Lesson 1

HERMENEUTICS
Prepared by: Pastor Jett Rovee Navarro III

INTRODUCTION AND PREPARATIONS

A. Meaning
Hermeneutics is derived from the Greek verb “hermēneuō” which means to explain,
to interpret or to translate.
1. Generally, the term can be used to refer to the interpretation of any literary
piece.
2. Traditionally, it is “the science which delineates principles or methods for
interpreting an individual author’s meaning.” But this pertains only to exegesis
(what the text meant). (Osborne, 1991)
3. It is the science and the art of interpreting what the literary text meant as the
author intended it (exegesis) and what it means for the present time
(contextualization).
Exegesis + Contextualization = Hermeneutics

B. Three Perspectives about Hermeneutics (Osborne)

1. Hermeneutics is a science because it provides a logical, orderly classification of
laws of interpretation.
2. Hermeneutics is an art because it is an acquired skill demanding both
imagination and an ability to apply the laws to solicited passages or books. This,
therefore, requires a great deal of practice.
3. Hermeneutics is a spiritual act and therefore needs dependence upon the leading
of the Holy Spirit.

C. Why do we need to Study Hermeneutics?

1. The Bible was given to all mankind, not just to scholars.
2. Absence of proper hermeneutical guidelines can lead to confusion as to what the
truth really is. (i.e. Marrying more than one)
3. Wrong theology would eventually lead to wrong applications
4. Hermeneutics would lead us into a greater appreciation of God in our lives.
5. Hermeneutics will change your attitude towards dealing with other people.

D. The Gaps That Need Be Bridged By Hermeneutics (Virkler)

1. Historical gap. The Bible was written in a different time which carries with it a
totally different environment.
2. Cultural gap. The people in the biblical times have different lifestyle and
practices which should be understood first in their own setting before applying
them to our time.
3. Linguistic gap. The Bible was written in Hebrew, Greek, and a little in Aramaic
which differ from our modern language in some meanings, structure, usages,
 expressions and other linguistic elements which need to be considered in
understanding better the message of the Word.
4. Philosophical gap. The people in the Bible have different principles and
understanding in life. Many of their life’s perspective was different, their concept
of the universe, their understanding life and of the world around.

E. Basic Convictions in Studying the Bible

1. The Bible has only one meaning, though it can be applied in many ways.
2. The aim of good interpretation is not uniqueness, rather to get the “plain
meaning of the text”.
3. Exegesis not Eisegesis. We don’t bring our own understanding in the Bible;
rather we let the Bible’s understanding of itself get into us.
4. The Bible is its own interpreter.
5. The Holy Spirit plays a very important role in understanding the Bible.
6. The goal is not just passing of information, but transformation.

F. The Qualities of the Interpreter

If the Holy Spirit’s work is very important in the process of interpretation, so is the
character of the interpreter, for to and through that person the Holy Spirit will be
working. A person may be well acquainted with the process but his attitude may get in
the way. What qualities then should an interpreter of the Bible have?
1. Humble – dependent not upon one’s own ability, but of God’s
2. Obedient – willing to put into application the truth discovered
3. Teachable – willingness to accept corrections and changes necessary

G. The Basic Tools

1. Study Bible – for some background information, cross references and other helps
provided for.
2. Different Bible Translations – this is for comparative study of how the text is
rendered by the translator. Beware of translations you have.
3. Language Dictionary – for getting various meanings of the key words.
4. Bible Dictionary – There are terms in the bible that are not contained in a common
language dictionary. Some bible dictionaries contain even the original words used.
5. Hebrew-Greek Dictionary – for an in-depth word study of the key words in their
original language.
6. Concordance – to look for the occurrences of the words in the Bible.
7. Book on Manners and Customs of the Bible Times – for reference regarding the
cultural background of the text.
8. Maps – to look at the geography of the Bible
9. Commentaries – for helpful background or introductory material of each book.
Commentaries should not be used as the first resort to find the meaning of the text if
one wants to develop his hermeneutical skill.