Hermeneutics

Course Outline

1. Process of Divine Communication

2. Preparation for Interpretation

3. Principle of Literal Interpretation

4. Practice of Literal Interpretation

Process of Divine Communication

Preparation for Interpretation

1. We must be spiritually reborn. 1 Cor. 2:14

2. We must be spiritually guided. 1 Cor. 2:12

3. We must be spiritually diligent. 2 Tim. 2:15

4. We must be spiritually hungry. 1 Pet. 2:2-3

“The literal interpretation of

Scripture is giving to it the same meaning

one would give to any normal conversation or piece of writing.”

Principle of Literal Interpretation

“Thou shalt understand, therefore, that the Scripture hath but one sense, which

is the literal sense. And that literal sense is the root and ground of all, and the anchor that never faileth, whereunto if thou cleave thou canst never err nor go

out of the way. And if thou leave the literal sense, thou canst not but go out of

the way.”—William Tyndale, 1536

1. It is consistent with the principle used in

interpreting all literature.

2. It makes us less apt to “spiritualize” Bible

verses or speculate as to their meaning.

Advantages of Literal Interpretation

3. It makes us less apt to use “magical” ways of applying Bible verses.

4. It forces us to interpret all passages using the same methods, protecting us

from doctrinal error.

5. It keeps us focused on our task—finding the literal meaning of the

passage.

Problem of Figurative Language

He shall cover you with His feathers,And under His wings you shall take refuge.

Psalm 91:4

Plethora of Figurative Language

Parables of Jesus

Psalms of David

The Bible was written in

Hebrew and Greek—two

languages filled with figurative

language.

Literal Interpretation seeksOne Literal Meaning

expressed by

Plain LiteralStatement

(Normal Senseof the Words)

Figurative Literal Statement(Figure ofSpeech)

Either Or

Literal Interpretation seeksOne Literal Meaning

expressed by

Either OrUsain Boltruns…

Steps to Deciding betweenPlain-Literal & Figurative Literal

Statements

1. Assume Plain Literal—Psalm 122:6

—Isaiah 11:6

—Matthew 28:6

2. If it contradicts clear Scripture or known

fact, look for a figure of speech.

—Joshua 10:12-13

—Galatians 2:9

—Ezekiel 28:13-15

Steps to Deciding betweenPlain-Literal & Figurative Literal

Statements

3. Seek an explanation for the figure in the immediate context.

—Revelation 1:12, 20

—Revelation 20:1-3

—Revelation 20:2-6

Steps to Deciding betweenPlain-Literal & Figurative Literal

Statements

1. My dog is a real gem!2. The ship sailed around

the world.3. Harry’s mind went blank.4. In 6 days God created the

heavens and the earth.5. My sister is a pig!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?Is it plain-literal or figurative literal?

Psalm 119:11 Psalm 119:105 Matthew 1:23 Luke 13:32 Isaiah 11:7 John 6:48 Revelation 21:18-21

WHAT DO YOU THINK?Is it plain-literal or figurative literal?

1. Why the Context Mattersa. The Immediate Contextb. The Historical Backgroundc. The Geographical Setting

For next time…Practice of Literal Interpretation

2. How to Do a Word Studya. Picking the right wordb. Knowing how to study itc. Using the right tools

For next time…Practice of Literal Interpretation