What Is Hermeneutics In the Bible?
Hermeneutics is the science of interpreting literature, and the Bible is certainly literature, as old and as mysterious as you can get. It involves a range of approaches to understanding the meaning behind the words and themes within the Bible. When people think of Hermeneutics, they generally think of higher forms of Bible study that go beyond the normal realm of exposition. It helps to answer questions such as what does the Bible mean, how does it impact the interpretation of a particular passage, and how does it influence the reader?
Hermeneutics and Exegesis
Exegesis is the practice of using the historical context and structure of the Bible to interpret its meaning, and it often forms the basic foundation for more advanced hermeneutical analysis. The same Greek root from which Exegesis is derived, is also used for Hermeneutics, thus there can be a blurring of distinctions between the two. However, Hermeneutics utilizes the principles of Exegesis in order to analyze the deeper meaning and implications of the text.
The Goals of Hermeneutics
The goal of Hermeneutics is to determine what the passage of scripture is intended to convey. Generally speaking, there are four aims of hermeneutical interpretation. Firstly, it seeks to determine the meaning of the text in the same cultural context in which it was written. Secondly, it seeks to understand how the text might be different when read by another culture or at a different period in history. Thirdly, it seeks to discover the relevance of the text to today’s cultural context. Fourthly, it seeks to discover how the text can be applied in a practical setting.
Principles of Hermeneutics
One of the basic principles of Hermeneutics is the rule of context: To interpret the Bible correctly, we should consider the context in which it was written. This is especially important when interpreting passages that refer to specific people, places, and times.
In addition to the principle of context, there are several other basic rules which must be followed in order to interpret the Bible correctly. These include: To read the Bible from its own perspective; to read it not just as a whole but also as individual books; to pay attention to its genre; to take into consideration its historical and cultural settings; to examine its language, style and tone; to seek to understand its literary devices and figures of speech; to read it in its own continuity and order; to read it with an attitude of devotion and prayer; to read it in the light of Christian doctrine; and to read it in the light of the gospel.
Hermeneutics and Science
Hermeneutics has been used to connect Bible verses with current scientific topics. Some hermeneutists have used determinism to connect biblical passages with scientific topics, whereas others have used chaos theory and complexity theory. Chaos theory is often used to connect the Bible with the natural sciences, as it is understood that chaos is a necessary component to any life that is continually changing. Complexity theory is often used to connect the Bible with the social sciences, as it explains how the various parts of a complex system interact and affect one another.
Hermeneutics and Psychology
Hermeneutics has been used to connect the Bible with the psychology of humans, their behaviors, and how they interact with their environment. Rather than looking at the Bible verses in isolation, hermeneutists look at how the verses interact with each other in a psychological context. For example, some hermeneutists have used Cognitive Therapy to help people understand the bible verses with regards to their own experiences and emotions.
Hermeneutics and Education
Hermeneutics has been used to facilitate Bible studies for educational purposes. There are many scholarly education works which have been based on hermeneutics, helping to explain the meaning of certain passages to students. Hermeneutists have used critical analyses, psychoanalytic techniques, genre criticism, structuralism, semiotics, poststructuralism, and rhetorical approaches to interpret the Bible in an educational context.
Hermeneutics and Human Rights
Hermeneutics has been used to connect the Bible with modern concepts of human rights. Specifically, hermeneutists have used it to identify passages in the Bible which support the concept of equal rights and justice for all. For example, hermeneutists have highlighted the concept of “imago dei” or the divine image of God which all humans possess, as the basis for protecting all human beings regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or religion.
Hermeneutics and Social Justice
Hermeneutics has also been used to connect the Bible with modern concepts of social justice. Specifically, hermeneutists have used it to identify passages in the Bible which emphasize the need for societies to be fair, equitable and just. For example, hermeneutists have highlighted passages which promote the concept of the Jubilee Year which was designed to ensure that all citizens of a nation had access to the same resources and opportunities. They have also highlighted passages which emphasize the need for societies to be mindful of the poor and marginalized.
Hermeneutics and Riches
Hermeneutics has been used to connect the Bible with issues concerning wealth and riches. Specifically, hermeneutists have used it to identify passages in the bible which emphasize the need for the wealthy to help the less fortunate and to show generosity and compassion. They have highlighted passages which promote the concept of “sowing and reaping” and how individuals should take responsibility for their own resources and use them to help others in need.
Hermeneutics and Women
Hermeneutics has been used to connect the Bible with concepts related to gender equality and women’s rights. Specifically, hermeneutists have used it to identify passages in the Bible which emphasize the need for both genders to be respected and treated as equals. They have highlighted passages which promote the idea that both men and women are children of God, with an equal share in the promises of salvation. They have also highlighted passages which emphasize the need for both genders to be involved in areas of leadership and responsibility.
