J Herm 24
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Apr 3, 2024
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J Herm 24
Liberty
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In the process of trying to understand a book such as the bible, the art and science of hermeneutics is employed. Hermeneutics is described as the art or science of biblical interpretation. The word hermeneutics comes from the Greek verb hermeneuô and the Greek noun hermeneia, which means the act of explaining,
expressing, and translating. According to Klein, Blomberg and Hubbard “Hermeneutics describes the principles people use to understand what something means, to comprehend what a message—written, oral, or visual—is endeavoring to communicate.”[1] Because the bible is thousands of years old and we do not have access to the writers, hermeneutics was developed to create methods whereby the literary components could be examined, investigated, and broken down so that individuals such as priests, pastors, electricians and students would be able to understand. Hermeneutics employs principles used to interpret the Holy scriptures. Because we are presented with distances of time, language, culture and geography,
hermeneutics acts as the bridge of comprehension and provide clarity to the ancient
text. It helps to unveil the authors original intent when crafting the scriptures. This helps the reader to not only understand the text but to handle it with care. Klein, Blomberg and Hubbard provide a more fitting description as they state that “Hermeneutics provides the means for understanding the Scriptures and for applying that meaning responsibly.[2] One can only do this after they have been exposed to the original meaning of the text. As one studies and employ the art of hermeneutics, the care of the scriptures becomes the chief concern. To sum it up “Hermeneutics provides a strategy that will enable us to understand the meaning and significance of what an author or speaker intended to communicate.
In analyzing a text there are several different types of methods used. Methods such as the Literal Interpretation, Allegorical Interpretation, Moral Interpretation, and the Anagogical Interpretation. The Literal interpretation states that the biblical text should be interpreted according to the plain meaning of the written text. The allegorical method seeks to find the spiritual deep meaning of the biblical text. The third method used is the Moral Interpretation which states that the written text should govern conduct and actions, thereby directing one’s behavior. Lastly, the Anagogical Interpretation, which interprets scripture in view of future events and the life that is to come.
The art and science of hermeneutics is important because it benefits the reader who is separated from the text in many forms. To have a highly skilled individual provide skilled interpretation assists the reader in uncovering the true meaning of the text. This interpretation is highly required. Arthur Pink states “interpretation is necessary to prevent our being misled by the mere sound of words.”[3] Therefore, proper hermeneutics keeps the reader from being led astray or arriving at their own preconceived conclusions. Additionally, the science of interpreting is not something done haphazardly. Pain asks, “should we spare no pains to arrive at the meaning of what is unintelligible to us?”[4] This is a profoundly
serious question in terms of true exploration. To uncover the text requires more than
just reading the text. This is where the true science of hermeneutics begins.
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The Role of the Interpreter
When employing the science of Hermeneutics, there are many roles we can look at. However, one would want to pay attention to the role of the interpreter. The
interpreter of the text must be aware of their own preunderstandings, if not, they risk distorting the biblical message.[5] Because everyone approaches the text with presuppositions, the role of the interpreter is extremely important. The interpreter must approach the text with a blank slate. Again, Klein, Bloomberg and Hubbard state “If we seek to understand the Bible strictly through the lenses of our own experiences, we run the risk of misunderstanding the message.”[6] The interpreter must be careful not to insert their own feelings, misguided theories or presuppositions about the text while uncovering the text. If so, the interpreter runs the risk of placing into the text their personal biases. Additionally, the interpreter has the responsibility of placing himself in the text in an effort to uncover its deep truths. Lastly, the interpreter must pay attention to every nuance of the text, including but not limited to words, grammatical structure, historical data, and social structure.
The impact of the interpreter is an extremely vital component when analyzing and discovering the text. Of all the components involved in interpreting a text, the role of the interpreter is arguably at the top of the list. They must approach
the text with limited bias or seeking to prove personal beliefs or preconceived ideas.
One must be able to trust the person who serves as the interpreter. One must trust that the text was analyzed properly, without bias to help the reader understand a text which they have been separated from due to language, time, and culture barriers. It’s important to recognize that our previous experiences and total background can shape how we understand. The interpreter is subjected to a critical hermeneutical approach. This approach will provide standards and tactics guiding us to arrive at the most likely understanding of the biblical text’s meaning.[7]
[1] William W, Klein, Craig L. Blomberg and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Zondervan Publishing, 1980), 40.
[2] Klein, Bloomberg and Hubbard, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, P.42
[3] Arthur Pink, Interpretation of the Scripture, Darolt Books, 2020. ProQuest Ebook Central. P. 8
[4] Arthur Pink, Interpretation of the Scripture, P. 10
[5] Klein, Bloomberg and Hubbard, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, P.42
[6] Klein, Bloomberg and Hubbard, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, P.44
[7] Klein, Bloomberg and Hubbard, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, P.44
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