Hermeneutics: the art and science of Interpretation

 

Hermeneutics: the art and science of Interpretation  

By Tuese Ahkiong

We are constantly trying to interpret data before us whether it be Shakespeare, computer code, abbreviated text messages or a gal playing with her hair and winking at a boy.  Tools are needed to understand what is being communicated, especially when dealing with Scripture. Basic grammar is extremely helpful!

Here’s a brief outline of hermeneutic tools to interpret Scripture.

W.H.O. INTERPRETS THE BIBLE

W. ords of the text, in context. All words have meaning. The Bible’s words communicate the God of Scripture’s thoughts!  Genre-The type of literature. Accordingly particular rules of interpretation will apply to each kind of writing; Historical Narrative, poetry, wisdom, or prophetic writings.

H. istoric setting.  The time of the writing, the writer and his purpose, and those to whom the message was addressed must be considered! 

When interpreting Scripture, ask 

the 5 W’s: 

who?  what?  where?  when?  why?

*Audience relevance is so important because the Bible was NOT written “to” us in 21st century or “for” us. Many readers are very egotistic in that they constantly read themselves into the text or insert themselves into Israel’s redemptive story. 

O. ther Bible Texts. The Bible has unity of doctrine. We must compare Scripture with Scripture to see the whole picture (This is known as the analogy of faith.).

Here’s a great acronym for interpreting Scripture: HAT HAT

H ermeneutics 

A udience Relevance

T ime Statements

H istorical Context

A pocalyptic Language

T ypology

The Bible from Genesis to Revelation was NOT written TO you or FOR you in the 21st century, but TO and FOR certain people like Timothy, Titus; and The Church in Rome, Corinth, Galatia... all connected to ISRAEL.

Was The bible written TO you and FOR you!?

https://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2023/10/was-bible-written-to-you-and-for-you.html?m=1

Examples:

A great example of Apocalyptic Language from Psalm 18

https://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/does-god-have-nostrils-example-of.html?m=1

Another Example of Apocalyptic language.

https://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/another-example-of-apocalyptic-language.html?m=1

In the Bible, THE STARS FOUGHT- apocalyptic language. https://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-stars-fought.html?m=1

DOES GOD HAVE NOSTRILS? https://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/does-god-have-nostrils-example-of.html?m=1

WHAT IS MEANT BY THE MOON TURNING TO BLOOD, sun darkening, STARS FALLING TO EARTH, sky being rolled up….!??

http://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-moon-turning-to-blood-does-bible.html

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

https://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/pauls-thorn-in-flesh-were-unbelieving.html

“GENERATION" AS USED BY JESUS AND THE APOSTLES

http://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/generation-as-used-by-jesus-and-apostles.html

CLOUD COMINGS. https://tueseahkiong.blogspot.com/2014/09/cloud-comings-in-bible.html?m=1