Review of Principles and Methods

Bringing Hermeneutics Together

Introduction

By Week 10 of this course, you have walked through the journey of biblical hermeneutics step by step. You began by asking the fundamental question: What is hermeneutics? You learned to distinguish exegesis from eisegesis, to respect historical and cultural contexts, to analyze literary forms, and to handle biblical words with care. You have explored syntax, structure, theology, history of interpretation, modern and postmodern methods, and the challenge of moving from ancient meaning to contemporary application.

Now, in this final stage before the competency exam, it is time to review. This article will gather the principles and methods of hermeneutics into a unified framework, helping you see how each piece fits into the larger task of faithful interpretation. The goal is not merely to recall individual skills but to see how they work together to guide the interpreter from text to meaning to life.

1. The Foundation of Hermeneutics

1.1 Definition

Hermeneutics is the art and science of interpreting texts, especially Scripture. It involves both careful method (science) and discernment shaped by wisdom and faith (art).

1.2 The Aim

The aim of hermeneutics is to understand the meaning of the biblical text as intended by its divine and human authors and to apply that meaning faithfully in contemporary life.

1.3 Core Convictions

• Divine inspiration: Scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16).

• Human authorship: God spoke through real people in real contexts.

• Unity of Scripture: All 66 books form one story pointing to Christ.

• Transformative purpose: Interpretation is not just for knowledge but for obedience and transformation.

2. The Process of Interpretation

The hermeneutical task can be summarized in a three-step movement:

1. Exegesis (then): What did the text mean to its original audience?

2. Theological reflection (always): What timeless truth or principle does this reveal about God and His purposes?

3. Application (now): How does this truth speak to us today?

This process ensures fidelity to both historical context and contemporary relevance.

3. Key Principles and Methods

3.1 Historical Context

• Study the socio-political background of the Ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world.

• Use archaeology, historical sources, and cultural studies.

• Recognize that understanding ancient context helps avoid anachronism.

3.2 Literary Context

• Recognize genres: narrative, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, gospel, epistle, apocalyptic.

• Apply genre-specific rules: e.g., read parables for central points, not hidden codes.

• Identify structures like parallelism, chiasm, and inclusio.

3.3 Word Studies

• Respect semantic range.

• Avoid fallacies (root, overload, selective, word-concept).

• Use concordances, lexicons, and software carefully.

3.4 Grammar and Syntax

• Analyze sentence structures.

• Identify subjects, verbs, objects, and relationships.

• Trace discourse flow across paragraphs and arguments.

3.5 Theology

• Practice biblical theology: tracing themes across redemptive history.

• Practice systematic theology: organizing biblical teaching into coherent doctrine.

• Read Scripture canonically: every passage in light of the whole.

3.6 History of Interpretation

• Learn from past traditions (patristic, medieval, Reformation, modern).

• Appreciate strengths and avoid excesses.

• Recognize how cultural contexts shape interpretation.

3.7 Modern Approaches

• Use historical-critical methods for historical insight without reducing inspiration.

• Appreciate narrative, feminist, liberationist, and canonical readings critically.

• Integrate helpful tools while remaining rooted in faith.

3.8 Application

• Identify timeless principles.

• Contextualize without distorting.

• Address ethical and cultural issues with courage and compassion.

• Apply personally, communally, and missionally.

4. Integrative Models

4.1 The Hermeneutical Circle

Understanding moves in a circle: from part to whole and back. Exegesis of a verse is informed by the whole canon, and the canon’s meaning emerges from its parts.

4.2 The Hermeneutical Spiral

Interpretation deepens as we move from text to context and back, refining our understanding each time.

4.3 The Bridge Model

Interpretation is a bridge between the world of the text and the world of today, anchored on both sides.

5. Case Study of Integrated Method

Consider Philippians 2:5–11 (the Christ Hymn).

• Exegesis: Paul exhorts believers to humility, grounding his command in Christ’s self-emptying and exaltation.

• Historical context: Written to a Roman colony proud of honor and status.

• Literary form: Likely a hymn with chiastic structure.

• Word study: Kenosis (“emptied himself”) emphasizes humility, not loss of divinity.

• Theology: Christ’s humility leads to exaltation; believers share in this pattern.

• Canonical context: Echoes Isaiah’s Suffering Servant and anticipates universal worship in Revelation.

• Application: Calls modern believers to humility, service, and Christ-centered unity.

This case study shows how principles and methods converge to yield rich interpretation.

6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Eisegesis: Imposing personal ideas on the text.

• Proof-texting: Using verses out of context to support preexisting views.

• Over-allegorizing: Ignoring historical meaning in favor of fanciful symbolism.

• Over-historicizing: Treating the Bible as mere history without theological meaning.

• Under-contextualizing: Failing to apply the text meaningfully today.

• Over-contextualizing: Distorting Scripture to fit cultural preferences.

7. Encouragement for Students

At this point in this course, you may feel both equipped and overwhelmed. Hermeneutics is a lifelong journey. Remember that interpretation is not only an academic task but a spiritual one. You study the Bible not just to master a text but to be mastered by God’s Word.

The same Spirit who inspired Scripture illuminates it today. Approach interpretation with humility, diligence, and prayer. Continue to practice the methods, but never forget the purpose: to know God and to live faithfully in His story.

Conclusion

The principles and methods of hermeneutics form a coherent approach: beginning with exegesis, moving through theology, and culminating in application.

For students of this course, this review prepares you for the final competency exam — but more importantly, for a lifetime of faithful interpretation. Hermeneutics is not only about learning methods but about cultivating a posture of listening, obedience, and transformation.

The Bible is God’s Word, ancient yet living. By practicing these principles, you are equipped to hear its voice clearly and to bring its message faithfully into today’s world.

References

Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (4th ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Klein, W. W., Blomberg, C. L., & Hubbard, R. L. (2017). Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Osborne, G. R. (2006). The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Thiselton, A. C. (2009). Hermeneutics: An Introduction. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Vanhoozer, K. J. (2005). The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox.

Wright, N. T. (2010). Scripture and the Authority of God: How to Read the Bible Today. New York, NY: HarperOne.