The California Collection/TheCaliforniaCollection.cdr/his101/intrprt.arj/INTRPRT.TXT

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      Eugene F. Douglass                                        12/86



                             Hermeneutics - A manual

     I. Introduction



     1.  What is hermeneutics?




           Hermeneutics is the science that teaches us how to derive the

     intended meaning from a passage of writing.  It involves principles,

     laws, and different methods of interpretation.  Sacred Hermeneutics

     deals with the interpretation of the Bible as The Inspired Word of

     God.  Divine inspiration must be maintained, otherwise the Bible

     becomes like just another Book.



     2.  Why is Sacred Hermeneutics necessary?


           Because Sin has corrupted the understanding of man, therefore,

     great effort must be used to guard against error.  The meaning of the

     passage must not be distorted by preconceived notions,

     presuppositions, denominational doctrine or confessions of faith.  If

     it is distorted in this way, the study can become a self-serving

     search for proof texts and not a search for doctrine or the intended

     meaning from Scripture.  Sacred Hermeneutics is also described as

     Biblical Interpretation.



     3.  What does Biblical Interpretation involve?


           Biblical Interpretation involves Exegesis and Synthesis to gain

     an understanding of the passage and then Exposition and Application

     to put the meaning of the passage into a contemporary context.  For



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     example, in Luke 24:27 Jesus opened up the meaning of the scriptures

     written by Moses and The Prophets concerning Himself to the

     disciples.  He enabled them to understand the Scriptures, with the

     power of The Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is He who opens up the

     Word of God, so we can clearly understand it.  A study of Biblical

     Interpretation gives us tools that the Holy Spirit can use to give us

     a deeper understanding of God's Word.  The Holy Spirit is the vital

     connector, one who is not a Christian and not indwellt by The Holy

     Spirit is likely to have faulty interpretation of God's Word.

     Therefore, a Christian is likely to interpret Scripture better, than

     a non-Christian Theologian, or even a "Christian" Theologian who does

     not believe in The Inspired Word.  Even one who grew up in the Church

     can have faulty interpretation because of a lack of a personal

     relationship with God.



     4.  The Significance of a Sound Theory of Interpretation.


           Proper interpretation is ammunition that confronts issues that

     divide The True Church of Christ from pretenders and heretics

     (Mormons, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.).  It also confronts

     issues that divide denominations Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and

     different Protestant groups.  Although, as long as Sin remains a

     problem, certain issues that divide the Church into denominations

     will never be resolved.  Therefore, the only TRUE confession of faith

     is The Word of God, not constructions of man.  Confessions of faith

     are useful, but cannot be used as foundations for Biblical

     Interpretation, the Bible must always fill that role.





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     5.  The Preacher/Teacher as Interpreter.


           Anyone who preaches or teaches the Word of God (all Christians)

     is called upon to interpret the Word of God correctly.  First of all,

     He must apply it to himself, and then show his audience how to apply

     it.  In the Old Testament the Levitical Priesthood had that

     responsibility (Malachi 2:5-7 and Nehemiah 8:1-8).  Beginning with

     New Testament times with the abolition of the priesthood, all

     Christians have the responsibility to apply the Word of God to their

     lives and then teach it.



     6.  The Interpreter's Spiritual Condition.


           zra 7:10 describes Ezra as a Man of God who knew His Word

     well, and practiced it in his own life.  Teaching the Word of God

     requires understanding and understanding requires practicing what is

     learned.  Those who preach the Word of God must understand it and

     therefore, they must live it out themselves.  This involves a growing

     Christian faith, continued sanctification by The Holy Spirit, and a

     life that becomes more and more Christ-like.  The practicers

     understand it, therefore they can teach it.



     II.  The Object of Sacred Hermeneutics



     1.  The Bible, The Inspired Word of God.


             The object of Sacred Hermeneutics is The Holy Bible, the

     inspired Word of God.  It is God's direct and special revelation to

     man, his creation.  It is His communication to us in human language



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     that we need to hear Him and to do what He, the Lord, asks of us.  2

     Timothy 3:16-17 expresses very clearly that The Word of God is God

     breathed;  God's Word sent to us, to correct us, rebuke us and train

     us in righteousness.  Inspiration involves non-contradiction,

     clarity, coherence, consistency, truthfulness and freedom from error

     in what it teaches.  For Jesus Christ himself said many times "It is

     written" meaning God says, or I say.  This is additional proof that

     the written word is Inspired; God breathed.  Also, the Word is God's

     word as Jesus Christ in referred to in John 1 as the Word become

     flesh.



     2.  God used human authors to write his word.


           Our Sovereign God used human authors to write His Word.  They

     wrote what needed to be written as gave them the Words and enabled

     them to remember accurately events (John 14:26).  Their written

     words, as we have them, are the Words of God to mankind.  God used

     their idiosyncrasies, character, intellect, temperment, talents,

     education, likes, dislikes, and biases as tools to write the

     necessary words.



     3.  God as Personal, Immanent, and Omnipotent Author.


           God being a personal, immanent, and omnipotent God, has the

     power to keep His Word accurate in its teaching, truthful in its

     history, and consistent in its content.  Therefore, The Word of God

     is inerrant in what it teaches to man today.  Because it is God's

     Word, this implies Unity in the Bible, God's self revelation.




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     4.  The Unity and Diversity of The Bible.


           The Bible is the product of The Holy Spirit, the books center

     on or point to Jesus Christ and His eventual return.  Man's Fall, and

     Christ's redemption are all intertwined in all the Books of The

     Bible.  The progressive nature of God's revelation, his

     longsuffering, his faithfulness all point to the Redeemer Jesus

     Christ.  Old Testament passages explained in The New Testament give

     additional and different meanings, not readily apparent in the Old

     Testament, serve to unify scripture.


           The Diversity of The Bible as to content, form, language,

     historical narrative, laws and commandments, prophesy, and poetry is

     clear.  These all serve to point aspects of God's Character and Man's

     relationship with God serve to unify The Bible.  The diversity brings

     more unity.



     5.  Unity in the Sense of Scripture.


           There is unity in the Sense of Scripture, therefore it can be

     investigated scientifically, logically and coherently and that sense

     is spiritually discerned.  God uses unequivocal language to say what

     needs to be said without misleading us.  God's purpose is the

     Redemption of His Creation through Jesus Christ.  God's basis is that

     He created us so we can understand his rational revelation.  God uses

    perfectly the language of Man to express with clarity what we need to

     understand.  This Unity is encompassed in Jesus Christ as The Word

     (The Logos) who became man and dwelt among us.



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     III.  Exegesis - General Hermeneutical Principles.

     Grammatico-historical Interpretation.




           Exegesis - gather from the scriptures themselves the precise

     meaning that the writer (God) intends to convey.  The necessary

     presupposition, to interpret the scriptures properly is, God has

     written His Word through human authors, whose use of language

     expresses the common linguistic conventions and literary forms of

     their day.


           Some basic rules for Exegesis are:

            1.  Interpret words according to use.

            2.  Interpret sentences according to context.

            3.  Interpret literary units according to genre.

            4.  Interpret books according to their historical context.



     1.  Interpret words according to use.



           Lexical Semantics - The Study of words.



     1)  Etymology - The study of roots or origins of the word.


           It is the study of the development of the word to its first

     known use and compare it, to its use in the sentence.  One analyzes

     it, comparing it to the same word or idea in other languages.  The

     problem with this kind of study is it may give some hints as to its



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     meaning, but may not tell much about its current use.  For example,

     in English the word "nice" comes from the latin word "nescius" which

     means ignorant.  That is very different from the current meaning

     "pleasant".  The word must also be studied using real roots not

     logical roots from the english.  For example, "eucharist" comes from

     the greek word eucharistia which means thanksgiving.  Some split it

     up, eu for good, charist for caress or touch from the latin "carus".

     This is faulty etymology.


           Because of these difficulties etymology has limited benefit.

     It is better to study how the words are used, in its immediate

     context, in other places in the book, in other books by the same

     author, by other authors, extra-biblical sources and are there Old

     Testament concepts for the New Testament word.  Various tools for

     this kind of study are Greek and Hebrew lexicons, parallel lexicons

     to compare languages and classical lexicons which give uses in

     extra-biblical sources.



     2)  Polysemy - Different meanings from them same form.


           For example, in English the word "wind", written, can mean a

     rush of air, or can mean to wind up a clock.  These are two different

     meanings for the same four letters, one is a noun and one is a verb.

     The meaning would have to be determined by context.  Greek and Hebrew

     have many forms which have different meanings in different context.

     In Hebrew "davar" can mean thing or matter, in a different context it

     can mean word, or speech.  The key is context.






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     3)  Syntax - The relationship of words in a sentence.


           The relationship of words used in a sentence can shed light on

     the meaning of words.  The sentence structure, the grammar, the verb

     forms, tenses, moods, voices, number all play an important role.

     Using grammars parsing of the words may be done to bring out the

     meaning in that context.



     4)  Figures of Speech.


           The use of words in a sentence to give directed meaning.  They

     are a normal and natural way to communicate forcefully ideas.


           a.  Metaphor - a comparison by direct assertion and used as a

     creative force in language.  Most metaphors are designed to make a

     direct coparison.  In Isaiah 1:8-10  Egypt and Babylon are used as

     metaphors of a lace of bondage or evil place.  In Luke 22:31  Jesus

     says Peter will be sifted as wheat.  Elsewhere, suffering is referred

     to as a refiner's fire or as a cross we must bear.


           b.  Simile - An explicitly stated comparison using like or as.

     For example, in Luke 10:3, Jesus sends his disciples forth as "lambs

     in the midst of wolves".  In a simile, that which follows "like" or

     "as" is usually a commonly known experience.


           c.  Synecdoche - A part representing the whole, or a whole

     representing the part.  For example, "Tickle the ivorys" means play

     the piano.  In John 3:22 Jesus is baptizing, yet in 4:1 he is

     described as not baptizing, as his disciples are doing it.





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           d.  Metonymy - Using the name of one thing to describe

     something else.  For example, The Body of Christ for The Church or

     The White House referring to the President.


           e.  Personification - A thing, quality, or idea is represented

     by a person.  For example,  "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

     for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:34)  In Psalm 114

     the Red Sea is described as fleeing, the Jordan turns back and the

     mountains skip like rams.


           f.  Apostrophe - Words are expressed in an exclamatory tone to

     an actual person.  The presence or absence of the person is

     unimportant.  As in David's lament over his son Absalom in II Samuel

     18:33 where he cries "O my son Absalom, my son, my son, my son

     Absalom...".


           g.  Ellipsis - An idea not fully expressed, so the reader must

     supply the rest of the words to get the idea.  Usually the idea is

     implied in the context, so it is simple to provide the subject or the

     verbs.


           h.  Euphemism - A word or phrase is substituted because the

     direct form of the Word is too harsh, or offensive.  For example,

     "sleep" is used for "death", "to know" is used for sexual

     intercourse.  In Acts 1:25  Luke describes Judas as going down to

     "his own" place, they tone it down.  The language is direct enough to

     be clear, but it does not offend.


           i.  Meiois - A negative statement is used to declare an

     affirmative truth.  For example,  Jesus' words in Acts 1:5, "You will



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     be baptized with the Holy Spirit not long after these days."  In

     Thess. 2:15-16 the Jews are described as "not pleasing God", that

     means they anger God.


           j.  Hyperbole - A conscious exaggeration for effect, a

     rhetorical overstatement.  For example, in I Kings 10:27, numbers are

     exaggerated for effect and in verse 26 they are detailed.  Hyperbole

     is also a relative concept described in absolute terms.  In Luke

     14:26, Jesus says we must hate our father and mother in comparison to

     Him.


           k.  Irony - To express something other than or the exact

     opposite of the literal meaning for effect.  There are three types of

     irony.

            1.  Rhetorical - Fools for Christ

            2.  Sarcasm - Irony intended to hurt.  For example,

                2 Samuel 6:20  Michal, David's wife, mocks him for his

                spectacle of dancing in the streets.

            3.  Satire - Intended to get a point across in a

                mocking way.  For example, in Matthew 23 Jesus

                pharisees "White washed tombs" and "blind guides".



     2.  Interpret sentences according to context.


           This can be done by language analysis.  The sentence structure,

     grammatical forms and syntax.  There are many grammatical aids for

     this purpose


           The most helpful of all is discourse analysis.  The concrete




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     expression of an idea in a specific context.  The discourse can be,

     historical narrative, prose, poetry, prophesy, laws and geneologies.

     For example, In John 9:3 Jesus said "Neither this man nor his parents

     sinned", this must be interpreted within its context.  Jesus does not

     say He never ever sinned.  He is explaining that neither he or his

     parents' sinned to cause his blindness from birth.  One can

     legitimately say that the Bible says "Commit adultery" and yet it

     does not mean that, that must be taken in context.  That context is

     "You shall not commit adultery."  That is quite a different meaning.


           Two types of extended figures of speech are used in The Bible.

     Extended figures of speech are combinations of sentences to prove a

     point or illustrate a concept.  These are:


           a.  Parables - Parables are an extended simile (a comparison,

     using like or as) used to illustrate a concept.  The parable of the

     Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 is to teach us how God will respond to

     us, if we reject Him and then when we run back to Him.  He will

     welcome us and celebrate our return.  Jesus used parables to teach

     spiritual truths; They illustrate the reign of God, the demands of

     God, the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the patience of God,

     His mercy, and other similar attributes.  Parables are a major part

     of the Gospels.  The source of the imagery was everyday life and the

     settings were those the hearers could relate to.  They were purposed

     to illustrate the keys to the gospel and encourage people to respond.


           b.  Allegories - An allegory is an extended form of the

     metaphor.  In John 10:1-16 The good shepherd represents Christ, the

     sheep are those he gave his life for and the flock is His Church.



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     Paul uses an allegory in Galatians 4:21-31.  He gives the story of

     Hagar, Ishmael, Sarah and Isaac and gives it new significance.  Hagar

     as the slave represents the Old Covenant.  Sarah represents the New

     Covenant.  The child of Hagar was born through the flesh, the child

     of Sarah is the child of promise.  He extends the story to teach

     something much more significant, and not addressed in the original

     text.



     3.  Interpret Literary Units according to Genre.


           The Bible is literature and therefore can be analyzed as

     literature using regular methods.  Although, one must not forget it

     is the Inspired Word of God.  The psalms are to be read as poetry or

     songs, otherwise they lose some significance.  The Bible is not

     unique in its forms, but its content.  The purposes of Language in

     Scripture are to:  inform, command, illuminate, perform (like a play)

     and celebrate.  These are done using three main styles:  Narrative,

     Poetry and Prophesy.




           a.  Narrative - This is mainly historical, telling of people

     involved in all shorts of situations.  Some examples are, the story

     of Noah, Adam and Eve, Jonah, Daniel in the Lion's Den and many more.

     The narratives are to enable us to experience what they experienced,

     see what they saw and more.  This is for the purpose of understanding

     how God dealt with them, what He taught them, thereby we can learn

     from their mistakes and see things from God's perspective.

     Particularly, in what He expects of us.




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           b.  Poetry - The psalms are the major portion of poetry in The

     Bible.  They illustrate and highlight the longings of the human soul

     for forgiveness, deliverance, and redemption.  They also praise God

     for His works, His Gifts, His promises, His attributes and His

     wisdom.  Poetry in Hebrew is used as emphasis and to focus more
     intently on a subject.  Most of the poetry is very graphic in its

     imagery.


           c.  Prophesy - Prophesy is God speaking to His people through a

     man about their spiritual condition, and what is to come.  It is used

     as a warning and also to present promises.  The language is pointed,

     blunt, and they are filled with distinct imagery.  This imagery can

     be very bleak, very brutal, even savage and crude.  Yet, its intent

     is to shock the people of God into action, repentance or to give them

     hope.  Old Testament prophesy largely is warnings about the coming

     judgement, the New Testament in Revelation the concentration is on

     deliverance, judgement and Christ's return.



     4.  Interpret Books According to their Historical Context.


           The Bible books must be interpreted with an understanding of

     the cultural context of when they were written, historical reasons

     for why they were written and the cultural mindset of those they were

     written to.  In interpreting them it is necessary to ask these

     questions:  "What did the author have in mind?", "What issues of the

     day was he addressing and Why?," How should these books be understood

     in their historical settings?"  One must explore the Political,

     Social, Spiritual, Cultural, Geographical, Ethical and Technological




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     environments of Israel and her neighbors at the time the Books were

     written.



     IV.  Theological Interpretation


           This is referred to as "Special Hermeneutics" and it has

     distinctive principles of Hermeneutics in light of the uniqueness of

     The Bible.



     A.  The Unity of Scripture



     1.  The Theme of the whole Bible


           The theme of the whole Bible is Man's problem (Sin) and God's

     solution, Jesus Christ.  God's authorship and direction towards the

     final Redemption guarantees its theological unity.  The major themes

     in the Bible are the creation, the fall, redemption and judgement.

     These all point to God and are the backdrop of every biblical text.

     In this unity there are a series of Covenants (Formal Promises He

     makes to His people), which are Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic,

     Davidic and the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.  Each book

     addresses one or more of these covenants and knits them into the

     unity of the whole.



     2.  The History of Redemption


           There is a distinct development of revelation throughout

     redemption.  God shed the blood of animals, and clothed Adam and Eve

     after they sinned.  They were promised that in the future the seed of



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     woman would crush the serpent.  This was the first messianic

     prophesy.  The more God revealed to man over time the more He

     expected of them.  At certain levels of revelation God allowed

     certain things polygamy, the taking of concubines and various customs

     of the day.  As God's revelation expanded these were no longer

     allowed, He expected more of His People.  The is an epochal structure

     of Biblical History, with a certain level of revelation to those

     points and then we take this structure and place it in the context of

     the complete revelation of The Bible.  For example, Abraham had a son

     by Hagar and God blessed Abraham and allowed it.  Abraham was still

     referred to as believing God; although in the light of the whole

     revelation of scripture now, we see his family did suffer the

     consequences of his sin.  In light of the Whole Bible, the story of

     David and Goliath is not just heroism, but it shows the significance

     of Kingship with God's Authority.  David was the redeemer for Israel,

     as His seed Jesus was the redeemer for all mankind.  Progressively

     revelaton and redemption move hand in hand throughout the Bible.

     This results in the final redemption by Christ on the Cross, and His

     resurrection and ultimately the final judgement.



     B.  The Relationship between The Old and The New Testaments.



     1.  Typology - Parallels between the Old and The New Testaments


           This relationship can be discussed in terms of Typology.

     Typology is the spiritual relationships between persons,

     institutions, offices, and events within the history of redemption,

     between the Old and New Testaments.  The essential relationship is a



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     promise and its fulfillment, or a sign post and the destination

     between the two Testaments.  Therefore, New Testament authors have

     referred again and again to the Old Testament Scriptures to show

     Christ's fulfillment.


           a.  Ceremonial Types - Divinely purposed and redemptive

     enactment of future truth.  The Old Testament ritual (i.e. passover),

     symbolizes what Christ did in the future (His sacrifice on the

     Cross).  The lamb of Passover, and the Lamb of God both sacrifices.

     In Leviticus 16:10 on the Day of Atonement the scapegoat assumed all

     the people's sins, Jesus is our scapegoat.


           b.  Institutional Types - The divine purpose of the institution

     of the High Priest was the mediator between the People and God, only

     the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies.  Whereas, in the New

     Testament Jesus Christ becomes our High Priest in a higher order, the

     order of Melchizedek, as direct intercessor as in Hebrews 4:14, 15, &

     7:27.  He approaches the Father on our behalf.


           c.  Historical Types - Hosea in 11:1 describes Israel being

     called out of Egypt and of bondage by God, this is fulfilled in

     Matthew 2:15, when the baby Jesus is called out of Egypt to return

     home to Israel.  Jonah in Jonah 1-4 is in the belly of the whale for

     three days, fulfilled by Jesus for three days in the tomb.



     2.  The New Testament Use of the Old Testament


           The New Testament uses the Old Testament in a variety of ways:

     a.  Apologetically - In Psalm 16:10 where it refers to the




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     resurrection, and God's Holy One will not see decay.  With

     fulfillment described in Acts 26:22,23 by Paul.

     b.  Prophetic - Joel describes the Coming Day of The Lord in Joel

     2:28-32.  In Acts 2:17-21 is it repeated for the fulfillment.

     c.  Typological - In I Cor. 10:1-13 Paul uses a warning from Israel's

     History not to grumble, as their forefathers did in the wilderness.

     d.  Theological - In Hebrews 3:1-6 is described how Jesus is greater

     than Moses.

     e.  Practical - In I Cor. 9:9 Paul quotes Deut. 25:4 to show that

     pastors should be paid.



     C.  The Use of Scripture to Interpret Scripture


           There is a fundamental hermeneutical principle that Scripture

     is its own interpreter.  This presupposes the unity of scripture, the

     inerrancy, consistency, coherence, and the sole authority of the

     scriptures in matters of faith and practice.



     1.  Interpret obscure passages in the light of the clear passages.


           For example, certain portions of Revelation need to be

     interpreted in the light of other more clear last days passages.

     Using portions of Daniel, Ezekiel, Matthew 24, I Thessalonians and

     other passages the meaning of the symbolism will become clearer.

     Luke 12:40 becomes clearer using I Thess. 5:2 and Rev. 3:3 to back it

     up.  Scripture clarifies scripture.

     2.  Interpret Individual passages in harmony with the rule of faith.


           The rule of faith refers to central areas of Christian Doctrine



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     dawn from the clear areas of scripture, where the specific subject

     matter is dealt with.  This means one would not interpret Scripture

     in such a way that would deny the Diety of Christ, nor the humanity

     of Christ.  However, this principle followed too literally can result

     in continued error, because confessions of faith are written by men

     and as such are fallible.  Scripture must always be the authority not

     a statement of faith.

     3.  Interpret Scripture as a whole, in the light of all its parts.


           This means we do not take one portion of scripture and act on

     it without consulting the whole Bible on that issue, to look for

     additional guidance.

     4.  Interpret Scripture regulations in light of the principal behind

     them.


           For example in Matthew 19:3-9 Jesus is addressing the issue of

     divorce, but discusses the principal behind the prohibition "Two

     shall become One flesh", but divorce was only allowed because of the

     hardness of man's heart.  The hardness of man's heart leads to

     adultery and the resulting divorce.  It does not make divorce

     acceptable.

     5.  Interpret historical in light of the didactic.


           The didactic can protect from over emphasis on a historical

     passage.  The didactic sets the constraints.  Acts 18 mentions

     Priscilla as a leader in the church and a woman of God and then say I

     Timothy 3 when it gives the leadership to men only is therefore

     wrong.  Women can serve in the church other women and children, Acts

     18 does not bless the ordination of women.



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     6.  Interpret the Old Testament in light of the New Testament.


           For example, Romans 4 in the New Testament will help us

     understand the story of Abraham in Genesis 12-23 and God's promise of

     the land to him.



     D.  The Use of Logic in Biblical Interpretation.


           The Bible is the Word of God in what it expresses directly and

     by what is logically deduced from it.  The language of the Bible

     suggests important truths that are imbedded in the words.  This is

     why the parables of our Lord are so clear, they encourage logical,

     rational thought on the part of the hearers to receive the full

     meaning.  The parable of the Prodigal son if Jesus told it only for a

     literal, strict interpretation, would only apply to a man who gets

     his inheritance and squanders it and returns humbled and is received

     warmly, because he returned.  That is all, the rest of the message

     comes from logical deduction of the extended simile.  Men when they

     write can say things between the lines they do not intend to say, but

     God being perfect will have only that between the lines be consistent

     with clear scripture.  No doctrine should come from only between the

     lines, it therefore would not be consistent with God's clearly

     revealed Word.  For example, the Roman Catholic Church interpreted

     Scripture in such a way as to prove that all the heavenly bodies

     revolved around the earth.  Therefore, Galileo was excommunicated

     because scientific investigation proved that the earth and the

     planets revolved around the Sun.  Their interpretation was faulty

     because of their Aristotlian presuppositions.  Their presuppositions




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     colored how they interpreted between the lines, and the result was

     not confirmed with a clear passage, so it was condemned to fail.  If

     we let scripture interpret scripture by putting implied scripture to

     the light of clear scripture, more error can be avoided.  No truth

     implied in scripture will contradict a clear truth in scripture.



     V.  Contemporary Application of Scripture.



     A.  The Scriptures must be applyed according to thir due and proper

     proportion.


           The more important truths are central.  In Matt. 22:37-40 Jesus

     states the two commandments, that all the law hangs on.  You shall

     have no other Gods before me, and Love your neighbor as yourself.

     The penalty for adultery was death, the penalty for stealing was

     restitution, the proportion is very clear.

     B.  Apply Scripture according to its generic sense.


           The meaning of scripture in its context must be applied, and no

     accommodation of the language of Scripture is allowed.  For example,

     saying "No, it really doesn't mean that!" when it obviously does is

     wrong.  Those "Christians" that say a homosexual marriage or union is

     acceptable are dead wrong.  This is why constant bible study is

     important, so we can build a reservoir of understanding and wisdom

     that the Holy Spirit can draw as we apply it to our lives.  Romans

     15:4 states, The Bible was written to teach us, so we can be

     encouraged in our walk.  I Cor. 10:11 states the Bible is full of

     examples and warnings to teach and train us.




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     C.  Apply Scripture to situations that are genuinely parallel.


           In Matthew 4:5-7 Satan perverts scripture to tempt Jesus and

     Jesus responds with scripture directly applicable to the situation.

     Satan tempts him to jump "God will protect you", Jesus responds "You

     shall not put the Lord your God to the test."  Obviously, the

     scripture Satan was using was not applicable to the situation Jesus

     was in, Satan perverted scriptures for his own ends.  Jesus got it

     back on course, with an appropriate scripture.  There are two types

     of parallels:


           1.  Redemptive - Historical Parallels


           For example, circumscision for the people of Israel in Old

     Testament times to represent the Covenant.  The New Covenant brought

     a circumscision of the heart.


           2.  Cultural and Moral laws, encompassed in ceremonial and

     civil law or customs.


           Some cultural traditions were a holy kiss, foot washing, or

     that respectable women did not braid their hair.  These would not

     necessarily be applicable for today.  Some actions or rules are all

     custom, others are from principles that transcend culture, and some

     are a combination.  The interpreter must decide.




           Conclusion:  Interpreting Scripture can be challenging,

     rewarding and enjoyable as long as some central concepts are not

     forgotten:




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            1.  The Bible is the Inspired Word of God not merely a book.

            2.  The Holy Spirit is the true interpreter of Scripture, His

     work in the life of a Christian can guard him from error.  The Holy

     Spirit's Illumination is vital for proper interpretation.  Without

     Him, much of The Bible will be foolishness.

            3.  Apply the Word of God to your life.  This gives us true

     understanding of God's Word so we can share it with others.  One

     cannot possibly properly interpret the scriptures, if his life does

     not glorify God.





                                     THE END


































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                                  Bibliography







     Berkhof, Louis  Principles of Biblical Interpretation

            Baker  Grand Rapids, MI  Copyright 1950



     Ryken, Leland  How to Read the Bible as Literature

            Academie  Grand Rapids, MI  Copyright 1984 Zondervan



     Stuart, Douglas  Old Testament Exegesis

            Westminster  Phila., PA  Copyright 1984



     Fee, Gordon D.  New Testament Exegesis

            Westminster  Phila., PA  Copyright 1983



     Mickelson, A. Berkeley  Interreting the Bible

            Eerdmans  Grand Rapids, MI  Copyright 1963



     Holmes, Arthur F.  All Truth is God's Truth

            Eerdmans  Grand Rapids, MI  Copyright 1977














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