HERMENEUTICS
Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of The Bible. It is part of the broader field of hermeneutics which involves the study of principles for the text and includes all forms of communication: verbal and non-verbal.
Inductive Bible study is particularly valuable because it enables you to develop fresh, unbiased conclusions regarding what God is communicating through a portion of Scripture. It approaches the Scripture without preconceived ideas. It goes from the specific to the general. You analyze the parts (the specific) such as words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters-and begin to discover and develop the ideas they contain. Then you make observations, followed by conclusions (the general).
Inductive Bible study is particularly valuable because it enables you to develop fresh, unbiased conclusions regarding what God is communicating through a portion of Scripture. It approaches the Scripture without preconceived ideas. It goes from the specific to the general. You analyze the parts (the specific) such as words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters-and begin to discover and develop the ideas they contain. Then you make observations, followed by conclusions (the general).
Book Survey
Before you make observations on individual portions of a particular book, you will first conduct a survey of the entire book. Much of the background information on a book can be discovered by reading through the entire book several times and recording information. However, there is a great amount of information that cannot be learned from the text itself. To discover this information, you may need to rely on other resource materials, such as a Study Bible, a Bible
handbook, or commentary. The book survey may contain such information as:
Author
Date and place of writing
To whom was the book written
Historical background
Purpose of writing
Theme(s)
Book outline
handbook, or commentary. The book survey may contain such information as:
Author
Date and place of writing
To whom was the book written
Historical background
Purpose of writing
Theme(s)
Book outline
The Process of Inductive Bible Study
There are 3 steps to inductive Bible Study: observation, interpretation, and application
Step 1: Observation
Observation (what does the passage say)
Observation deals with discovering the facts that the Holy Spirit communicated through the author. It answers the question,“What does the passage say?”
You will need to make yourself an observation worksheet. Here you will examine a passage of Scripture in depth and learn the following observation techniques (right down your findings)....key words and phrases, chapter title, verb tensed, key verse, outlining the passage, challenging statements, connecting words, insights to The Godhead, and list of words and phrases
7 tools for a good observation of scripture...Prayer, The Four Observations Questions (who?, when?, where?, and why?), S.A.L.T., Figures of Speech, Laws of Emphasis, Charts, and Outlining
Step 2: Interpretation
Interpretation (what does the passage mean)
Interpretation deals with discovering what the Holy Spirit had in mind when the book was written. It answers the question,“What does the passage mean?” It is important to note that the basis for making accurate interpretation is doing correct and thorough observation. Often people arrive at a meaning (interpretation) of a passage before they thoroughly discover the facts (observation). This is how most misinterpretation of Scripture occurs. If you have poor observation, you will have faulty interpretation, which will result in erroneous application.
You will need to make an interpretation worksheet (use a separate piece of paper). The techniques you will learn are listed here.
Questions and answers
Cross-referencing
Word studies
3 Phases to Interpret...definition phase (Word Studies)...rationale phase (Background Studies)...implication phase (Interpretive Conclusion)
Step 3: Application
Application (how does the passage apply to my life)
Application deals with discovering what the Scriptures are saying to you and then doing something about it. It answers the question, “How does the passage apply to my life?”
James 1:22 reminds us, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (NASB)”
Application of truth must take place for Bible study to be complete and profitable.
In order to apply the Scriptures properly you need to discern the following:
1) What is the cultural setting? –Does that cultural setting apply today?
2) What is the historical setting? –Does it apply to a specific time in history or a specific historical situation?
3) What is the context? –Be sure you understand how the passage fits into the chapter and the book as a whole. Be careful not to apply Scripture out of context.
4) To whom was the author writing and why?
5) Was it written to a group or individual?
6) Was the author teaching, challenging, correcting, or warning?
3 Steps for Proper Application: Summar-ize the Original Idea, Principle-ize the Universal Idea, and Personal-ize the Applicational Idea
Step 1: Observation
Observation (what does the passage say)
Observation deals with discovering the facts that the Holy Spirit communicated through the author. It answers the question,“What does the passage say?”
You will need to make yourself an observation worksheet. Here you will examine a passage of Scripture in depth and learn the following observation techniques (right down your findings)....key words and phrases, chapter title, verb tensed, key verse, outlining the passage, challenging statements, connecting words, insights to The Godhead, and list of words and phrases
7 tools for a good observation of scripture...Prayer, The Four Observations Questions (who?, when?, where?, and why?), S.A.L.T., Figures of Speech, Laws of Emphasis, Charts, and Outlining
Step 2: Interpretation
Interpretation (what does the passage mean)
Interpretation deals with discovering what the Holy Spirit had in mind when the book was written. It answers the question,“What does the passage mean?” It is important to note that the basis for making accurate interpretation is doing correct and thorough observation. Often people arrive at a meaning (interpretation) of a passage before they thoroughly discover the facts (observation). This is how most misinterpretation of Scripture occurs. If you have poor observation, you will have faulty interpretation, which will result in erroneous application.
You will need to make an interpretation worksheet (use a separate piece of paper). The techniques you will learn are listed here.
Questions and answers
Cross-referencing
Word studies
3 Phases to Interpret...definition phase (Word Studies)...rationale phase (Background Studies)...implication phase (Interpretive Conclusion)
Step 3: Application
Application (how does the passage apply to my life)
Application deals with discovering what the Scriptures are saying to you and then doing something about it. It answers the question, “How does the passage apply to my life?”
James 1:22 reminds us, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (NASB)”
Application of truth must take place for Bible study to be complete and profitable.
In order to apply the Scriptures properly you need to discern the following:
1) What is the cultural setting? –Does that cultural setting apply today?
2) What is the historical setting? –Does it apply to a specific time in history or a specific historical situation?
3) What is the context? –Be sure you understand how the passage fits into the chapter and the book as a whole. Be careful not to apply Scripture out of context.
4) To whom was the author writing and why?
5) Was it written to a group or individual?
6) Was the author teaching, challenging, correcting, or warning?
3 Steps for Proper Application: Summar-ize the Original Idea, Principle-ize the Universal Idea, and Personal-ize the Applicational Idea
Specific application is vital
After you have picked one idea, state WHY you need this truth in your own life.
Illustrate if possible an example of NOT applying this truth at some time in your life.
Write out what God is saying to DO now to personalize the truth in your life this week.
The application should be personal enough that a friend or a “Paul” could check up to see what you have let God do to make the principle come alive in you. The Holy Spirit deals in specifics; Satan deals in generalities such as “you didn't pray enough.” The Spirit would point out a time and place He led you to pray, and you were “too busy” or substituted a “spiritual busy-work” for His guidance.
Illustrate if possible an example of NOT applying this truth at some time in your life.
Write out what God is saying to DO now to personalize the truth in your life this week.
The application should be personal enough that a friend or a “Paul” could check up to see what you have let God do to make the principle come alive in you. The Holy Spirit deals in specifics; Satan deals in generalities such as “you didn't pray enough.” The Spirit would point out a time and place He led you to pray, and you were “too busy” or substituted a “spiritual busy-work” for His guidance.
Resource Material
To aid you in inductive Bible study you may want to acquire the following Bible study resources: Concordance, Bible Dictionary, and Bible translations and paraphrases
You may also want to acquire the following Bible study resources: a Study Bible, Bible Handbook, and a Commentary
Note: Except for the Book Survey, do not use a commentary or Bible handbook until after you have completed your own personal study of the passage. Commentaries and handbooks are the work of men and women, probably godly men and women, even though they can be helpful, they are not necessarily inspired by God. They can also cause you to have preconceived ideas about the passage before you begin your study. So be careful to do you own study before referring to these resources.
You may also want to acquire the following Bible study resources: a Study Bible, Bible Handbook, and a Commentary
Note: Except for the Book Survey, do not use a commentary or Bible handbook until after you have completed your own personal study of the passage. Commentaries and handbooks are the work of men and women, probably godly men and women, even though they can be helpful, they are not necessarily inspired by God. They can also cause you to have preconceived ideas about the passage before you begin your study. So be careful to do you own study before referring to these resources.
Preparation Sequence
REMEMBER, the sequence for doing the Inductive Bible Study is important.
First complete a Book Survey
Next complete the Observation Worksheet
Then complete the Interpretation Worksheet
Finally complete the Application Worksheet
You may find that as you are preparing one worksheet, you may have some thoughts that pertain to one of the other worksheets. Briefly make a note of your
thoughts on that worksheet or a separate sheet of paper, then return to your work on the original worksheet.
First complete a Book Survey
Next complete the Observation Worksheet
Then complete the Interpretation Worksheet
Finally complete the Application Worksheet
You may find that as you are preparing one worksheet, you may have some thoughts that pertain to one of the other worksheets. Briefly make a note of your
thoughts on that worksheet or a separate sheet of paper, then return to your work on the original worksheet.
Parable Studies
A parable is defined as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. It exists as a simple story that contains a spiritual, theological, or moral meaning.
Although there are some parables located in The Old Testament, it remains the first 3 Gospels that we find the bulk.
Luke contains 34 with 15 unique to Luke itself.
Matthew contains 27 with 10 unique to Matthew itself.
Mark contains 11 with 1 unique to Mark itself (The Seed – 4:26 thru 29... And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows--how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.“ (NASB))
What was the purpose of Jesus using parables?
Mark 4:10 – 12 gives a clue.... "As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, {began} asking Him {about} the parables. And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.“ (NASB)
We may sum this up by saying that Jesus had two purposes:
1) to reveal spiritual truth
2) conceal spiritual truth
Observe: Check the context...
To whom is it being spoken?
What is the occasion or reason for it being told?
What is the parable’s normal or natural meaning, apart from any spiritual application? State it briefly...
Interpret: Research the biblical and cultural background. Many ideas and details in the parables can be understood best with a knowledge of the culture – landowners, slaves, leaven, etc...
What correspondences are there between the details of the parable and the details of the context?
Are there correspondences with similar parables?
What are the correspondences? A chart can be helpful in showing correspondences.
Is there an interpretation given in the text or context? If so, where? What is it?
What is the“big idea” of the parable?
What is Jesus trying to communicate to His hearers? Usually (though not always) a parable has one point to make. State it in one complete sentence, if possible.
Check the interpretation with other, more direct, passages, this means to cross – reference (passages that are not parables). DO NOT BUILD A DOCTRINE ON A PARABLE.
Apply...
Is there an application principle given?
Can one be drawn from the parable?
What is it? State it in one complete sentence.
Personal application – how does the principle apply in your life?
Although there are some parables located in The Old Testament, it remains the first 3 Gospels that we find the bulk.
Luke contains 34 with 15 unique to Luke itself.
Matthew contains 27 with 10 unique to Matthew itself.
Mark contains 11 with 1 unique to Mark itself (The Seed – 4:26 thru 29... And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows--how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.“ (NASB))
What was the purpose of Jesus using parables?
Mark 4:10 – 12 gives a clue.... "As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, {began} asking Him {about} the parables. And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.“ (NASB)
We may sum this up by saying that Jesus had two purposes:
1) to reveal spiritual truth
2) conceal spiritual truth
Observe: Check the context...
To whom is it being spoken?
What is the occasion or reason for it being told?
What is the parable’s normal or natural meaning, apart from any spiritual application? State it briefly...
Interpret: Research the biblical and cultural background. Many ideas and details in the parables can be understood best with a knowledge of the culture – landowners, slaves, leaven, etc...
What correspondences are there between the details of the parable and the details of the context?
Are there correspondences with similar parables?
What are the correspondences? A chart can be helpful in showing correspondences.
Is there an interpretation given in the text or context? If so, where? What is it?
What is the“big idea” of the parable?
What is Jesus trying to communicate to His hearers? Usually (though not always) a parable has one point to make. State it in one complete sentence, if possible.
Check the interpretation with other, more direct, passages, this means to cross – reference (passages that are not parables). DO NOT BUILD A DOCTRINE ON A PARABLE.
Apply...
Is there an application principle given?
Can one be drawn from the parable?
What is it? State it in one complete sentence.
Personal application – how does the principle apply in your life?
How to do Character Studies
The Holy Spirit wants to teach you how to apply Bible truth from the lives of others.
Note the many encouragements to your growth in study from...
John 14:26...“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (NASB)
John 16:13...“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (NASB)
Make study“built into your life” as a daily habit, not “tacked on” for a group meeting or religious presentation.
Studying with others regularly, however, is a great means of encouragement and motivation. Remember, if you don't study the Word of God you will backslide; if you don't pray you will faint (Luke 18:1... “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart...” (NASB)).
No one can study for you, or eat for you.
The word“character” means a distinctive mark, an impression. Each person in Scripture has left us with an impression about their lives.
Some excellent tools for biographical study are:
A Strong's or Young's Concordance, or the best complete concordance for the translation you use daily; it will become the most valuable study aid you have, apart from the original languages.
Remember that a plain sheet of paper is all you need, coupled with discipline to study any of the methods available to you on this web site, or in my Notebook, if you still have a copy.
Note the many encouragements to your growth in study from...
John 14:26...“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (NASB)
John 16:13...“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (NASB)
Make study“built into your life” as a daily habit, not “tacked on” for a group meeting or religious presentation.
Studying with others regularly, however, is a great means of encouragement and motivation. Remember, if you don't study the Word of God you will backslide; if you don't pray you will faint (Luke 18:1... “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart...” (NASB)).
No one can study for you, or eat for you.
The word“character” means a distinctive mark, an impression. Each person in Scripture has left us with an impression about their lives.
Some excellent tools for biographical study are:
A Strong's or Young's Concordance, or the best complete concordance for the translation you use daily; it will become the most valuable study aid you have, apart from the original languages.
Remember that a plain sheet of paper is all you need, coupled with discipline to study any of the methods available to you on this web site, or in my Notebook, if you still have a copy.
How to do a Biographical Study
Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you; in prayer tell Him you will seek to apply any truth you learn, in your own life. We must be appliers, not just collectors of Biblical nuggets.
Decide on a Bible character; look up all references in your Concordance; a Naves Topical Bible is also of great value. Jot down all references. Look them up in your Bible.
Record all positive qualities and actions together; any negative together. List quality along with reference which gave you this idea.
Prayerfully begin to note the reasons back of actions; use “Who, What, When, Where, Why, How.” Observe, visualize the background of the person, the historical setting of the story.
Note the list of possible studies of this kind elsewhere on this web site, or in the Notebook. Those with an * (asterisk) take longer and are more difficult. Begin with short studies as you learn the method.
Write down conclusions and observations about the person. What lesson can I learn? Isolate principles of conduct, attitudes, and actions that made the person what they were. What part did parents play in their development? Where is the Lord in their lives?
Isolate one key truth as a challenge to your own life — or a warning — to heed. Concentrate on the positive Biblical principle that produces victory and the quality of an over-comer.
Decide on a Bible character; look up all references in your Concordance; a Naves Topical Bible is also of great value. Jot down all references. Look them up in your Bible.
Record all positive qualities and actions together; any negative together. List quality along with reference which gave you this idea.
Prayerfully begin to note the reasons back of actions; use “Who, What, When, Where, Why, How.” Observe, visualize the background of the person, the historical setting of the story.
Note the list of possible studies of this kind elsewhere on this web site, or in the Notebook. Those with an * (asterisk) take longer and are more difficult. Begin with short studies as you learn the method.
Write down conclusions and observations about the person. What lesson can I learn? Isolate principles of conduct, attitudes, and actions that made the person what they were. What part did parents play in their development? Where is the Lord in their lives?
Isolate one key truth as a challenge to your own life — or a warning — to heed. Concentrate on the positive Biblical principle that produces victory and the quality of an over-comer.
Figures of Speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that depart from straightforward literal language.
Figures of speech are often used and crafted for emphasis, freshness, expression, or clarity.
Types of figures of speech:
Simile... A simile is the comparison of two unlike things using “like or as”.
Metaphor... A metaphor is the comparison of two unlike things or expressions, sometimes using the verb “to be,” and not using like or as (as in a simile).
Alliteration... Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds of neighboring words. Example...Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
Onomatopoeia... (on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh)...An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it represents. The chiming of the bells…or...the boom of the explosion.
Hyperbole... A hyperbole is an overstatement or an exaggeration.
Figures of speech are often used and crafted for emphasis, freshness, expression, or clarity.
Types of figures of speech:
Simile... A simile is the comparison of two unlike things using “like or as”.
Metaphor... A metaphor is the comparison of two unlike things or expressions, sometimes using the verb “to be,” and not using like or as (as in a simile).
Alliteration... Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds of neighboring words. Example...Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
Onomatopoeia... (on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh)...An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it represents. The chiming of the bells…or...the boom of the explosion.
Hyperbole... A hyperbole is an overstatement or an exaggeration.