Three Video Clips: describe the genre before you watch the clip, then make observations about clip. Describe the Genre: Observe the Clip:

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1 Hermeneutics 101 Learning to Study & Apply the Bible Session #3 Hebrews 4:12-13 (HCSB) 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account. Part 1: Scripture Memory & Prayer Break into pairs, say all of your memory verses, and pray for one another. Part 2: Review & Accountability Review: Accountability: What was last week s hermeneutical principle? How did it help you in last week s readings? How did last week s readings go? What challenges are you facing? Part 3: Today s Study, Observation, part 3 Opening Illustration understanding genres Three Video Clips: describe the genre before you watch the clip, then make observations about clip Clip #1: 90 seconds from The Simpsons Describe the Genre: Observe the Clip: Clip #2: 90 seconds from Avatar Describe the Genre: Observe the Clip:

2 What lessons have you learned about the importance of genre from this simple exercise? Bible Observation Principle #3: Literary Genre shapes interpretative decisions! We need to recognize the importance of identifying literary genres in the Bible* 1- Narrative = broad category used to described literature where story and plot development are prominent; various events, characters, and structures are used to convey meaning along a plot line (examples: Genesis, Acts, Judges) 2- Biography = close-up view of an individual s life; record of selected events to reveal the character of the person in view (examples: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Jesus) 3- Poetry = verse intended to be spoken or sung, emphasis on cadence and sounds of words, vivid images and symbols, emotive (examples: Job, Psalms, Song of Solomon) 4- Epistle (or exposition) = carefully reasoned argument of explanation, organized in a logical flow, builds to a logical climax (examples: Ephesians, Hebrews, James) 5- Prophecy = strident, authoritative presentation of God s will and words, intended to correct and motivate through warnings; foretells God s plans (example: Isaiah) 6- Wisdom = a broad category marked by older, seasoned person giving counsel to a younger, inexperienced person on fundamental issues of life (examples: Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes) 7- Parable = brief oral story illustrating a moral; presents scenes and activities common to everyday life (examples: 2 Samuel 12:1-6, Matthew 13:1-53, Luke 15) 8- Apocalyptic = dramatic, highly symbolic material with vivid imagery intended to produce stark contrast; cosmic struggle on global scale (examples: Revelation & parts of Daniel) 9- Oratory (sermons) = stylized presentation using rhetoric and authoritative quotes for the purpose of exhortation and persuasion (examples: John 13-17, Acts 22, 24, 26) *Categories & definitions adapted from Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks ( 2007) What does it mean to read the Bible literally? -NOT to observe the literal meaning of individual words taken out of literary context -TO observe the contextual meaning of the words as they are used in a literary genre (in the normative, natural sense of language) Example #1: Luke 13: At that time some Pharisees came and told Him, Go, get out of here! Herod wants to kill You! 32 He said to them, Go tell that fox, Look! I m driving out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day will complete My work. What does the word fox mean in this verse? How did you know that it meant that?

3 Example #2: Psalm 63:7 because You are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. What does the phrase Your wings mean in this verse? How did you know that it meant that? Example #3: Habakkuk 3:16-19 (tougher one) 16 I heard, and I trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Rottenness entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Now I must quietly wait for the day of distress to come against the people invading us. 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will triumph in Yahweh; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! 19 Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! What genre of literature is this? How does knowing that impact the observations we make? These examples demonstrate the importance of observing figures of speech We must ask, What kind of language are we dealing with? To treat figurative language as if it were literal, and to treat literal language as if it were figurative, constitute two of the greatest hindrances to understanding the meaning of the Bible. Robertson McQuilkin, Understanding and Applying the Bible 1- Simile = comparing something with like or as As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God (Psalm 42:1) 2- Metaphor = comparing something directly to something else You are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13) I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. (John 15:1) 3- Personification = attributing personal attributes to non-personal objects or God Himself Wisdom calls out in the street, she raises her voice in the public square. (Proverbs 1:20) 4- Hyperbole = using exaggeration and overstatement for effect (to make a point) Blind guides! You strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel! (Matthew 23:24) 5- Rhetorical Questions = asking a question without expecting an answer (& supplying it) What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? (Rom 6:1) 6- Idioms = an expression that means something different than the sum of the individual words because of cultural understanding We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. (1 Thess 4:13)

4 Remember: Wise interpretation is based on abundant observation. Foolish interpretation is based on inadequate observation. Get Into the Text: First By Yourself- Psalm 1:1-6 1 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! 2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not survive the judgment, and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin. Make 10 Total Observations: (remember: don t jump ahead to interpretation) Now with the Group- Go around the table and share three of your best observations about the text with the others in your group. As others share, write down three observations that you didn t get on your own: 1 2 3

5 Lessons Learned: What lessons did you learn by observing genre & figures of speech? What lessons did you learn today by listening to other people s observations? Do it Again (for practice at home): Proverbs 1:1-6 Final Observation Tip (as you observe in your reading next week): Make notes in your Bible (writing down your observations as you go) Scripture Memory (for next week): Hebrews 4:12-13