The need to Interpret the Bible Part 2

 SCRIPTURE SERIES: 

THE NEED TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE. Part 2.

The Bible: The need to interpret the Bible Series Icon.

Welcome to my second post in a series of 5 on the need to Interpret the Bible.  If you missed last week's post, check it out in the category of Scripture- the need to interpret. You may also find the posts in the 4-part series Scripture- Bible Reading Methods useful as well.

Exegesis’ is the careful systematic study of Scripture to discover the original meaning and to hear the Word as original hears were to have heard it.  It is a study to find out what was the original intent of the words of the Bible. It needs to be used as a first step in reading every biblical text to obviate selectivity and distorting the meaning of God’s Word.

LEARNING THE METHOD OF EXEGESIS

So how do we learn this method?  We need to:

1.Read the texts carefully.

2. Ask the right questions of the text in relation to context and content.

3. Analyse the texts in relation to historical and literary settings by using a good biblical dictionary, a good translation of the bible and a good commentary. These are two examples.

4. In relation to historical context we need to (a) review the time, place and culture of the author and his readers and (b) review the occasion/situation regarding the purpose of the writing and keep in mind the genre used.

 5. In relation to literary context we need to ask 4 questions for every text as follows:

(a)    What is the point of this sentence or paragraph?

(b)   Why is written at this point?

(c)    What is the author saying?

(d)   What is being said next in context and why?

 However, this is not the end of our study- there is another aspect which needs consideration.  

WHAT IS HERMENEUTICS?

‘Hermeneutics’ is the study of Scripture by asking the questions about the Bible’s meaning in the present day or its contemporary relevance.  To apply this procedure the following aspects need consideration.

1.Always begin with the ‘exegesis procedure to find out the original meaning.

2.Find out what God intended it to mean when first spoken.

3. Apply modern day thinking to the written text to guide us in what it means for us now.

It may sound complicated, but let us enable the Holy Spirit to guide us and be our teacher.