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Post date: Apr 14, 2017 2:48:51 PM
METHODS OF INTERPRETATION by Kevin J Connor
THE ALLEGORICAL METHOD
- Origin: The union of Greek philosophy and religion.
- Definition: The method presumes that beneath the plain and obvious sense of Scripture lays its true meaning.
THE MYSTICAL METHOD
- Origin: It is closely associated with the allegorical method, and is by some viewed as synonymous. But it can be traced to Palestinian Jews in the inter-testamental period.
- Definition: This method presumes that, hidden beneath the surface of the words and their plain sense, there lies a multiplicity of meanings, opening the door to a wide variety of interpretations, all of which are "hyper-spiritual".
THE DEVOTIONAL METHOD
- Origin: Like the mystical method, it originated with the Hagadic Jews of the inter-testamental period. In church history this method had its greatest emphasis among the Pietists of the post-reformation period.
- Definition: It postulates that the Bible was written for personal edification of every believer. That which is most important is not what God said to others, but what He is saying to the interpreter -searching beyond the plain and obvious meaning for spiritual meaning applicable to the believer’s life.
THE RATIONALISTIC METHOD
- Origin: In ancient history, but blossomed during the post-reformation period until today. In recent centuries, the seat of this method is Germany, where the schools of higher criticism have attempted to undermine the authority of Scripture.
- Definition: This method presumes that the Bible is not the authoritative, inspired Word of God. It interprets Scripture as a human document in the light of human reason, where "Nature is the standard, and reason is the guide". If Scripture can be made to harmonise with the knowledge of the interpreter, then it is to be understood as meaning what it says; but if not, it is to be regarded as mythical, or used by way of accommodation. References to the supernatural are explained as either fanciful exaggerations or contrived myths.
THE LITERAL METHOD
- Origin: In relation to Scripture, this method is the oldest in existence. It is said to have originated with Ezra, the father of hermeneutics. Its progress through history can be traced from the Palestinian Jews, Christ and the Apostles, the School of Antioch, the Reformers, to the fundamentalist conservatives of the present day.
- Definition: To interpret "literally" means to explain the original sense of the speaker or writer according to the normal, customary and proper usages of words and language. This method is also called the grammatico-historical method, and further expands into four areas:
o The literal sense does not exclude the figurative sense.
o The literal method does not exclude the spiritual meaning.
o The literal interpretation does not exclude application.
o The literal method does not exclude depth of meaning.
Evaluation: In conclusion, this method stands out as the only sound, safe and sensible approach to the interpretation of Scripture. Each of the other methods has been proven inadequate in that they lack God-given and well-defined boundaries.
CONCLUSION
Many say that the facts speak for themselves, but that is not true. All facts must be interpreted. Likewise, the truths in Scripture also need to be interpreted, and wrong interpretation leads to false doctrine and deception (Matthew 22:23-33).
Anyone can interpret Scripture - you don’t need a degree in theology and you don’t have to be an ordained minister.
It is important, though, to be an effective interpreter and develop the desired skills and characteristics (2 Timothy 2:15).
Some of the Jews in Thessalonica refused to receive the Word of God and persecuted Paul and his companions (Acts 17:1-8), but the Bereans “were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” They took responsibility for correctly interpreting the Scriptures to see whether the things Paul had preached about Christ were so. It is our responsibility to “eat the meat and spit out the bones.” The result of them diligently searching the Scriptures is that “many of them believed” (Acts
17:12). We must not only discern the doctrine, but also the spirit in which it is ministered. The principles of hermeneutics will be discussed in more detail in the second year. The most important principle of all, which is sometimes called the first principle of hermeneutics, is the context principle.
Words have meaning within context, so Scripture must not be interpreted out of context.
The first and most important context is Scripture itself, in other words, “Scripture interprets Scripture.” That is why it is so important to know the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29).
A quick aside: Statement by God to Jews under Moses cannot be randomly applied to Christians. We can and do learn a lot by looking at how and why God does deal with the Jews but it doesn't apply randomly or directly to us. Tithing is the best example of this in the modern church.
Below some scriptures that further exhort us how important the correct exegesis, along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit is.
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.
26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 18:24-28
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:14-26
19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;
20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,
21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:19-21
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14-17
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:10-13
11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.
Acts 17:11-12
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
18 “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
19 “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-20
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