Hermeneutics. Our Methodology --We use the Literal- Grammatical- and Historical- (contextual) Approach! Copyrighted by Dean S.

Transcription

1 Hermeneutics Our Methodology --We use the Literal- Grammatical- and Historical- (contextual) Approach!

2 Hermeneutics Literal Approach focuses on --Taking the plain meaning of the Text unless it makes no sense (It will make no sense if it is figurative or symbolic language).

3 Hermeneutics Literal Approach focuses on --The common sense or normal meaning of the actual words, phrases, and sentences used in the Text.

4 Hermeneutics Literal Approach focuses on --What was the normal common sense understanding of the author s words? --Not Allegorical (symbolic expression) --Not Spiritualizing (hidden sacred secondary meanings)

5 Hermeneutics Literal Approach focuses on taking the (continued) Plain sense of the Text Natural flow of the Pericope Normal meaning by the author and then expand to other authors

6 Hermeneutics Literal Approach focuses on taking the (continued) Customary usage (of ancient times) Straight forward language used Words at Face Value Take the word(s) Literally

7 Hermeneutics Literal Approach (continued) Note that the literal approach does not preclude Figures of Speech and Symbolic Language from the Text.

8 Hermeneutics The Literal Approach is based on the literal fulfillment Scripture Psalm 22 (Matt. 27:46) Isaiah 7:14; 53:1 12 Micah 5:2 (Matt. 2:6) Just to name a few!!!

9 Hermeneutics Grammatical Approach focuses on --The rules of grammar set forth by the original languages: ----O.T. Hebrew and Aramaic ----N.T. Greek and Aramaic See examples on next slides

10 Old Testament Example Proverbs 14:1 Wise Woman Builds בנה) {baw-naw'}) Grammar: verb qal perfect tense 3rd person feminine singular Completed Action. In Contrast to

11 Old Testament Example Proverbs 14:1 Foolish Tears Down with her Own Hands haras; Meaning: to throw down, break הרס) or tear down) Grammar: verb qal imperfect tense 3rd person feminine singular Incomplete Action.

12 Hermeneutics The Historical Approach focuses on The fact that the events of Scripture occurred at a point in time. This is the historical setting for which biblical times unfolded. Time (χρόνος chronos; Meaning: time) Synchronic (snapshot in time) Diachronic (throughout time)

13 Hermeneutics Let s not forget the importance of Context The Contextual Approach focuses on the biblical information that comes before and after a Target Passage Context is King See chart on following page

14 Biblical Entire Bible Context Testaments Book Chapter Segment Paragraph Verse

15 Hermeneutics Other contexts include (continued) Historical Geographical Theological Sociological/Anthropological

16 Bible study deals with two worlds. Ancient World Modern Day World Interpretation occurs in the Ancient World

17 Hermeneutics Perspective The Bible is a Theocentric Story That is, the Bible is centered around God the Father s right to rule on earth as He does in heaven and His right to love and to be loved.

18 Hermeneutics Perspective The Bible is a Theocentric Story (continued) Jesus is in the center of all the Father did, is doing, and will do!!! See a few Scriptures on the next slide as food for thought

19 Perspective Hermeneutics OT -- Gen. 3:15; Ps. 2; 110; Isa. 7:14-15; 9:6-7; 11:1-10; 52:13-53:12; Dan. 7:13-14; 9:24-27; Zech. 9:9; 14:1-9 NT -- Matt. 5:17-18; Mark 10:45; Luke 2:8-20; 24:27, 44; John 1:1-4; John 3:16-18; 5:39; Acts 1:8; 4:12; 10:38-45; Rom. 3:21-30; 5:1-21; 8:1, ; 1 Cor. 15:20-28; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:15-29; Eph. 1:3-23; 5:23; Phil. 2:9-11; 3:7-14; Col. 1:15-20; 1 Tim. 1:3-6; Hebrews 1-10 (chapters); 1 Pet. 1:17-21; Rev chapters.. just to name a few!!!

20 Hermeneutics What about Theology All of Scripture in the final analysis is from God to and through human agency. God is the source of information and meaning. See Romans 11:33-36, where God is the Initial Cause, the Effectual Cause, and the Final Cause

21 Hermeneutics What about Theology (continued) And, all meaning must be consistent with God s revelation See 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:16-21

22 Hermeneutics --Remember, we use the -Literal- -Grammaticaland - Historical- (with context) Approach!

23 Bible Study is a Journey of a Lifetime

24 INTRODUCTION --We use the Inductive Method - Definition: We let the Bible interpret itself.

25 First things first Prayer before you study! Prayer while you study! And Prayer after you study! Pray for understanding. See Prov. 4:7

26 * Our approach involves 4 Foundational Steps, and they are - Step #1: Observation (information) - Step #2: Interpretation (explanation) - Step #3: Correlation (validation) - Step #4: Application (incarnation)

27 The First Step of Inductive Bible Study Step One- Observation: Who are you? Who-Who-Who-Who? Ask, What do I see? View the information in the Text! Role of an Investigator (CSI Series)

28 The Second Step of Inductive Bible Study Step Two- Interpretation: Ask, What does it mean? Understand the information you viewed Role of an Interpreter (U.N.)

29 The Third Step of Inductive Bible Study Step Three- Correlation: Ask, What other Scriptures relate to this one? Look for other Scriptures that speak to the same issue Role of a Researcher

30 The Fourth Step of Inductive Bible Study Step Fourth - Application Just do it!!! Ask, What do I do? This is obeying God s word Role of an Implementer! James 1:22-25

31 The Four Steps of Inductive Bible Study Step One- Observation (information) Ask, What do I see? in the Text Role of an Investigator (CSI Series) Step Two- Interpretation (explanation) Ask, What does it mean? understanding the Text Role of an Interpreter (U.N.)

32 The Four Steps of Inductive Bible Study Step Three- Correlation (validation) Ask, What other Scriptures relate to this one? Role of a Researcher Step Four- Application (incarnation) Ask, What do I do? obey the Text Role of an Implementer (Just do it!!!)

33 Why is Hermeneutics Important? Bad hermeneutics involves Inaccurate observation leading to inaccurate interpretation which leads to inept - correlation that, ultimately leads to a failure with application!

34 *Remember, Our approach involves 4 Foundational Steps, and they are - Step #1: Observation (information) - Step #2: Interpretation (explanation) - Step #3: Correlation (validation) - Step #4: Application (incarnation)

35 Step #1: Observation Definition of to observe To be aware, take notice, to pay careful attention and To Make Note or Record

36 Step #1: Observation

37 Step #1: Observation

38 We Observe The 4 W s Who? What? Where? When?

39 The First of the 4 W s n WHO? n Look for people and/or personalities n Ask these question to ferret out the Text. uwho is speaking to whom? uwho is being written of or spoken about? uwho is he or she? Step #1: Observation

40 The First of the 4 W s n WHO? (continued) n You may not need to answer all these questions suggested above n You can have multiple who-s Step #1: Observation

41 The Second of the 4 W s WHAT? This is also called the Exegetical or Big Idea of the passage. Ask, What is this passage about (the Subject), and what is it saying about that subject (this is the Complement)? Step #1: Observation

42 The Second of the 4 W s WHAT? (continued) Because you are in the Ancient World write the What in the following manner: 1 complete sentence Past Tense Third Person Step #1: Observation

43 The Third of the 4 W s WHERE? Think Spaces and Places Ask, Where is this happening, etc For example, in the Temple, in a city or town, on a mountain, on the sea, at someone s house, on earth, in the world, etc You could have more than one where. Step #1: Observation

44 The Third of the 4 W s What happened on/near a Mountain Top Noah landed on MT. Ararat after the flood, Gen. 8:4 Abraham planned to slay Isaac by faith on Mt. Moriah, Gen. 22; Place of Solomon s Temple, 2 Chron. 3:1 Moses met with God on Mt. Sinai, Ex. 19:3, 20; Dt. 34:1 Step #1: Observation

45 The Third of the 4 W s What happened on/near a Mountain Top (continued) Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, 1 Kings 18 Jesus was transfigured, crucified, and will return on/near a Mountain, Matt. 17:1-2; 27:33; Luk. 23:33; John 19:17; Zech. 14:1-9 Step #1: Observation

46 WHEN? The Fourth of the 4 W s Ask, When is this happening? Focus on words denoting time! Words like: when, then, now, after, during, before, began, end, endless, started (or starting), stopped, while, during a kingly reign, year, day, hour, night, morning, 1 st to 4 th watch, etc. You could have more than one when. Step #1: Observation

47 The Fourth of the 4 W s Times and Events denoting the WHEN Patriarchal Period Day of Atonement Miraculous Time Periods Moses Day Elijah and Elisha s Day Jesus Day and the Apostles Day Pilgrimage Festivals Step #1: Observation

48 Mark 1:14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, Step #1: Observation

49 Remember, We Observe The 4 W s Who? What? Where? When?

50 There is one more W

51 5 th W (Only use when necessary) The 5 th W is the Wow Factor After recording the 4 W s, then record anything that makes you go Wow. The Wow Factor includes anything that shocks your senses, gives you a knee jerk reaction, and/or is extraordinary; (miracles; inclement weather; noteworthy matters; unusual characteristics of people, places, things, events, ideas, etc.)

52 Remember, We Observe The 4 W s Plus a 5 th W Who? What? Where? When? WOW!!!

53 Analyze the S-A-L-T Structure Words and Syntax Atmosphere Mood, Tone, and Feel from original Author/Audience s view. Literary Form Genre Terms (key words)

54 Analyze the S-A-L-T Structure How did the Author organize his thoughts? Look for the main Subject(s) Verb(s) Key Nouns Object(s)

55 Structure Analyze the S-A-L-T Examine the words, syntax, and paragraph breaks. Questions/Answers Complete/Incomplete Sentences Dependent/Independent Clauses Transitional Phrases Summary Verses.

56 Analyze the S-A-L-T Structure (also includes) The Laws of Relationship and Structure: -Repetition -Generalization -Comparison -Cause/Effect -Contrast -Introduction -Emphasis -Summarization -Interchange -Interrogation -Particularization -Pivot -Emphasis -Climax

57 Analyze the S-A-L-T Atmosphere Mood Tone The feel of the Passage from the original Author/Audience s point of view.

58 Analyze the S-A-L-T Atmosphere Examples: Excitement Trust or Confidence Fear Frustration Anticipation Inquisition Gladness or Sadness Gratitude Love Etc.

59 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form is the type of genre God uses to speak to us in His Word Narrative: Broad category in which the story is prominent; includes historical accounts; structured is conveyed through plots; characters undergo psychological and spiritual development. Selected events used to convey meaning. Events juxtaposed for contrast and comparison.

60 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Historical a report or account of actual events in the past. Biographical a written account of a person s life drafted or composed by another. Gospels books on the life and times of Jesus Christ our Lord.

61 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Dialogue a conversation between two or more people. Doctrine a statement of religious beliefs, creed, theology, articles of faith, etc.

62 Literary Form Analyze the S-A-L-T Apocalyptic-- Dramatic and highly symbolic material; Vivid imagery; Stark contrast of events take place on a global scale; Frequently narrated in first person as an eyewitness account; Portrays a cosmic struggle between good and evil. Exposition -- carefully reasoned argument or explanation; well organized; logical flow; terms are crucial; builds to a logical compelling climax. The aim is agreement and action.

63 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Poetry -- Verse intended to be spoken or sung to a rhythm rather than read Emphasis is on cadence and the sound of words. Vivid images and symbols appeal to the emotions; May employ features of encomium (high praise) Pastoral and other literary styles; The O.T. uses parallelism frequently.

64 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Parable -- An earthly story with a heavenly meaning Brief oral story illustrating moral, spiritual, and/or theological truth; Frequently relies on stock characters and stereotypes; Presents scenes and activities commonly known about everyday life. Encourages reflections and introspection.

65 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Prophecy -- An authoritative presentation of God s will and words; Frequently intended as corrective in nature Intended to motivate change through warnings; Both: Forth-Telling and Foretelling Reveals God s plan in the near and distant future

66 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Proverb -- Short, pithy statement of a general moral truth Counseling Setting Reduces life to black and white categories; Points readers towards the right path and away from evil; Heavy use of parallelism and figurative language

67 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Wisdom Literature -- A broad category in which an ancient sage (seasoned person) relates gnomic truth to a younger person May use parables or proverbs Gives observations on wisdom, life, death, work, money, power, time, the earth, etc. Appeals to one on the basis of human experience

68 Analyze the S-A-L-T nliterary Form uwisdom Literature tjob tpsalm 37; 90 tproverbs tecclesiastes Step #1: Observation

69 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Encomium -- Songs of high praise for someone or something; rehearses in glowing terms the subject s origins, acts, attributes, or superiority; exhorts the reader to incorporate the same feature into his own life. 1 Sam. 2:1-10; Psalm 19; 118:1, 29 Prov. 8:22-36; 31:10-31; Song of Solomon; John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1-3.

70 Analyze the S-A-L-T nliterary Form uoratory -- Stylized by an oral presentation of an argument; uses formal conventions of rhetoric; frequently quotes from authorities well known to listeners; usually designed to exhort and persuade. tmatt. 5-7; John 13-17; Acts 7; Acts 17:22-31; Acts 22:1-21; Acts 24:10-21 Step #1: Observation

71 Analyze the S-A-L-T nliterary Form upastoral -- Literature dealing with the theme of a shepherd; very descriptive and assignment oriented; ufocus is on the shepherd (pastor), leadership, church organizer, and his sheep (parishioner). tps. 23; Isa. 40:11; John 10:1-18; 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus. Step #1: Observation

72 Analyze the S-A-L-T nliterary Form usatire -- Exposes and ridicules human vices and foolishness; uit is employed by various literary styles, especially narratives, biographies, and proverbs; ugives warnings to readers through a negative example. tprov. 24:30-34; Ezekiel 34; Luke 18:1-8; 2 Cor. 11:1-12:1 Step #1: Observation

73 Analyze the S-A-L-T Literary Form Tragedy -- delineates the downfall of a person; uses selected events to show the path toward ruin; problems usually revolve around a critical flaw in the person s character and moral choices; warns readers through a negative example. See the stories of: Lot; Samson; Saul; Ananias and Sapphira Step #1: Observation

74 Analyze the S-A-L-T Terms (key words) Look for key words, phrases, etc. Use the following reference books English Dictionary or Lexicon Concordance Bible Encyclopedia Bible Atlas (maps)

75 Remember, Analyze the S-A-L-T Structure Atmosphere Literary Form Terms

76 Exercise #3 Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.