Introduction to the Biblical Hermeneutics, Essay Example

What is meant by biblical interpretation?

Biblical interpretation involvesreviewing the hermeneutics which are expressed in the Bible. This is conducted in order to correctly understand the meaning which hadbeenintended. This is conducted instead of trying to force concepts into the context of the Bible. The Bible is the word of God. There exist some understandings of the Bible which are not founded upon the intended meaning of God’s scripture (Kaiser Jr. 20).

There exist many Christian sects and cults which misapply the biblical verses and assert that their interpretations are correct. Notwithstanding, the interpretations which are derived frequently have dramatic and contradicting distinctions. These aspects do not infer that God’s word is confusing. Instead, the challenge can be found in the methods and the interpretations which are applied (Kaiser Jr. 20).

As sin is instilled within the mind, body, emotions and will, thecausalattribute is that the perfect interpretation of God’s word becomes challenging. The mind, body, emotions and will are influenced by sin. This does not imply that a precise interpretation of the bible is impossible. In order to precisely interpret the Bible, it must be perceived with humility, reasoning ability and a precautious attitude. In addition, what is required is the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the precise interpretation of the Bible. The Bible is the word of God which is directed toward his people. In seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, the reader becomes empowered toward the correct interpretation and application of God’s holy word (Kaiser Jr. 20).

What is meant by bridging the gap? 

The gap theory is founded upon the beginning verse of the Book of Genesis. In Genesis chapter one verse one, the Bible details the manner by which God formed the earth and the heavens. There is a temporal interval which is proposed between the first and the second verses of the first chapter of the Book of Genesis. Many Christians perceive that there had been a significant temporal interval between the creation of the first and the second verses of the first chapter of the Book of Genesis. This temporal interval could be as substantial as 4.6 billion years (Saarnarvaara 102).

There is a conflict in heaven which is proposed to have taken place during this temporal interval. During this conflict which occurred in the heavens, the demons were expelled and exiled to the earth. This activity by the angels which had fallen caused a corruption of the natural environmental processes. Bridging the gap provides an approach to the two challenges which have been created by conventional science. These challenges are the developmental and chronological age of the earth and the characteristics of nature. A direct interpretation of the Bible causes creation to measure at six thousand years of age. Notwithstanding, parasites, predators, mortality, suffering and illness are encountered in the living world. Bridging the gap enables nature to be perceived as unforgiving and ancient without causing blame to be cast on God’s holy word or the Creator(Saarnivaara 102).

How can diagrams be used to assist in the whole interpretation process?

Sentence diagrams have the capacity of visually demonstrating the correspondence of the other sections which pertain to a sentence of biblical verse. The sentence diagram divides the biblical verse into its components of pronoun, verb, noun, ad verb, prepositional phrase and adjective phrase (Osborne 47).

Explain the function of a biblical hermeneutic.

The function of a biblical hermeneutic with respect to the precise interpretation of a biblical verse is the following:

1. Who is the biblical verse directed towards, who said it and who cited it.
2. Should any of the phrases or expressions in the biblical verse be explored?
3. What is the meaning of the biblical passage?
4. What is the primary context of the biblical verse?
5. What is the comprehensive context of the biblical book and chapter?
6. What are the corresponding verses to the topic of biblical passage and what influence do they create on the understanding of the passage?
7. What is the historical and cultural context of the biblical passage?
8. Does the conclusion which is derived concur with the corresponding parts of the bible and studies conducted by other bible students?
9. What is the lesson that has been acquired from the biblical verse or passage?
10. How can the lesson be applied from the biblical verse or passage (Kaiser Jr. 20)?

Works Cited

Kaiser Jr., Walter C. & Moisés Silva. Introduction to the biblical hermeneutics: The search for meaning. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994. Print.

Osborne, Grant R. The hermeneutical spiral: A comprehensive introduction to biblical interpretation. Downers Grove, IL. Intervarsity Press, 2010. Print

Saarnivaara, Uuras. Can the Bible be trusted? Old and New Testament introduction and interpretation. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2008. Print.