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Table Talk
Hermeneutics: How Do We Interpret the Bible?
Before we begin our discussion, we need to say something regarding the
word 'hermeneutics'. The word comes from the Greek , ermhneuw, to interpret,
to explain. The adjective hermhneutikh, literally means 'the hermeneutical
art', and thus the word hermeneutics, the 'science or art of interpretation'.
Technically, hermeneutics refers to the explanation of written documents.
When Christians speak of hermeneutics we are referring to the science or
art of biblical interpretation.
The Gospel of Luke records the account of the risen Lord with
the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. In 24:27 we read these words: 'And
beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the
scriptures the things concerning himself.' The word 'expounded' is the
Greek word dihrmenhuw from which we get 'hermeneutics' and is translated
in many Bible versions interpreted. The word is also found in its various
forms elsewhere in the New Testament, e.g. Matt. 1:23; Mark 5:42; John
1:8; Acts 4:36; 1 Cor. 12:10; and Heb. 7:2.
Simply put, the purpose of hermeneutics is to establish guidelines
and rules for interpreting the Bible. Having said that, the truth of the
matter is, discovering the correct approach to interpreting the Bible is
not such as easy task! One need only look at the history of the church
to see the divergent views held by the Fathers, the Reformers, and modern
theologians. We have already seen in our discussion of historic Covenant
theology and Dispensationism that there exists clear differences when it
comes to interpreting the Bible. Clearly, the differences which separate
Christians (be it God's purpose and work in history, the biblical covenants,
the relationship of the Old and New Testaments, the relationship between
Israel and the Church, Old testament prophecy, mode of baptism, our view
of social responsibilities, and our eschatological views) rests primarily
on ones interpretation of the Bible, upon ones hermeneutics!
Not only do we struggle within the church with this problem, but
we must contend with those outside the church who challenge the Faith on
every side seeking to win converts with their hermeneutical approach to
the Bible! Since its inception, the church has had to deal with heretical
views springing up within its ranks. The church continues to deal with
aberrant sects, pseudo-Christian cults, and new age groups who have developed
theologies based on their particular interpretation of the Bible. For example,
one need only read the literature of the Gnostic or Mind Science cults
such as Christian Science, Religious Science, New Thought, and such New
Age cults like the Church Universal and Triumphant, the Unity School of
Christianity and Swedenborgianism, to discover their esoteric interpretation
of the Bible. Then, there are the aberrational teachings of the Positive
Confession or Word of Faith Movement, some Churches of Christ, and a whole
host of other groups teaching heretical theology and bordering on cultism.
On top of all this, there is a growing tendency among biblical
scholars to develop new methods of interpretation, especially from literary
interpretation - narrative theology and so on, which tends to play this
off against dogma, or doctrine. That is to say, the Bible is story rather
than doctrine. But, the Bible is both! To argue either/or is to set up
a false dichotomy. According to Gerald Bray, 'There is story material,
there is narrative in the Scripture, but can you really reduce Scripture
to that category and then say that this category is somehow contradictory
or not in tune with traditional doctrine?'
It seems most Christians would agree the Scriptures should be
taken literally except where the plain meaning of the text is obviously
obscure or not clear. This, of course, is where much of the interpretation
problem begins. Who is to say a given verse or portion of Scripture is
to be interpreted in one way or another? What method or rule do we apply
to the text in question to determine the correct interpretation? Then,
assuming we apply the proper rule, how do we know our interpretation is
the meaning set forth by the author? Scholars refer to this as, authorial
intent. This raises the question: Can we legitimately apply Scripture to
contexts which the original author never intended? This seems to happen
quite often in our New Testament interpretation of the Old Testament! Didn't
the Apostle Paul take the liberty to do this on occasion, e.g. his quoting
of the Psalms in Romans?
The balance between the Old and New Testaments was one of the
most difficult hermeneutical issues of the Reformation and we still see
the fallout of the hermeneutics of such scholars as Bultmann and Barth
who are both known for their off-center contributions to biblical scholarship.
The question is, how do we avoid the pitfalls of the cults, the aberrant
sects, and biblical (or lay) scholarship which passes as the best there
is?
Suggestions for Interpreting the Truth of Scripture
One, Evangelicals propose that inductive Bible study is the answer to how
we may know the truths of Scripture. An inductive process of learning is
one in which we use the particulars of a passage to draw out a general
meaning.
Two, Evangelicals generally agree that the primary rule of hermeneutics
is that Scripture is to interpret Scripture. Called 'the analogy of faith'
by the Reformers and simply meant that no part of Scripture can be interpreted
in such a way as to render it in conflict with what is clearly taught elsewhere
in Scripture.
Three, Evangelicals generally agree that the Bible is to be interpreted
literally. That is, the natural meaning of a passage is to be interpreted
according to the normal rules of grammar, speech, syntax and context. Luther
called this the sensus literalis, or the literal sense of Scripture.
Practical Rules for Biblical Interpretation
The following are a list of practical rules for interpreting the Bible
taken from R.C. Sproul's Knowing Scripture. You may not agree with all
of them, but they are useful and make a great deal of sense.
Rule 1: The Bible is to Be Read Like Any Other Book
Rule 2: Read the Bible Existentially
Rule 3: Historical Narratives Are to Be Interpreted by the Didactic
Rule 4: The Implicit Is to Be Interpreted by the Explicit
Rule 5: Determine Carefully the Meaning of Words
Rule 6: Note the Presence of Parallelisms in the Bible
Rule 7: Observe the Difference between the Spirit and the Letter of
the Law
Rule 8: Note the Difference Between Proverb and Law
Rule 9: Be careful with Parables
Rule 10: Be Careful with Predictive Prophecy
Conclusion
The above rules are not exhaustive by any means. There are other issues
to be considered in any study involving hermeneutics such as progressive
revelation, the supernatural in Scripture, the concept of sensus plenior
(fuller sense) as found in Roman Catholic exposition, and so forth. This
does not mean to say what's the use, how in the world do we make any sense
out of it all, what about the simplicity of the Gospel? True, we must never
get so caught up in the process of hermeneutics that we forget the illumination
of the Spirit in our devotional time with the Lord! He speaks to our hearts
and minds and supernaturally changes us from the inside out. However, as
stated at the beginning of this study, we must necessarily equip ourselves
with the best tools for interpreting the Bible, especially in our witness
to the cults and false teachers and in the protection of ourselves and
our children! We are all called to show ourselves approved by God, workmen,
needing not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth! (2 Tim.
2:15).
Dan
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