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Biblical Hermeneutics

  1. Lesson One
    What is Biblical Interpretation?
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    A Short History of Interpretation
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  3. Lesson Three
    Basic Principles of Interpretation
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  4. Lesson Four
    Interpreting Narratives or Stories
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Interpreting Poetry and Wisdom
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  6. Lesson Six
    Interpreting Prophecy
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  7. Lesson Seven
    The New Testament Use of the Old Testament
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  8. Lesson Eight
    The Theological Use of the Bible: Putting it All Together
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  9. Lesson Nine
    Contemporary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  10. Lesson Ten
    Interpreting the Cultural Aspects of the Bible
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  11. Lesson Eleven
    When the Bible Doesn’t Address Our Questions
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  12. Lesson Twelve
    Interpreting the Bible Devotionally
    4 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  13. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Lesson Overview

The term hermeneutics can be intimidating. However, the act of interpretation is as common as communication itself. Whenever someone speaks, a listener interprets what the speaker means. But what is interpretation when we apply the concept to the reading of the Bible? Who can legitimately and effectively interpret the Bible and what does he/she need in order to do so? This lesson lays a foundation for the course as we define terms and discuss tips for getting started.

Lesson Objectives

When you complete this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Define the term hermeneutics.
  • Explain the need for special hermeneutics for specific portions of Scripture.
  • Cite several limitations of hermeneutics in the study of the Bible.
  • Describe the characteristics that a good interpreter of Scripture should have.
  • List and describe basic resources necessary for credible interpretation of the Bible.
  • Develop a desire to understand the accurate and entire message of any particular text of Scripture.

Personal Reflection

As you proceed through this lesson have the following question in mind.
Why do you suppose most people interpret the newspaper or other writings (e.g. books, magazines, road signs) without a hermeneutics course, and yet we need to be taught how to interpret the Bible?