Hermeneutics Seminar Student Minister Derek A. Nicksich Nov. 27, 2016 Definition of Hermeneutics: Merriam-Webster s Dictionary defines hermeneutics as the study of methodological principles of interpretation and even applies it directly to the Bible (Hermeneutic, n.d.). 1 One could say hermeneutics is the study of the principles that govern interpretation. In other words, biblical hermeneutics studies the proper process and procedure for understanding the Bible. Origin of the word Hermeneutics: The term hermeneutics traces its origin to the Greek word hermeneuo, meaning to explain or to interpret (Vine, 330) 2. History behind the word derives from the Ancient Greeks naming their messenger god Hermes, whom the Romans later renamed Mercury. Use of hermeneuo and its derivative words are found throughout Scripture. Examples of Hermenueo in Scripture: Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, What are you seeking? And they said to him, Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying? (John 1:38). and said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing (John 9:7). For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace (Hebrews 7:2). 1 Hermeneutic. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from http:// www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hermeneutics 2 W.E. Vine, Merril F. Unger, William White, Jr., Vine s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1985), 330). 1
The Significance of Hermeneutics: Hermeneutics is a foundational element of understanding and applying Scripture. Therefore, among the religious disciplines, hermeneutics has far-reaching implications. Robert L. Thomas illustrates this relationship between hermeneutics and the various religious disciplines. 3 3 Robert L. Thomas, Introduction to Exegesis (Fort Worth, TX: Tyndale Theological Seminary, 2014), 12. 2
Dangers of Twisting Scripture: 1. Twisting Scripture leads to Sin. Satan twisted Scripture in Genesis 3, leading to Adam and Eve s sin against God. In John 8:44, Jesus affirms Satan is a liar and the father of lies. 2. Twisting Scripture leads to Confusion and Disunity. Paul identified Hymenaeus and Philetus as two men who swerved from the truth and twisting Scripture by saying the resurrection has already happened (2 Timothy 2:17-18). These men were upsetting the faith of some. 3. Twisting Scripture leads to Destruction Peter identifies the ignorant and unstable as those who twist the Scripture to to their own destruction (2 Peter 2:16). Beware of False Teachers: False teachers propound the lies of Satan. Jesus said that those who do not accept the word of God are of your the devil, and your will is to do your father s desires (John 8:44). He further stated that, Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God (John 8:47). In Acts 20:28, Paul instructs the Ephesian elders to pay careful attention to their own teaching and to the flock in which God has made them overseers. He warns them of fierce wolves" speaking twisted things in order to draw away the disciples (Acts 20:29). Paul knows the word has the power to build up the church and to give salvation (Acts 20:32), and thus he charges the elders to guard the word against their enemies. Paul carries this same warning in 1 Timothy 1, 4, and 6 as a major theme. In addition, 2 Timothy 1-4 addresses the issue of false teaching. Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared (1 Timothy 4:1-2). 3
Hermeneutical Approaches: Generally, there are four approaches to the discipline of hermeneutics. 1. *Author-Oriented Hermeneutic (*I will argue for this approach). 2. Text-Oriented Hermeneutic 3. Reader-Oriented Hermeneutic 4. Community-Oriented Hermeneutic Author-Oriented Hermeneutic Definition: The author determines the meaning of the text, which is limited to wha the author wants the reader to understand by the language of the text. Illustration: A husband writes his spouse a love note that is left on the refrigerator inviting her on a weekend getaway (without indicating himself as the author, or his spouse as the recipient). Approximately one week later, the couple leaves town for the weekend getaway. Advantages: There is a singular, objective meaning. In other words, the author (husband) determines the meaning of the text (an invitation to a weekend getaway) through his words. Or, the author (Paul) determines the meaning of the text (a letter to the church in Philippi) through his words. Disadvantages: The connection between author and text is not always as solid as we prefer. There may exist certain ambiguities due to the text and lack of author clarity. Dualauthorship presents a complication, can the divine author intend or mean more than the human author? (see, The Question of Dual-Authorship below) Evidence for Author-Oriented Hermeneutic: God is the originator of Scripture. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Men authored Scripture through God, the Holy Spirit. 4
knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21 God is ultimately the author of Scripture, who works through the human authors to give the text the meaning He intends. The question of dual-authorship: The challenge of dual-authorship exists, can the divine author intend or mean more than the human author? Biblical scholars have essentially answered this question with two views. Confluence - Both the divine and human authors intend the same thing. Both God and the human author of Scripture speak through a megaphone in tandem. Sensus Planor - Latin term meaning Fuller Sense indicating the divine author added meaning to the words of the human author. Problem lies in an underlying presupposition of the human author being near-sighted and dumb. Evidence for Confluence: Paul sets the gospel forth as that which was promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scripture, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh (Romans 1:2-3). Peter preaches at Pentecost citing the fulfillment of Joel s prophecy, and quoting the prophet s words, And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17). Notice that Joel s words are God s words, and yet God s words are Joel s words. Furthermore, the Apostle Peter confirms that David spoke of Christ in Psalms 16. Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption (Acts 2:30-31). 5
The author of Hebrews writes, Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world (1:1-2). Main Objection to Confluence by Sensus Planor: Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories (1 Peter 1:10-11). Problem with Objection: Text does not exclusively and definitively eliminate Confluence. Text-Oriented Hermeneutic: Definition: Any meaning possible within the text is possible (if the text allows for that meaning historically and grammatically). Advantages: An interpreter can present the options and views of the text, but does not propose a solution. The advantage lies in not having to work hard to pursue a single meaning or option. Disadvantages: The interpreter lacks certainty of Scripture, and precision in understanding the meaning of the text. There is incredible ambiguity and uncertainty in regarding the text, leading down a dangerous pathway of false theology. Reader-Oriented Hermeneutic: Definition: The text is a blank page for the reader to write his own ideas into it. What does the text mean to you? Illustration: The husband s spouse asks her friend to take care of the dogs over the weekend, giving her a spare key. Reading the note on the refrigerator, the wife s friend cancels her weekend plans, packs her bag, and sends an email to her wife s friend accepting his invitation and indicating she has had feelings for him all along. Advantages: You can make Scripture say what you want it to say regardless of grammatical rules and historical context. 6
Disadvantages: There is no sense of accountability because truth becomes relative to the reader. A unified and central meaning of the text, universal for all people is laid slain to this hermeneutic. Scripture blatantly rejects this approach. knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Community-Oriented Hermeneutic Definition: The community determines the meaning of the text (ex. a religious group, denomination, pope, or pastor). Advantages: There is unity and continuity within the group (ex. Catholic church). A certain dogma is expressed and the community believes and conforms. Disadvantages: There is a rejection of ultimate truth and no consensus of ultimate authority. Also, a danger exists of the logical fallacy appeal to authority (ex. Because they said so ). Response to this should always be, what gives them the authority? Hermeneutics in Conversation: Speech Act Theory by J.L. Austin - How Communication Works J.L. Austin was a British philosopher of language who developed the theory of speech acts. Austin categorized speech into three actions. Locution: The words used, or what is said. Illocution: The meaning of the words, or the significance behind them. Perlocution: The application of the words, or what happened as a result. Illustration: A husband employs locution by asking his wife at the dinner table, Is there any salt? The illocutionary act (the meaning or significance) is effectively please give me the salt even though the locutionary act (the literal sentence) was to ask a question about the 7
presence of the salt. The perlocutionary act (the intended application behind the words), was to cause somebody to hand over the salt. Hermeneutics is properly reading and hearing the locution, and pursuing the proper illocution, so that the perlocution is correct. In other words, if a wife hears the locution ( is there any salt ) but attributes a different illocution (meaning) to the locution, ( your food doesn t taste very good ), this may affect her perlocution ( causing a pile of salt on her husband s food). Conclusion: Hermeneutics focuses on the illocution, or meaning, of the Bible. It is a foundational discipline because the meaning of the words have significant impact concerning the application of God s words. God calls His people to rightly interpret and understand His Word, so that it may lead to proper application and observation. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart (Psalm 119:34). Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Hermeneutics in the Bible: The Interpretive Journey (Duvall & Hayes) 4 The Goal: grasping the meaning of the text that God has intended. The River Problem: We cannot always apply meaning for the ancient audiences of Scripture to our contemporary audience today because of the river that separates us. The river constitutes wide expanses that separate the ancient audience from the contemporary audience (culture, time, situation, covenant, etc.). The Principlizing Bridge: Many texts in the Bible are specific, concrete, revelatory expressions of broader, universal realities or theological principles (Duvall & Hayes, 21). That is to say, a text may contain historical expressions, pertinent to the biblical audience, but broader theological principles that are applicable to all of God s people at all times. Therefore, the theological principles that has meaning and application to both the ancient biblical audience and Christians today serves as the principlizing bridge that spans the gap between the biblical and contemporary audience. 4 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hayes, Grasping God s Word (Zondervan: 2005), 21. 8
Constructing The Principlizing Bridge: Step 1: Grasping the Text in Their Town Question: What did the Text mean to the biblical audience? Read the text carefully and observe it. Scrutinize the grammar and analyze all significant words. Study the historical and literary contexts. Examine the relevance of the text in contrast to passages that precede follow it. and Synthesize the meaning of the passage for the biblical audience into one or two sentences. Use past-tense herbs and refer to the biblical audience. For example: God commanded the Israelites in Joshua 1 to Jesus encouraged his disciples by Be specific. Do not generalize or try to develop theological principles yet. Step 2: Measuring the Width of the River to Cross Question: What are the differences between the biblical audience and us? The width of the river varies from passage to passage (a narrow creek at times to a wide and turbulent river). Look for significant differences between our situation today and the situation of the biblical audience. Christians today are separated from the biblical audience by differences in: Culture Language Situation Time Covenant 9
For example: In Joshua 1:1-9, the people of Israel are preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses has just died and Joshua has been appointed to take his place. In this passage, God speaks to Joshua to encourage him to be strong and faithful in the upcoming conquest of the land. What are the differences? Contemporary audiences today are not entering or conquering the Promised Land. We are not the new leaders of the nation of Israel. We are not under the old covenant. Step 3: Crossing the Principlizing Bridge: Question: What is the theological principle in this text? Perhaps the most challenging step on the interpretive journey where you grasping the meaning of the text intended by God, and the universal theological principle(s) within the text that span the river between the biblical audience and contemporary audience. To grasp the theological principle: First, recall the differences you identified in Step 2. Next, try to identify any similarities between the situation of the biblical audience and our situation. For example: In Joshua 1:1-9, differences exist between the biblical audience and us. However, similarities also exist such as we are also the people of God, in covenant relationship (new covenant). We are not leaders of Israel, but many people are called to leadership positions in the church. We are not invading the Promised Land, but we are seeking to obey God s will and to accomplish what he has commanded us to do. After reviewing the differences and similarities, return to the meaning for the biblical audience that you described in Step 1 and try to identify a broader theological principle reflected in the text, but also one that relates to the similarities between us and the biblical audience. This theological principle will serve as one or all of the principlizing bridge by which we can cross over the river of barriers. The theological principle you derive should not only be reflected in the passage but also be congruent with the rest of Scripture. Suggested criteria for formulating the theological principle: The principle should be reflected in the text. 10
The principle should be timeless and not tied to a specific situation. The principle should not be culturally bound. The principle should correspond to the teaching of the rest of Scripture. The principle should be relevant to both the biblical and contemporary audience. Step 4: Grasping the Text in Our Town Question: How should individual Christians today apply the theological principle in their lives? We apply the theological principle to the specific situation of individual Christians in the church today. We cannot leave the meaning of the text stranded in an abstract theological principle, but must now grapple with how we should respond to that principle in our town. How does it apply in real-life situations today? Each passage will usually only contain a few (and often only one) theological principles relevant for all Christians today, there will be numerous applicational possibilities. Each of us will grasp and apply the same theological principle in slightly different ways, depending our current life situation and were we are in our relationship with God. In Summary: The Interpretive Journey Step 1: Grasp the text in their town. What did the text mean to the original audience? Step 2: Measure the width of the river to cross. What are the differences between the biblical audience and us? Step 3: Cross the principlizing bridge. What is the theological principle in this text? Step 4: Grasp the text in our town. How should individual Christians today apply the theological principle in their lives? 11
Principles to Guide Your Hermeneutics: (Derek A. Nicksich) General Principles of Hermeneutics: The Analogy of Faith: Scripture is to interpret Scripture Scripture cannot be interpreted to conflict with what is clearly taught elsewhere in Scripture. The Law of Noncontradiction necessitates the singular truth of God s written Word, and refutes the possibility of multiple contradicting truths taught in Scripture. Numbers 23:19 says, God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Writing to Titus, the Apostle Paul also affirms Numbers 23:19 stating God never lies (Titus 1:2). The literal meaning of these passages is that God does not lie and does not change his mind. If God contradicted himself, we could not believe what He said. If two people give a contradictory understanding of a text, either one of them is wrong or they are both wrong. Both cannot be right, or truth becomes relative. The law of noncontradiction removes the validity of relativity. For example, God cannot punish Adam and Eve s disobedience if contradiction and truth were compatible. Relative truth negates the idea that God could have found Adam and Eve guilty of his prohibition against eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. God could not have meant both do not eat the fruit and you may eat the fruit at the same time. The Literal Authorial Principle Scripture should be interpreted in its literal and natural sense (unless the literary context and genre suggest otherwise) according to the normal rules of grammar, speech, syntax, and context. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech (Genesis 11:7). The context of Genesis 11 establishes mankind s desire to construct a tower into the sky and make a name for themselves. The Lord comes down to see the city and then addresses himself in the plural. God s chosen speech suggests this syntax is intentional. The Lord is used in the singular sense until Genesis 11:7. Similar arrangement of words is found in Genesis 3:22, Then the LORD God said, Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever Applying the analogy of faith leads us to conclude the phrasing found throughout Genesis is intentional and to eliminate the rules of grammar opens a door to chaotic interpretation devoid of reason. Interpret the Bible within the literary genre it is written. A literal interpretation of Scripture does not necessitate a literal interpretation removed from its literary genre. The Bible contains a plethora of written material ranging from historical narrative to poetry, parables, and symbols. Every passage of Scripture must find proper interpretation 12
within the literary genre it is written. For example, parables are interpreted as parables and not as literal historical events. When Nathan tells King David a parable, the two men in the story are not an actual rich man and poor man. Instead, the two men are King David and his murdered soldier Uriah (2 Samuel 12:1-15). Proper interpretation will understand the literary genre of each portion of Scripture. Do not speak into the Scriptures, let the Scriptures speak into you. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There is authorial intent in every text, first from God and second from the human author. These intentions are not in contradiction but in unity and clarity. We do not create the meaning of a text, it is the same for all Christians. Spiritualizing the text with our own personal interpretation is dangerous. Instead, we are to discover the meaning of the text as restricted to its historical, grammatical, and literal context. Utilize text-oriented commentaries to examine your interpretive conclusions from Scripture. 5 Examining a variety of commentaries will help weigh your conclusions regarding Scripture. Listening from authors who apply the general principles laid above and below, and who hold a high view of Scripture, will prevent error in your interpretation. One meaning derives from the text, though many applications may also come. This is to ensure a relative understanding of Scripture does not permeate Bible interpretation. Allow for the historical context to guide your interpretation. Pay attention to cultural studies and understand passages like Habakkuk within its historical context (judgment by the Chaldeans, and later Persians). Pay attention to the rules of grammar. Grammar applies to Scripture from the original documents to the translations. God is not an author of confusion. Hermeneutical Principles regarding the Godhead: The Old Testament distinguishes between members of the Godhead. Isaiah 61:1 illustrates a relationship between the anointed messenger of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, and Yahweh himself, The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me 5Kay Arthur and David Arthur and Pete De Lacy, The New How To Study Your Bible, (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House, 2010), 60. 13
to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Jesus distinguished between members of the Trinity, indicating himself as the messenger of the Lord. Jesus also interpreted the prophet Isaiah s words (61:1) as distinguishing members of the trinity and including himself as the messenger of the Lord saying, Today this Scripture (L)has been fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21). Sometimes the New Testament may clarify when a member of the Godhead is distinguished from another in the Old Testament. Peter s Pentecost sermon interprets the words of David in Psalm 16:8-11 as foreseeing and speaking of the death of Christ (Acts 2:24-31). Hermeneutical Principles regarding Symbolism: Look for the text to identify a symbol within its present context. One should not say the head of gold (Daniel 2:32) is a symbol until it s symbolic status is evidence by a stated meaning within the near or remote context (Daniel 2:38). The meaning of a symbol should only derive from the text, and not from the reader s interpretation or any extra-biblical source. The Goat in Daniel 8:5 is a symbol of the king of Greece (Daniel 8:21), and not a symbol of Alexander the Great, Donald Trump, or John MacArthur. A symbol stands for something else, and should be regarded as figurative language once the meaning is established. The prostitute in Revelation 17:1 does not transform her being into a literal city in verse 18. If a symbol s stated meaning is not within the text, consult parallel Scripture references and determine the similarities and ultimately the meaning behind the symbol (Apply the Analogy of Faith). Though Jesus is not referred to as the slain lamb in heaven by name (Revelation 5:6), we conclude from supporting Scripture that the lamb named is Christ. Isaiah refers to a man who was punished for our sins (53:5) and was like a lamb that is led to the slaughter (53:7). John the Baptist declares his cousin Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and the Apostle Paul states Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 15:7). A symbol may represent a past, present, or future event, action, or person. The historical and literal context of the literary genre behind each symbol will help determine the proper meaning and fulfillment behind each symbol. 14
Hermeneutical Principles regarding Parables: Parables delineate between two intended groups of hearers, dependent on the context. In Mark 4, Jesus informs his disciples they have been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables (4:11). In other words, Jesus explains the parable of the sower to his disciples only (Mark 4:10), and not to the crowds around him. He further cites Isaiah 6:9-10 as a means of distinguishing between these two groups, and explaining his actions. Generally, a central point is emphasized within a parable. Where there may be additional points, let the Scriptures interpret the Scriptures or the speaker of the parable explain its meaning. When the additional points may remain unclear, look to the surrounding context of Scripture to discern additional points. Jesus tells a parable of a farmer sowing seed in Luke 8:5-8. The point of the passage is about the Word of God (Luke 8:11) and its effect on the heart of mankind. The additional points of this parable, the different stages of the soil are derived from the speaker s explanation. If the additional points offered in Scripture, like the identity of the two sons and father in Luke 15, one must read the surrounding context to determine the savior and sinner relationship between the father and his two sons. Parables are not limited to merely stories with a plot but may also utilize a multitude of literary techniques (i.e. metaphors, figures of speech, and similitude). 6 In Matthew 13, Jesus uses a similitude to compare the preaching of the word of God to a sower sowing seed. In addition, Jesus utilizes a metaphor to illustrate how Christians are to live in the world as salt and light (Matthew 5:13). Avoid allegorizing parables and look to the author of the parables to explain any significant meaning behind the details of the parables. Augustine presented an allegorization of Jesus good Samaritan parable, dissecting the most minute details for hidden meaning and significance (Duvall & Hayes, 260). This approach easily leads one into a reader-based hermeneutic, imposing meaning on the Scriptures and excluding the plain and literal meaning of the text. Hermeneutical Principles regarding Prophecy: When reading apocalyptic literature, look to the surrounding books of the Bible to interpret the meaning of symbols. 7 Prophecies could refer to either a present or near fulfillment, a future fulfillment, or a simultaneous near and then future fulfillment. 6 Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, (Zondervan: 2003), 152. 7 R.C. Sproul, Knowing Scripture, (Downers Grove: IVP, 1977), 99. 15
Pay attention to phrasing of the prophecies in regards to its timing. Jesus predicts a great tribulation (Matthew 24:1), and then clarifies its timing saying after the tribulation the Son of man will come on the clouds of heaven with power and glory (Matthew 29-30). Consider the historical context to aid in your interpretation of prophecy. For example, reading the historical context of Habakkuk will aid in determining prophetic prediction of future events. In Habakkuk 1:6, God is raising up the Chaldeans to inflict judgement on Israel. Hermeneutical Principles regarding Narrative: God is the central figure. 8 Remember that Samson received his strength from God, and Abraham received a sacrifice provided by God on Mount Moriah. God blessed Abraham with many children, and anointed David as the king of Israel. God guided the genealogy of Jesus to encompass the patriarchs David and Abraham through Joseph s bloodline, and yet a miraculous virgin birth through the Holy Spirit. God is the alpha and the omega (Revelation 22:13). Narrative generally shows how the men and women of God lived, and not so much why they lived that way. Look elsewhere in Scripture to understand the purpose behind many of the men and women s actions in narratives. Samson was not allowed to cut his hair (Judges 13:5), because he was called to be a Nazarite (Numbers 6:22-27). This explains the purpose behind his actions, and eventual demise at the hands of Delilah. Hermeneutical Principles regarding Proverbs: Utilizing a literal interpretation at all times in the wisdom proverbs may lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Proverbs 26:4 encourages one not to answer a fool according to his folly. The subsequent proverb encourages one to answer a fool as his folly deserves (26:5). Taken literally in a dogmatic fashion, the proverb seems contradictory. However, scripture cannot contradict scripture and one must find truth in both phrases. 9 8 8 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hayes, Grasping God s Word (Zondervan: 2005), 106. 9R.C. Sproul, Knowing Scripture, (Downers Grove: IVP, 1977), 89. 16
Look for a universal principle behind each proverb that transcends it s cultural distinctions. 10 Proverbs are wisdom principles that do not always translate to universal truths applicable at all times. 11 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want (Proverbs 11:24). The proverb does not necessitate a universal truth that at all times when someone suffers wants whenever they withhold generosity. However, applying the analogy of faith leads us to understand that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10) causing many to wander from the faith. Where generosity is waning, a great need for salvation is growing. Further Resources: Biblical Hermeneutics: Grasping God s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible: (J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays). How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: (Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart) Knowing Scripture: (R.C. Sproul) The New How To Study Your Bible (Kay Arthur, David Arthur & Pete De Lacy). Historical-Cultural Context of the Bible: Bible Handbooks: Brief introductions to each book of the Bible and an equally brief running commentary on the entire biblical text. Old Testament and New Testament Introductions & Surveys: Detailed background information on each book as well as an overview of the book s contents. Further discussion concerning authorship, date, recipients, situation, purpose, and more. Commentaries: Detailed background information on a particular book (i.e. Philippians), or a few particular books (i.e. Genesis - Numbers). More in-depth discussion concerning authorship, date, recipients, situation, purpose, and more. 10Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, (Zondervan: 2003), 237-238. 11 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hayes, Grasping God s Word (Zondervan: 2005), 393. 17
Bible Atlases: Will aid in learning about the people, places, and events mentioned in your passage. Colorful maps of the land, pictures of important sites, and helpful charts of political and religious leaders will aid your study of the various periods of biblical history. Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias: Information for a particular topic mentioned your passage, such as the Garden of Gethsemane. These recourses arrange the topics alphabetically. Old Testament and New Testament Histories: Useful when you want detailed background information on particular topics within your passage. For exmplae, hospitality mentioned in 1 Peter 4:9 may lead you to consult a New Testament history to learn more about hospitality. Special Studies in Ancient Life and Culture: Detailed discussions on selected topics to help dig deep on a particular topic. Articles on biblical cities, social life, legal matters, religious practices, and warfare are merely a few subjects covered. These special studies are similar to Bible dictionaries, but more narrowly focused. Study Bibles: Will contain a variety of the above resources including introductions to books of the Bible, running commentaries, special studies, bible maps, and interpretation issues regarding difficult passages. Questions & Answers: Closing Prayer: 18