Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation

by Henry A. Virkler, Karelynne Ayayo

If non-specialists learn the correct principles and processes for hermeneutics, much more accurate and helpful biblical interpretation can be accomplished. Hermeneutics gives the reader not only an understanding of the principles of proper biblical interpretation but also the ability to apply those principles in sermon preparation, personal Bible study, or writing. This popular book outlines a five-step hermeneutical procedure that (1) historical-cultural and contextual analysis, (2) lexical-syntactical analysis, (3) theological analysis, (4) genre identification and analysis, and (5) application. The second edition includes updated material covering developments in hermeneutics over the past twenty years. An Instructor's Resource CD containing teaching suggestions, Powerpoint slides, suggested answers to exercises, and supplementary handouts is available to Bible college and seminary professors.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, School, Christianity, Biblical Studies, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid overview and intro to hermeneutics in a paperback form that reads far more like a textbook. Plenty of exercises to put to work your newly acquired skills and helpful examples scattered throughout. Dry and academic, but helpful and practical.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My college textbook turned out to be my seminary textbook, too. It's a compliment to Virkler that his work remains relevant and respected these years later.

Notes:
(1) The word hermeneutics is said to have had its origin of the name Hermes, the Greek god who served as messenger for the gods (15)
(2) Hermeneutics is defined as the science and art of biblical interpretation (16)
(3) General hermeneutics is the study of those rules that govern interpretation of the entire biblical text. (16)
(4) Special hermeneutics is the study of those rules that apply to specific genres, such as parables, allegories, types, and prophecy (16)
(5) In the study of Scripture, is the task of the exegete is to determine as closely as possible with God meant in a particular passage (24)
(6) The question of whether or not scripture does have a fuller sense (referred to as sensus plenior) then the intended by the human author has been debated for centuries (25)
(7) ction to Biblical Hermeneutics43mise A: The Bible is a basically reliable and trustworthy (cf. C. K. Barrett, Luke the Historian in Recent Study; JamesMartin, The Reliability of the Gospels; F. F. Bruce, The New Testa zent Documents: Are They Reliable?]mise B: On the basis of this reliable document we have evidence to believe confidently that (1) Jesus Christ claimed to be the Son of God (John 1:14, 29, 36, 41, 49; 4:42; 20:28) and (2) that He provided adequate proof to substantiate that cliam (John 2:1-11; 4:46-54; 5:1-18; 6: 5131621 ; 9:1-7;1:1-45; 20:30-31) Premise C: Jesus Christ, being the Son of God, is a completely trustworthy (i.e., infallible) authority. Premise D: Jesus Christ teaches that the Bible is the very Word of God. Premise E: The Word of God is completely trustworthy because God is completely trustworthy. Conclusion: On the basis of the authority of Jesus Christ, the church believes the Bible to be utterly trustworthy. 35 (43)
(8) Literal interpretation equals interpreting like you would normal human communication.
(9) The rabbis presupposed that since God is the author of scripture, (1) the interpreter could expect numerous meanings in a given text, and (2) every incidental detail of the text possessed significance (49)
(10) At the time of Christ, Jewish exegesis could be classified into four main types: literal (peshat), midrashic, pesher, and allegorical (49)
(11) Pesher: The Qumran communities believed that everything the ancient prophets wrote had a veiled prophetic meaning which was to be imminently fulfilled through their covenant community (51)
(12) Allegorical exegesis was based on the idea that beneath the literal meaning of scripture lies the true meaning (51)
(13) In terms of originality and genius, Augustine was by far the greatest man of his age. In his book on Christian doctrine, he laid down a number of rules for exposition of Scripture, some of which remain in use today. His rules include the following, summarized from Ramm:
1. The interpreter must possess a genuine Christian faith.
2, The literal and historical meaning of Scripture should be held in high regard
Sitecore has more than one meaning and therefore allegorical method is a proper one
There is a significance in biblical numbers
The Old Testament is a Christian document because
A The uk of the exposition is to understand the meaningawh or, not to bring his own meaning to the text
The interpreter must consult the true orthodox creed
A verse should be stated in its context, not in isolation
4f the meaning of a text is unclear, notching in the past be made a matter of orthodox faith
The Holy Spirit is not a substitute for the necessary lear understand Scripture. The interpreter shoulD newGreek, geography and other subjects.The obscure passage must yield to the clear passage.
In practice Augustine (61)
(14) Augustine believed that scripture had a fourfold sense - historical, aetiological, analogical, allegorical (61)
(15) Syrian school of Antioch, Theodore Mopsuestia (C. 350 50–428) interpretation must be justified by study of its grammatical and historical context (62)
(16) Nicolas of Lyra (12 70–13 40) a return to literal interpretation (64)
(17) The meaning of a text is the author's intended meaning (76)
(18) Historical-cultural and contextual analysis:
1. What is the general historical milieu in which the writer speaks?
2. What is the specific historical-cultural context and purpose of this book?
3. What is the immediate context of the passage under consideration? (79)
(19) What is the general historical situation facing the author and his audience? (79)
(20) Determining the specific historical-cultural context and purpose of a book
1. Who is the writer? What was his spiritual background and experience?
2. To whom was he writing (for example, believers, unbelievers, apostates, believers who were in danger of becoming apostates)?
3. What was the writer's purpose (intention) in writing this particular book? (81)
(21) Developing an understanding of the immediate context
1. First, what are the major blocks of material and how do they fit together into a whole?
2. How does the passage under consideration contribute to the flow of the authors argument?
3. What was the perspective of the author? (84) ...
(22) Noumenalogically = from god's perspective
Phenomenologically = for man’s perspective (85)
(23) ...4. Is the passage stating descriptive or prescriptive truth? (86)
5. What constitutes the teaching focus of the passage and what represents incidental detail only?
6. Who is being addressed in the passage? (87)
(24) Lexical-syntactical analysis is the study of the meaning of individual words (lexicology) in the way those words are combined (syntax), in order to determine more accurately the author's intended meaning. (94)
(25) Lexical-syntactical analysis is founded on the premise that, other words may take on a variety of meanings in different contexts, they have but one intended meaning in any given context. (94)
(26) Lexical-syntactical analysis is the study of the meaning of individual words (Lexicology) and the way those words are combined (syntax) in order to determine more accurately the author’s intended meaning (94)
(27) Steps in lexical-syntactical analysis
1. Identify the general literary form.
2. Trace the development of the author's theme and show how the passage under consideration fits into the context.
3. Identify the natural divisions of the text.
4. Identify the connecting words within the paragraph in the sentence.
5. Determine what the individual words mean
6. Analyze the syntax.
7. Put the results of your lexical-syntactical analysis into non-technical, easily understood words that clearly convey the authors meaning to the English reader
(28) Denotation = specific meaning
(29) Connotation = additional implications (98)
(30) People need to be fed, not impressed (112)
(31) The basic question asked in theological analysis is ”How does this passage fit into the total pattern of God’s revelation. (117)
(32) Representative theoretical systems...
(33) The “theologies but no theology“ model (121) rather than viewing the Bible is God’s truth revealed by God to man, they believe scripture to be a man’s thoughts about God. Since men’s thoughts changed over time, they believe that Scripture reveals a number of developing theological ideas and movements rather than any single, unified theology.
(34) Dispensational theory = dispensation was defined by Scofield as “a period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God“ the pattern of salvation history is seen as three regularly recurring steps: (1) God gives man a specific set of responsibilities or pattern for obedience, (2) man fails to live up to this set of responsibilities, and (3) God responds in Mercy by giving a different to set of responsibilities (122)
(35) 9 dispensations:
1. dispensation of innocency or freedom = before Adam and Eve sinned
2. dispensation of conscience = The time before the flood (123)
3. The dispensation of civil government = building up to the Tower of Babel
4. dispensation of promise = regarding the promise of land to Abraham
5. dispensation of the Mosaic law = from Moses until the death of Christ
6. Dispensation of Grace = present era
7. dispensation of the millennium
(36) Ryrie, “the basis of salvation in every age is the death of Christ; the requirement for salvation in every age is faith; the object of faith in every age is God; the content of faith changes in the various dispensations" (124)
(37) Lutheran theory = law and gospel. Is this passage speaking judgment on me? Then law. Is it comforting? Then gospel (128)
(38) Covenantal theory = view that all biblical history is covered by two covenants, a covenant of works until the fall and a covenant of grace from the fall to the present (130)
(39) Epigenetic model (133) =The idea of progressive revelation, which is almost unanimously held by evangelical scholars, is highly consistent with the epigenetic theory. Progressive revelation is the concept that God’s revelation gradually increased in definiteness, clarity, and fullness as it was revealed over time, even as a tree increases its grams and route and branch structures over time
(40) The New Testament believer is not “under law“ in three senses: (1) he is not under the ceremonial law because this has been fulfilled in Christ, (2) he is not under Jewish Civil War because this was not intended for him, and (3) he is not under the condemnation of the law because his identification with the vicarious atoning death of Christ frees him from it. (144)

(41) Differentiating between models. (Continuity versus discontinuity)
1. The concept of grace
2. The concept of law (139)
3. The concept of salvation (145)
4. The ministry of the Holy Spirit (146)
5.
“A parable can be understood as an extended simile.“ (159)
“A proverb may be conceived as a compressed parable or allegory, sometimes partaking of characteristics of both.“ (161)
“To summarize: in similes and parables the comparisons or expressed and kept separate, while in metaphors and allegories they are unexpressed and intermingled. In a parable there is a conscious separation of the story and its application, where is in an allegory there is in intermingling of the two. Proverbs can be viewed as either compressed parables or compressed allegories.” (161)
Wisdom is based on the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is “a stance, an attitude of the heart that recognizes our rightful relationship to the creator-God.” (162)
“...orthodox expository unanimously agree that no doctrine should be grounded on a parable as its primary or only source. The rational of this principle is that clearer passages of Scripture are always used to clarify more obscure passages, never vice versa (170)
Literary analysis of Parable: “in Jesus’s own analysis is it possible to discern both a central, focal idea, and a significant emphasis on the details as they relate to the focal idea (171)
Trench and other commentators suggest that the correct interpretation of a parable will commend itself becaus interesting fights easily and naturally, and because it explains all the main details. False interpretations betray themselves by being out of harmony with some important details of the parable or its context. (173)
An allegory is an extended metaphor (173)
Principles for interpreting allegories (1) use historical-cultural, contextual, lexical-syntactical, and theological analysis as with other types of prose (2) determine the multiple points of comparison intended by the author by studying the context and the points that he emphasized (174)
Interesting discussion of the problem of Paul’s allegory in Galatians 4 (178)
Type derived from Greek “tupos” (183)
The fulfillment is called the “antitype” (184)
Bishop Marsh’s famous dictum regarding types is stated that nothing can be considered a type unless it is explicitly stated to be one in Scripture (186)
Classification of Types:
* Typical persons: lives illustrate a principle of redemption (187)
* Corporate identity: federal head
* Typical event: has an analogical relationship to a later event (188)
* Typical institutions: practices that prefigure later salvation events (189), sacrificial lambs typifying Jesus’s death
* Typical actions: example Hosea’s marriage to a prostitute and his later redemption of her after her infidelity, symbolizing God’s covenantal love to faithless Israel.
Principles for interpretation of Types: (189)
* Lexical-syntactical analysis: words being used literally, figuratively, or symbolically?
* Theological analysis:
* Literary analysis:
* Search the text for points of correspondence
* Note the important points of difference between the type and anti-type (190)
Prophecy
“A prophet is a spokesman for God who declares God’s will to the people” (191)
1. predicting future events
2. Revealing concealed facts concerning the present
3. Dispensing instruction, comfort, and exhortation in powerfully impassioned language
“a significant amount of the Bible is predictive prophecy”
Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature:
* Similarities (192)
* Differences (193)
Issues in the interpretation of Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature (194)
* hermeneutical principles: starts with the same contextual, historical-cultural,lexical-syntactical,and theological analyses as with other genres
* Deeper Sense: senses plenior. ‘Men often understand the meaning of what they say without understanding all of its implications. The biblical writers, in the same way,understood what they prophesied but probably did not understand all the implications of their prophecies (196)
* Literal vs. Symbolic
* Universality: “whether or not a symbol means the same thing each time it is used (197)
* Conditionality: whether or not all prophetic statements are conditional. Raises 2 questions
* How do we reconcile the doctrine of God’s immutability with the fact that Scripture records His change of mind (198)
* Do all prophecies contain an unstated conditional clause (cf Nineveh)
* Single vs. Multiple meaning: “double fulfillment” etc
* Progressive prediction: although each prophetic passage has a single intended fulfillment, often a series of passages exhibits a pattern of chronological progress
* Developmental fulfillment: fulfilled in progressive stages
* Prophetic telescoping; “biblical prophecy may leap from one prominent peak in predictive topography to another, without notice of the valley between , which may involve no inconsiderable lapse n chronology (199)
Varieties of EschatologicalTheories (201)
* Premillennialism: Christ returns before the millennium.
* Postmillennialism: after
* Amillennialism: millennium is symbolic
Principles for interpreting Prophecy: (202)
* historical-cultural analysis: names, events, geographical reference remains a crucial first step.
* Lexical-syntactical analysis:
* Theological analysis:
* Literary analysis:


8: Applying the Biblical Message: A proposal for the Transcultural Problem (211)
First 7 chapters: “What was the author’s meaning when he wrote a particular passage?”
1. Narrative:
1. How to make useful?
2. HOw do we apply normative commands?
Principlizing: An Alternative to Allegorizing Biblical Narratives (212)
Principlizing is an attempt to discover in a narrative the spiritual, moral, or theological principles that have relvance for the contemporary blvr
Based on the assumption that the Holy Spirit chose those historical incidents that are recorded n Scripture for a purpose: to give information, to make a point, to illustrate an important truth, etc (213)
Principlizing seeks to derive its teaching from a careful understanding of the story itself
Methodologically the approach is the same as in the exegesis of any biblical passage
Example 1: The “Unholdy Fire” of Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-11)
* The actions of the narrative
* Nadab and Abihu used strange fire
* God struck them dead
* God then gave Aaron three commands (Lev 10:8-10)
* Neither he nor any of his priestly descendants were to use fermented beverages before entering their sacred duties
* They were to distinguish between the only and the common, the clean and the unclean
* They were to teaching the ppl all of the Lord’s statutes
* Significance or meaning of the Actions (215)
* Historical-cultural analysis: Israel surrounded by idolotry
* Contextual analysis: Aaron’s son’s setting a precedence.
* Lexical-syntactical and theological analysis: Fire = symbol for God. They substituted their own form of worship (216)
* Application: Teachers must teach salvation by grace and not by works (217)
Example 2: an Analysis of the Temptation Process (217)
* Gen 3:1-6. Snake in the garden
* Significance of the actions, 6 steps
* Maximizing the restriction
* Minimizing the consquences
* Relabeling the action (218)
* Mixing good and evil (219)
* Mixing sin with beauty
* Misunderstanding the implications
* application (220)
* We see the same steps in our sin
Guidelines for Principlizing (220)
1. focus on those principles implicit in a story that are applicable across times and cultures
2. The meaning must be the author’s intended one
3. Must be consistent with all other teachings from Scripture
4. Principles might be normative or nonnormative. May not always be true in all circumstances
5. One meaning; many applications
Translating Biblical Commands from One Culture to Another (221)
1. to what extent are biblical commands to be understood as

[Christopher Desruisseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sound textbook on hermeneutics

[Daniel Woodfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful introductory textbook which doesn't fall into academic jargon or assumed knowledge too often. There are helpful overviews of the history of hermeneutics, and discussions about understanding how the Old Testament relates to the New Testament. The chapter on applying cultural and transcultural commands hasn't taken into account contemporary critiques of principlizing, though it is still helpful.

Currently, I seem to be reading a number of books which are not the right length. This book could easily have been 100 pages longer, incorporating some extra material which expands upon reading different literary genres (such as narrative, epistles etc.), as well as more developed material concerned with applying the Bible to a contemporary setting. However, in all, this book is well worth your time and is the most helpful of the hermeneutics textbooks I was set for a module on Hermeneutics at Seminary.

[Nathan Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book the second time through brought out more detail about the Author(s)'s high view of scripture. It contains hermeneutical philosophy applied to scripture. While acknowledging various perspectives on inspiration, the canon, and hermeneutics, this book is built around an orthodox view of inspiration and scripture, which lends itself to consistent literal hermeneutics. Virkler and Ayayo present a good method to engaging with the Biblical text through several stages of analysis, asking the right questions of the text. Extensive discussion is given to pitfalls of assumption when approaching the text in light of one's understanding of culture, history, language, and theology. This book is written for study, but toward the end of the book practically applies these principles for usefulness in the church pulpit and pew.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have used many Hermeneutic books through the years, but always come back to Virkler. This book is well researched, simple to read and apply, and profound in theory. His simple 6 step hermeneutic process is easy to follow and easy to remember. I was a little uncertain about this new edition, but really like it. Thank you for this amazing contribution to the field.

[Heather Proske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read ... Hard to understand for the average person unless your a theology collage major

[Jon Mellberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermeneutics is one of those “Bible” words that I always half-knew; I could remember the gist but not the definition.

Simply put, as the book describes, hermeneutics is the art and science of interpreting scripture. The book has only 8 chapters but flies through a variety of topics including the history of interpretation throughout the church and its various denominations, historical-cultural and contextual analysis, literary methods (similes, metaphors, allegories, etc.), and more.

While these tools are taught in the exclusive context of reading, understanding, and interpreting the Bible, the skills, once possessed, can easily extend into our areas of writing, such as the founding documents (Declaration of Independence and the Constitution), Shakespeare, and more!

As it appeared to me, the author wrote and taught quite well, being fair with different opinions and styles but bringing things back (normally) to the theologically conservative viewpoint.

[Joseph O’Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a consistently reliable, and comprehensive introduction and overview of the hermeneutical process from an evangelical perspective. It's an information-dense volume, but the previews and summaries for each chapter, together with regular practice exercises provide a helpful means of testing comprehension.

There is also an outline of the entire method of interpretation and application, as explored in the book, in summary form at the end. This is a useful tool for reference.

[Joanna Fruhauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide for anyone serious about understanding Scripture. Virkler clearly lays out the principles and processes of biblical interpretation, making complex concepts accessible without oversimplifying. This book is both practical and thorough, ideal for students, pastors, or anyone who wants to deepen their study of God’s Word and apply it accurately in life and ministry.

[Timothy Dison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beneficial introduction into biblical hermeneutics.

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry. Lots of information.

[Alex Monseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a fantastic overview of hermeneutics with great examples for further study. One I'll be returning to.

[Mark Ackeret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theologically deep but a very helpful book on how to correctly read, interpret, and apply the Bible

[Jon Coupal · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a pastor, Hermeneutics is one of my favorite studies. Unfortunately, this book presented it dryly. There are much better options.

[Abraham Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I think all the ones who minister from the word God MUST read and need to learn how to interpret the text/ scripture

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This basic text on Hermeneutics (the process of biblical interpretation) was a very readable and helpful guide to the issues and processes of coming to understand the intent of the writers of biblical texts. In addition to this, it was an interesting survey of some of the issues sectarian Christianity deals with as it interprets scripture: Is the Bible infallible, and if so, to what extent?; Are Bible stories to be understood literally or figuratively?; To what extent do biblical commandments pertain to us in our day?; What is the nature of the millennium? etc. I found this book to be highly interesting and informative.

[Bfleegs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virkler's book is an excellent introduction to hermeneutics which is extremely helpful to would-be preachers, and I would argue intelligible by laymen such as Sunday School teachers and ordinary congregants in getting a proper grip on how one should read and interpret SCripture. He works through the biblical foundations as well as the principles behind exposition and vies for expository preaching which follows the normal, hoistroical-grammatical approach to the text. A must-read for anyone seeking to quickly understand better the area of hermeneutics.

[Brian Nicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book on the art and science of biblical interpretation. It was written with lay people in mind and avoids the cumbersome jargon of academia. He makes hermeneutics accessible for everyone with very helpful exercises imbedded within and at the end of each chapter. An answer CD is available free of charge if requested with an accompanying letter from your pastor. Overall this is an excellent resource for anyone who is serious about studying the Bible in order to understand the author's intended meaning.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the ICT books. Reading this book has opened my eyes to numerous new Scriptural concepts. This is by no means fluff reading. It's meaty and reads like a textbook. This is one of those books that I've read but I have not completely comprehended. It will take much more studying and practicing to do that, but for now I'll rest in the fact that I did read all of the chapters. Read this if you want to broaden your horizons in Biblical interpretation.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to find an objective author on the issue of hermeneutics. Virkler does a pretty good job. The best part about this book is that it is concise,not alot of rabbit trail info, yet educational and informative.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource for hermeneutics.

[Chris Armer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a well-balanced overview of hermeneutics. It is also offers exercises with each lesson. Great for a student learning to rightly divide the Scriptures.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction.

[Sylvan Finger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This detailed book explains how to properly analyze the bible passages. It also describes the various approaches that different Christian faith take on understanding scripture.

[John Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really useful for our training of pastoral candidates.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid short intro to hermeneutics.

[Janise Barnes]

Very informative and useful. The activities were also useful.