Title: Thy Word (The Study of the Word) – Part 2

Text: Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 23:28; John 8:31; 2 Tim. 2:15.

I. Correct Study Requires Solid Hermeneutics.

A. Hermeneutics defined.

B. Why study hermeneutics?

II. Principles of Hermeneutics: Proper Study.

A. Principle 1: Interpretation must be based on the author’s intention of meaning and not the modern reader.

B. Principle 2: Interpretations must be done in the context of the passage.

C. Principle 3: Interpret the Bible literally (or normally) allowing for normal use of figurative language.

D. Principle 4: Use the Bible to help interpret itself.

E. Principle 5: Be sensitive to distinctions in Old Testament and New and implications to their original audience.

F. Principle 6: Interpret according to the type (genre) of literature you are in.

1. Interpreting the Old Testament: Historical

Narrative, Law, Wisdom Literature, Poetry, Prophetic/ Apocalyptic / Eschatological

2. Interpreting the New Testament: Gospels/Acts,

(Historical Narrative), Parables, Epistles, Revelation/ Apocalyptic / Prophetic

G. Principle 7 : Interpretation must be distinguished from application.