Theology Terms Explained: “Hermeneutics”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
“Hermeneutics”
Her-meh-noo-ticks
The Definition
Merriam Webster: The study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: Hermeneutics is the practice and discipline of interpreting the Bible. It is incredibly important to have good (or “sound”) hermeneutics so that you can hear from God accurately through the Bible. Furthermore, teachers and preachers of the Bible should have reliable formulas for interpreting the Bible so that they do not mislead the people they are speaking to. Everyday Christians should study hermeneutics so that they can understand the meaning of any given passage, share the truth of God’s Word with others, and be discerning of teachers and preachers who may or may not be handling God’s Word with accuracy. In many cases of false teaching and spiritual abuse, the Devil uses a leader’s bad hermeneutics to twist Scripture and deceive listeners. Good hermeneutics is one of the keys to spiritual growth and spiritual protection.
Three keys to interpreting the Bible will help your hermeneutics:
Literal meaning: Take the Bible literally unless it employs clear metaphors, obvious symbolism, or obvious figures of speech are being used. This will keep you from taking something simple and complicating it. Some teachers try to be clever with symbolism and miss the plain meaning of a biblical text.
Historical context: When you interpret a passage of Scripture, consider the historical context. This will keep you from taking a verse out of context. Why was the author writing? Who were they writing to? What kind of challenges were they facing? Is the historical context linked to the verse you are trying to understand? For example, an O.T. passage in Jeremiah that is written to the nation of Israel shouldn’t be blindly interpreted as being for an American living today. A popular passage often taken out of its historical context is Jeremiah 29:11. People in American claim this as God’s promise to bless and prosper them, yet they would never take Jeremiah 8:17 and claim that snakes are going to be released to bite them. Be careful with taking verses out of context and using them however you want.
Grammatical structure. Good hermeneutics takes into account the basics of grammar, word order, word meaning, and sentence structure. The original languages can be especially helpful for hermeneutics. While many modern translations like the NASB, ESV, and LSB provide us with a very accurate interpretation of the original language, learning basic elements of Greek or Hebrew grammar, or investing in a Greek or Hebrew dictionary can be a lifelong blessing to your hermeneutics. This is an essential skill for the teacher or preacher of God’s Word.
The Biblical Connection
When Paul the Apostle instructed Timothy on how to be a good church leader, he focused on Timothy’s ability to handle Scripture. In short: hermeneutics matters! While the word “hermeneutics” is not in the Bible, the idea of it is.
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul tells Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”
In 1 Timothy 4:16, he tells Timothy to “Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
Both of these passages stress the importance of handling Scripture with accuracy. Hermeneutics matters!
Further Study: 1 Timothy 4, 2 Timothy 2, 2 Timothy 4.
Used in Everyday Conversation
“Our church is offering a new class on hermeneutics so that people can learn how to accurately understand and interpret the Bible.”
“The preacher on TBN said if you spend time focusing on hermeneutics you’ll hinder the Holy Spirit with your head knowledge about Scripture. I don’t agree. The Holy Spirit will use your faithful study and commitment to accuracy to help you bring glory to Christ and equip others with divine truth.”
