I know this has probably been felt with, but I put together a layman's set of hermeneutics
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
When reading the Bible, the student or disciple must approach the task with certain goals in mind and a plan, not just random reading.
A proper comprehension and discernment of the Bible depends on two things.
1)Illumination – It is impossible the natural man (unsaved man) can understand the word of God. Upon salvation the ministry of the Holy Spirit brings the revelation of scripture to make clear the truth of the word. John 16:13-14; 1 Cor 2:12 – 3:2. The Holy Spirit Himself teaches “all truth” however any carnality in the believer can greatly hinder this, and pride, envy, strife and divisions fall into the carnal category.
2) Interpretation – Illumination is a promise of God, however not a full illumination (Eccl 3:11) and not always an assured automatic understanding. Not only must fellowship not be broken because of sin in the believers life to experience and enjoy this ministry of the Holy Spirit without pride or stoutness of heart, but study is required. Using the teachers God has sent and given to the church and not being slothful in the journey of discovery.
You need to start with a basic set of hermeneutics. [hermeneutikos] – latinized form of Greek meaning “to interpret”, considering factors. If you want to learn Gods word you must approach with a set of hermeneutical tools of interpreting scripture. This study presents basics for the beginning Bible student.
Recipients – To whom was the scripture, prophecy or epistle written to? Were they Jew or Gentile? Not all scripture was written to church age believers, however, there are godly life principles that apply; discerning and rightly dividing the word of God. And some Old Testament stories are set forth as examples as well as warnings containing elements of certain principles to learn from.
Writer – It is important to know who the author was and to who or what class of people he was writing to.
Why? The circumstances – There is always a reason. Pending judgement to come? Future prophecy. Is there a doctrinal error to be addressed? The practical application to correct a doctrinal error, correction and guidance etc.… (e.g., Gnosticism addressed in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians.
Writing styles – Besides each author’s certain style of writing, the first century style of writing was much different than today. Such as long parenthetical statements - an interjection of thought then a return to the main thought to expound a more complete understanding. It is good to have some knowledge of this to have a better understanding.
Original languages – When studying scripture don’t take your translation as 100 percent accurate. Even the best translations can’t compare to the original manuscripts. There are many word meanings and play on words in the Greek and Hebrew that get lost in translation or transliteration. This brings us to what Bible is most accurate and to consider what manuscripts are used. The majority texts, the Textus Receptus, the Codex Vaticanus, Codex Alaexandrinus ? Etc…etc.
Views to be Taken
Literal – A literal interpretation of the word
Historical –
Spiritual – It will be evident in context if spiritualized. Always consider the paragraphs before and after and if there is a central theme being presented.
Symbolic – Symbolic meanings are always repeated (leaven as sin or bad doctrine, dragon as satan). In most cases scripture interprets scripture. It’s not symbolic if you only see it once.
When studying read slowly, deliberately and with an intelligent approach. Consider the only three ways to teach properly.
Expository – a verse by verse exposition
Exegetical – to dissect a sentence and define meaning in the original language. What I call “explanatory exposition”.
Topical – Cross referencing doctrinal topics to expound a deeper meaning and understanding. Examples would be election, grace, justification by faith, propitiation, expiation, substitution, redemption etc.
In your daily reading, when you start a book stay in it until you complete it. I was in a deep study of Romans for several years.
I recommend a detailed study of the epistles of Paul. He was appointed by God as s steward and Apostle to the gentiles. Almost all the profound doctrines of the church are found only in the epistles of Paul. What we are in Christ, church doctrine, behavior and walk of believer, the church as the body of Christ. There is a saying that “the in the Old Testament the New Testament is concealed, in the New Testament the Old Testament is revealed”. You can’t fully understand the Old Testament until you understand church doctrine and Christian doctrine. The saints need to know who they are in Christ and what God has done for them first and foremost.
KNOWLEDGE
2 Pet 1:2 - Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. The salutation of verses 1 and 2 are identical with 1Peter except in verse 2 he now adds “through the knowledge”. The basic theme of the letter is quickly established: it is the knowledge of God (Gk – epignosis – full knowledge). This word or form of it occurs 11 times in this very short letter. The knowledge of God was claimed by false teachers in apostolic times as well as today. It is in reality, a knowing of God experientially through a relationship, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a diligent deep study of Gods’ word and prayer.
v3 According as his divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Hebrews 5:12-14
V14b those who by reason of use [of the deep things of gods word] have their senses exercised to discern … v13 For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. And babies can’t teach, however, some try.
So, what does it mean to have the senses exercised to discern? It is to perceive, to know by observing, reflecting deeply. A judicial estimation, to decide separating thoroughly the facts through study and knowledge.
As Christians we are a people called out by God, sons and heirs and of the new covenant in Christ. As such, we are called to discernment. 2 Timothy 2:15 says Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them. [teaching, to expound correctly] (1 Tim 4:13,16)
The proverbs of Solomon is considered a book of wisdom. Unfortunately, some meaning gets lost in translation. In the Jewish culture wisdom signified “skillful living”, the ability of a covenant people to make wise choices of moral standards providing things of lasting value to God. The children were not brought up but should be “trained up.” We will take a look at just a few opening verses.
Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To know (Hebrew -da’at) – an intellectual, experiential acquisition of wisdom.
Wisdom (Hebrew chokmah) – is the knowledge and ability to make right choices at the opportune time and the consistency of making the right choice is the indication of mature development. The prerequisite for wisdom is the fear of the Lord. If you have no reverential fear of the Lord (and hatred of evil) it’s impossible to make wise choices. Chokmah is also technical skills
and instruction (Hebrew mûwcâr) – chastisement, warning, instruction through discipline and correction.
v3a To receive the instruction of wisdom, to talk hold of grasp (receive) the instruction of wisdom. This is not the normal word for wisdom here (Hebrew sâkal). Sâkal means to be prudent, act wisely, give attention, ponder, to develop insight and intellectual comprehension. The first use of this word is in Genesis 3:6 and presents an interesting paradox in itself to be pondered. The forbidden fruit was desired to make one wise but it was a very unwise thing to take it.
To sum up these verses wisdom and knowledge are an intellectual, experiential acquisition of wisdom by receiving and taking hold of discipline, not despising it as in verse 7, making prudent and circumspect of justice, sound judgement and equity. It is developed. You have to recognize and accept the chastisement of God and His correction, discipline and instruction in your life. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction, nor faint when you art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. Pro 3:11; Heb 12:5,6
V5 – says “a wise will hear”- he will receive resulting in increased learning. Eccl 5:1 instructs us when we go to the house of God be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools. The sacrifice of a fool is one that must talk and have his opinion heard but is not ready to listen.
V23 “turn you at my reproof”. In context it is a choice resulting in having the spirit of wisdom making known the words of wisdom or calamity and destruction.
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
When reading the Bible, the student or disciple must approach the task with certain goals in mind and a plan, not just random reading.
A proper comprehension and discernment of the Bible depends on two things.
1)Illumination – It is impossible the natural man (unsaved man) can understand the word of God. Upon salvation the ministry of the Holy Spirit brings the revelation of scripture to make clear the truth of the word. John 16:13-14; 1 Cor 2:12 – 3:2. The Holy Spirit Himself teaches “all truth” however any carnality in the believer can greatly hinder this, and pride, envy, strife and divisions fall into the carnal category.
2) Interpretation – Illumination is a promise of God, however not a full illumination (Eccl 3:11) and not always an assured automatic understanding. Not only must fellowship not be broken because of sin in the believers life to experience and enjoy this ministry of the Holy Spirit without pride or stoutness of heart, but study is required. Using the teachers God has sent and given to the church and not being slothful in the journey of discovery.
You need to start with a basic set of hermeneutics. [hermeneutikos] – latinized form of Greek meaning “to interpret”, considering factors. If you want to learn Gods word you must approach with a set of hermeneutical tools of interpreting scripture. This study presents basics for the beginning Bible student.
Recipients – To whom was the scripture, prophecy or epistle written to? Were they Jew or Gentile? Not all scripture was written to church age believers, however, there are godly life principles that apply; discerning and rightly dividing the word of God. And some Old Testament stories are set forth as examples as well as warnings containing elements of certain principles to learn from.
Writer – It is important to know who the author was and to who or what class of people he was writing to.
Why? The circumstances – There is always a reason. Pending judgement to come? Future prophecy. Is there a doctrinal error to be addressed? The practical application to correct a doctrinal error, correction and guidance etc.… (e.g., Gnosticism addressed in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians.
Writing styles – Besides each author’s certain style of writing, the first century style of writing was much different than today. Such as long parenthetical statements - an interjection of thought then a return to the main thought to expound a more complete understanding. It is good to have some knowledge of this to have a better understanding.
Original languages – When studying scripture don’t take your translation as 100 percent accurate. Even the best translations can’t compare to the original manuscripts. There are many word meanings and play on words in the Greek and Hebrew that get lost in translation or transliteration. This brings us to what Bible is most accurate and to consider what manuscripts are used. The majority texts, the Textus Receptus, the Codex Vaticanus, Codex Alaexandrinus ? Etc…etc.
Views to be Taken
Literal – A literal interpretation of the word
Historical –
Spiritual – It will be evident in context if spiritualized. Always consider the paragraphs before and after and if there is a central theme being presented.
Symbolic – Symbolic meanings are always repeated (leaven as sin or bad doctrine, dragon as satan). In most cases scripture interprets scripture. It’s not symbolic if you only see it once.
When studying read slowly, deliberately and with an intelligent approach. Consider the only three ways to teach properly.
Expository – a verse by verse exposition
Exegetical – to dissect a sentence and define meaning in the original language. What I call “explanatory exposition”.
Topical – Cross referencing doctrinal topics to expound a deeper meaning and understanding. Examples would be election, grace, justification by faith, propitiation, expiation, substitution, redemption etc.
In your daily reading, when you start a book stay in it until you complete it. I was in a deep study of Romans for several years.
I recommend a detailed study of the epistles of Paul. He was appointed by God as s steward and Apostle to the gentiles. Almost all the profound doctrines of the church are found only in the epistles of Paul. What we are in Christ, church doctrine, behavior and walk of believer, the church as the body of Christ. There is a saying that “the in the Old Testament the New Testament is concealed, in the New Testament the Old Testament is revealed”. You can’t fully understand the Old Testament until you understand church doctrine and Christian doctrine. The saints need to know who they are in Christ and what God has done for them first and foremost.
KNOWLEDGE
2 Pet 1:2 - Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. The salutation of verses 1 and 2 are identical with 1Peter except in verse 2 he now adds “through the knowledge”. The basic theme of the letter is quickly established: it is the knowledge of God (Gk – epignosis – full knowledge). This word or form of it occurs 11 times in this very short letter. The knowledge of God was claimed by false teachers in apostolic times as well as today. It is in reality, a knowing of God experientially through a relationship, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a diligent deep study of Gods’ word and prayer.
v3 According as his divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Hebrews 5:12-14
V14b those who by reason of use [of the deep things of gods word] have their senses exercised to discern … v13 For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. And babies can’t teach, however, some try.
So, what does it mean to have the senses exercised to discern? It is to perceive, to know by observing, reflecting deeply. A judicial estimation, to decide separating thoroughly the facts through study and knowledge.
As Christians we are a people called out by God, sons and heirs and of the new covenant in Christ. As such, we are called to discernment. 2 Timothy 2:15 says Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them. [teaching, to expound correctly] (1 Tim 4:13,16)
The proverbs of Solomon is considered a book of wisdom. Unfortunately, some meaning gets lost in translation. In the Jewish culture wisdom signified “skillful living”, the ability of a covenant people to make wise choices of moral standards providing things of lasting value to God. The children were not brought up but should be “trained up.” We will take a look at just a few opening verses.
Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To know (Hebrew -da’at) – an intellectual, experiential acquisition of wisdom.
Wisdom (Hebrew chokmah) – is the knowledge and ability to make right choices at the opportune time and the consistency of making the right choice is the indication of mature development. The prerequisite for wisdom is the fear of the Lord. If you have no reverential fear of the Lord (and hatred of evil) it’s impossible to make wise choices. Chokmah is also technical skills
and instruction (Hebrew mûwcâr) – chastisement, warning, instruction through discipline and correction.
v3a To receive the instruction of wisdom, to talk hold of grasp (receive) the instruction of wisdom. This is not the normal word for wisdom here (Hebrew sâkal). Sâkal means to be prudent, act wisely, give attention, ponder, to develop insight and intellectual comprehension. The first use of this word is in Genesis 3:6 and presents an interesting paradox in itself to be pondered. The forbidden fruit was desired to make one wise but it was a very unwise thing to take it.
To sum up these verses wisdom and knowledge are an intellectual, experiential acquisition of wisdom by receiving and taking hold of discipline, not despising it as in verse 7, making prudent and circumspect of justice, sound judgement and equity. It is developed. You have to recognize and accept the chastisement of God and His correction, discipline and instruction in your life. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction, nor faint when you art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. Pro 3:11; Heb 12:5,6
V5 – says “a wise will hear”- he will receive resulting in increased learning. Eccl 5:1 instructs us when we go to the house of God be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools. The sacrifice of a fool is one that must talk and have his opinion heard but is not ready to listen.
V23 “turn you at my reproof”. In context it is a choice resulting in having the spirit of wisdom making known the words of wisdom or calamity and destruction.
