

•Our Bible today (in their notes)

PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION:

THE SUPERNATURAL ORIGINS OF THE WORD OF GOD

HISTORY OF SCRIPTURE

Hermeneutics – The History

•Allegorists

Greek Allegorical Schools:

Jewish Allegorical Schools:

Christian and Patristic Allegorists:

Roman Catholic School:

Historical Schools-Literalists

Jewish Literal School

Syrian School of Antioch

The Victorines:

The Reformers:

Pietists

Historical Schools-Liberals

The Liberal system of hermeneutics is that:

Neo-Orthodoxy:

“Holy History” School:

The New Hermeneutics:

The Protestant System Of Hermeneutics

Theological Perspectives

Grammatical Perspectives

The Doctrinal Use Of The Bible

The Devotional And Practical Use Of The Bible

Inerrancy And Secular Sciencethe Issue Of Infallibility And Inerrancy

The “Problem” of Science

Types, Symbols And Parables

Schools Of Typological Interpretation

The Nature And Interpretation Of Types

The Interpretation Of Parables

The Interpretation Of Prophecy

The Use Of The Old Testament In The New Testament

The Hermeneutics Of Logic

Chapter

Introduction

The word hermeneutics was coined in the 17th century [17] on the basis of the Greek hermeneuein, “to interpret,” which signified equally a declamation of a text, an explanation of a situation or a translation from a foreign tongue. Hermeneuein itself derived from the name of Hermes, the winged messenger god of ancient Greece, who both delivered and explained the messages of the other gods.

As Berkouwer has taught, “Listening, unlike remembering, is always a thing of the present moment” (G. C. Berkouwer, Faith and Justification, 1954, p. 9). Thus we would be “hearers” of God’s Word, charged with the interpretation and proclamation of this message among the nations. This involves determining exactly what the biblical text means to say (exegesis), assessing the results of exegetical study in light of the whole Bible (theology), and directing the message to men’s lives for correction and instruction (application).

Origins

Hermeneutics as a general science of interpretation can be traced back to more domain-specific applications in the ancient Greeks’ study of literature and in ancient Biblical exegesis.

Regarding texts as organic or coherent wholes, rather than collections of disjointed parts, the Greeks expected a text to be consistent in grammar, style and ideas. Accordingly, they codified rules of grammar and style that they used to verify and emend textual passages. By extending the logic of part and whole to a writer’s or school’s entire output, the Greeks were also able to attribute works with uncertain origin.

Although the Jewish Rabbis and the early Church Fathers deployed similar philological tools, their Biblical exegeses were better known for the development of allegorical readings, frequently at the expense of the texts’ literal meaning. Their interpretations found within the visible sign a hidden sense in agreement with the intention which they beforehand ascribed to the text.

Since instances of this method are found for the Vedas, Homer, the Koran and other sacred writings, it seems a typical strategy for reconciling an enlightened or moral world-view with texts whose “outward” earthiness or banality seems beneath the dignity of the gods being celebrated [18].

The Middle Ages witnessed the proliferation of non-literal interpretations of the Bible. Christian commentators could read Old Testament stories simultaneously as precursors of analogous episodes in the New Testament, symbolic lessons about Church institutions, and allegories about spiritual traits [19]. In each case, the meaning of the signs was constrained by imputing a particular intention to the Bible, such as teaching morality, but these interpretive bases were posited by the religious tradition rather than suggested by a preliminary reading of the text.

Thus, when Martin Luther argued that Christians could rediscover their faith by reading the Bible themselves, Catholic Church officials not surprisingly responded that the Bible was too obscure to read without their guidance.

Introduction

Hermeneutics is the science and art of Biblical interpretation. It is a science because it is guided by rules. The art is in the application of the rules.

The primary need of hermeneutics is to determine the meaning of the Word of God. Since all doctrine rests upon interpretation, we must have correct interpretation to develop correct doctrine.

Hermeneutics seeks to bridge the gap between our minds and the minds of the Biblical writers. The best way to accomplish this bridge is through a thorough knowledge of the original languages, ancient history and comparison of Scripture with Scripture. An extensive knowledge of geography and culture is also invaluable.

The step of faith that we must make is the inspiration of Scripture (2 Tim 3:16). This establishes the boundaries for correct understanding of the Word.

We also must seek to determine the true text. This discipline is called textual criticism. Lower criticism seeks to determine the author and date of the writing. So called “Higher Criticism” is a liberal approach to Scripture that does not accept complete inspiration of the Bible.

There is a need for intellectual honesty and education. One may have the rules memorized, but may not be able to apply them, or may seek to apply them in a biased manner.

The objective of the interpreter is to read out of the text (exegesis) not to read one’s own viewpoints in to the text (eisegesis). One way to become as objective as possible is prayerfully and thoughtfully consider any and all alternatives in a given passage.

Interpreters should approach the text in humility, meaning that the interpretor must be teachable and realize that he should never stop learning. Interpreters must also recognize that inspiration (which comes from God) is infallible, but personal illumination is not.

The Qualifications of an Interpreter:

One must be a Believer because correct interpretation requires the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 2:14-16

One must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Eph 5:18

One must possess a desire to know. Matt 7:7-8

One must be seeking to correctly interpret God’s Word. 2 Tim 2:15

One should have some spiritual education over a period of time. 1 Tim 3:6

For Personal Study

Why is the study of Hermeneutics both a science and an art?

What is the primary need of Hermeneutics?

What is the best way to bridge the gap between my mind and the mind of the writer?

What is the “step of faith” that I must take to begin to interpret the Scripture?

Is my interpretation infallible? Explain.

Bibliology: our fixed point of reference – the Bible

INTRODUCTION

Some Facts About The Bible

Holy Bible: means “holy, or separate book” (“holy” means “set apart” or “separate;” “Bible” is derived from the Greek word biblia, “books”)

The Bible contains 66 books

In the Old Testament there are 39 books

In the New Testament there are 27 books

There were over 40 writers including kings and peasants, doctors and fishermen, princes and herdsmen, poets and laborers, rich and poor, educated and uneducated

It was written over a period of 1600 years

There are 2,930 characters in 1,551 places

There is every imaginable literary form (poetry, prose, etc.).

BACKGROUND TO THE BIBLE

Even with so many different writers and subjects, all parts of the Bible agree with one another. Though the writers were divided by class, period, country and disposition, there is wonderful harmony in all they wrote. There is no contradiction or disagreement. Whence came this wonderful unity? From God! They all wrote by divine inspiration. They were God’s agents, proclaiming His message to humanity.

Expositional Consistancy:

David:

“Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high. The anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.” Samuel 23:1-2

Jeremiah:

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.’” Jeremiah 30:1-2

God is the Author of the Bible:

“. . . and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [lit., “is God-breathed”], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17

God’s Word never fails, nor should it be added to:

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He reprove you and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6

The Bible is the source of truth:

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” Psalm 19:7-9

God’s revelation of Himself is accomplished in creation (Ps.19:1-10), in our imagination (which is infinite), in His Word (Acts 17:23, Eph. 3:9), and in Jesus Christ (John 14:6, 16:14, Col. 2:3, His truth and work is eternal (Rev.13:8)

Experience is a dark road, reason is our attempt to anticipate the tail by annalyzing where we have come from, and scripture is the only light that reveals our path.

A.F. Behrends “The Bible is only a telescope through which we can see the living God”

Kaftan holds that knowledge never comes soley from scripture, but from faith.

Proverb game with Cody ‘faith comes by hearing and …hearing comes by faith’

Why does the Bible contain errors when you claim that it is the Word of God?
It is true that the Bible contain errors. Look at the following examples.
(a) Samuel 24:13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
1 Chronicles 21:11-12 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee {12} Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
(b) 2 Chronicles 36:9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.
2 Kings 24:8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother’s name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.
(c) 2 Samuel 10:18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
1 Chronicles 19:18 But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.
(d) 1 Kings 7:26 And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.
2 Chronicles 4:5 And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.
(e) 2 Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
1 Kings 4:26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

Matthew Jesus curses the fig tree on the way into town and it withers,

Mark Jesus curses the fig tree in the way into town, and they find it withered on the way out of town.

These are the most profound mistakes in the Bible, yet they are minor and do not affect dogma or doctrinal beliefs.

Descriptions of our Bible:

1. SUPERNATURAL: Why do we value the Bible so highly? Because it is the Word of God, because it is His Revelation to us, and because it is supernatural in nature.

The supernaturalness of the Word is seen in the fact that there is a complete unity of thought throughout the book. It is a self declaration of God, not man’s view of Him. It is a system of life that works. This has been testified to through all generations. Finally, there is no way that man could have come up with the thoughts and principles of the Bible. (Examples: God dying to save man. Sin. The Trinity.)

2. AUTHENTICITY: The Bible is trustworthy, credible and authentic. Christ authenticated the Old Testament in His use of it.

If the Scriptures are true and credible then we can take, and stand on the promises of God no matter what the doubters might say. We can believe in each miracle and each supernatural occurrence which the Bible reports. We can find assurance about our future destiny. We can be certain of eternity with God.

REVELATION

DEFINITION:

1. Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary: “1 a: an act of revealing or communicating divine truth b: something that is revealed by God to man.....” (By permission. From Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary copyright 1991 by Merriam-Webster Inc., publisher of the Merriam-Webster (registered) Dictionaries.)

2. Pardington: “Revelation may be defined as a supernatural communication from God to man, either oral or written. The term is usually understood of a written communication.” (Pardington, Rev. George P. Ph.D.; “OUTLINE STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE”; Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 1926, p 29)

3. Bancroft, “Revelation simply means the ‘disclosure of truth.’ It is initiated in the divine love and grace of God on behalf of His creatures. Revelation can be defined as the demonstration and sharing by God of His person, will, and redemptive activity.” (Taken from the book, ELEMENTAL THEOLOGY by Emery H. Bancroft. Copyright 1977 by Baptist Bible College. Used by permisssion of Zondervan Publishing House. p 13)

4. Bancroft, “Horne says revelation is ‘a discovery afforded by God to man of Himself, or of His will, over and above what He has made known by the light of nature, or reason.’” (Taken from the book, CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY by Emery H. Bancroft. Second revised edition Copyright 1976 by Baptist Bible College. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. p 25)

5. Buswell, “The word ‘revelation’ is of Latin derivation and means ‘unveiling’ It is the translation of the Greek ‘apokalypsis’.” Usually the word ‘revelation’ refers not to the unveiling, or making visible, of an object or a person, but to the making known of a truth. In Christian theology the doctrine of revelation is the doctrine of God’s making Himself, and relevant truths about Himself, known to man.” (Buswell, “A SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION”; p 183)

REVELATION CAN BE VIEWED IN VARIOUS WAYS:

First, it is through our senses that God reveals himself. Beyond that it is through our imaginations - –hich is infinite.

Through nature: (Rom 1) This is probably the major source of revelation aside from the written word.

Through our intellect: We can know something of Him by looking at nature and comprehending that information.

Our imaginations – they are infinite!!!!!!!!

His activities among the nations:

Revelation is God’s gracious showing of Himself to mankind through nature and the written Word.

TYPES OF GENERAL REVELATION:

1. GOD REVEALED THROUGH VOCAL COMMUNICATION: Samuel heard the Lord. He thought it was Eli speaking, thus it must have been audible, I Sam. 3:1-14. Several others in the Word are mentioned as having vocal communication with God as well. I will just list some of these with references for your further study. Adam, Gen 3:9-19; Abraham, Gen 12:1-3; Moses, Ex 20:1-17; Joshua, Joshua 1:1-9.

2. GOD REVEALED THROUGH DREAMS: Daniel 2:1-2 where Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which Daniel interpreted for him. It was a prophecy from the Lord via a dream.

Consider Jacob, Gen 28:12; Solomon, I Ki 3:5 & 9:2; Joseph, Matt 1:20; 2:13,19,22; Wisemen, Matt 2:12.

3. GOD REVEALED THROUGH VISIONS: The vision is similar to the dream, however the person having the vision seems to be awake. Again, I will just list people and references. Jacob, Gen 46:2; David, I Chron 21:16; Daniel, Daniel 2:19 where he receives the interpretation for Nebuchadnezzar’s dream; Ezekiel, Ezek 1; Cornelius and Peter, Acts 10:3-16; Paul, Acts 16:9; John, Rev 1:1.

4. GOD REVEALED THROUGH TRANCES: The trance seems to be a supernaturally-imposed sleep during which information is given. Acts 10:10 and 11:15 mention the trance of Peter when the sheet of animals came down to the rooftop, indicating that it was right and proper to accept Gentiles into the church.