How to Interpret the Bible (Hermeneutics)
May 24, 2013
Gregory Chao
Principle #5: Interpreting supported by breadth of passages & the Authority of the Scripture
 Principle #1 - Literary Context – Each statement must be understood according to its natural meaning in literary
context where it occurs.
 Principle #2 – Historical-Cultural Context – Texts should be understood consistent with their original hearer,
their historical and cultural context. However, literary context (Principle #1) should take precedence over
historical-cultural context.
 Principle #3 - Meaning of Word – Words from different languages may have overlapping meanings. We must
interpret using the literary context and the meaning to the original hearer.
 Principle #4 – Genre - Understanding the literally genre of the writing will guide you to determine whether to
take a passage literally or not. Theology based on the more literal genres is safer than symbolic ones.
 Principle #5 – Breadth - Interpretations that are supported by several passages throughout the Bible have
firmer grounding than sparse or isolated passages.
 Reference: Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by W. Klein, C. Blomberg, R. Hubbard
1. The Authority of Scripture (I Timothy 3:16) - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may
be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
a. We consider the Bible inspired (‘God-breathed’) by God. He did not dictate every word
but inspired the writers using their human personalities and experience in the process.
They used firsthand knowledge, eyewitnesses, and written sources to compose the
Scriptures but it were all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible therefore
carries authority and is the final word on religious matters. There are two viewpoints
among the more conservative theologians: ‘Infallibility’ and ‘inerrancy.’ Inerrancy is the
view that when all the facts become known, they will demonstrate that the Bible in its
original autographs and correctly interpreted is entirely true and never false in all it
affirms, whether that relates to doctrines or ethics or to the social, physical, or life
sciences. Some scholars see infallibility as a less restrictive term than "inerrancy" in
discussing the reliability of the Bible. For inerrancy, "The Bible is inerrant if and only if it
makes no false or misleading statements on any topic whatsoever. For infallibility, the
Bible is infallible if and only if it makes no false or misleading statements on any matter
of faith and practice." Thus infallibility does not necessitate a doctrine of inerrancy. In
this sense, infallibility is seen as a nuanced and less-restrictive view of the Bible's
reliability. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_infallibility
b. The Bible is our guide to living, giving us principles to live by. They teach us how to be
wise ---“The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Ps. 19:7).” --and prevent us from going astray. “by them (commandments of the Lord) is your
servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Ps 19:11). It is so remarkable
that the we ought to value it highly --- “they are more precious than gold, than much
fine gold; they are sweeter than honey (Ps. 19:10)” --- through reading and mediation
“you shall meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8)”
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2. Principle #5 – Interpretations that are supported by several passages throughout the Bible
have firmer grounding than sparse or isolated passages.
a. Breadth - Is there confirmation from other Scriptural text to support its breath?
b. Strength of Rationale - Does the text itself present broad theological or moral principles
(e.g. rooted in a creation ordinance, in the character of God, or in part of his redemptive
plan for humanity)? Or, are there cultural conditions that limit its application?
3.
Question: How should we treat the poor? (over 100 verses) http://www.biblequery.org/Practice/Poor/Poor.htm)
 The rich should be generous and should not put their hope in wealth – I Tim 6:17-19 –
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in
wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with
everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be
generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
 Different reasons for being poor - Some are poor because they are sluggards (Proverbs 6:9-11;
10:4; 12:24) or made rash financial commitments (Proverbs 22:26-27; 6:2-3, Proverbs 6:1,3;
11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 27:13), spent their money on pleasure (Proverbs 20:21; 29:3; James 5:5;
Matthew 23:25; Amos 6:4-7), or neglect (Proverbs 27:23-24). Others, such as Ruth and Naomi
(Ruth 1:6; 2:2) are poor through no fault of their own, as were Joseph and Mary (Luke 2:24 +
Leviticus 12:8). Jesus, John the Baptist, and Paul were poor.
 Be generous to the poor and do not despise - Be generous (Proverbs 22:9; 28:8; Isaiah 58:7-8,
10) Proverbs 14:21 "He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats
over disaster will not go unpunished." Proverbs 29:7; 31:9. We should especially help widows
and orphans, the sick, hungry, naked, and imprisoned, and other believers (Isaiah 1:17; 58:610; Jer. 5:28; 22:16; Gal. 2:10; Psalms 41:1; 112:9; Proverbs 14:21; 24:11-2; 28:27; 29:7; 31:9,20;
Eph. 4:28; Acts 9:36; 1 Tim. 6:18-9; James 1:27) and rescue the poor (Job 29:12); Lv25:35-37,
James 1:27; Deut. 15:11; Psalm 68:5, Matt. 25:34-46; Zech. 7:9-10;Is 58:10-11;Ps 69:33, 1 John
3:17-19; Romans 15:26).
 Our ideal should be to eliminate poverty, yet we should realize that the poor will always be
among us (Deuteronomy 15:11; Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). "Defend the cause of the
weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4
 Do not oppress the poor (personal evil) or make unjust laws (systemic evil). Don’t oppress the
poor (Proverbs 22:16; 28:3; Job 20:19; Ezekiel 18:12; 22:29; Amos 2:7; 4:1; 5:11). Do not charge
exorbitant interest (Proverbs 28:8). (Isaiah 10:1-2). Do not use the courts to exploit those with
less money (Proverbs 22:22-23; ~24:28; James 2:6; Amos 5:12). Do not try to get rid of the poor
from where you live (Amos 8:4; Psalm 109:16) or destroy the poor (Isaiah 32:7). Do not be
apathetic toward the poor (Ezekiel 16:49; ~Luke 16:19-20) or ignore their cry (Proverbs 21:13).
Proverbs 17:5 "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such
concern."
 Do not show partiality against the poor (Proverbs 29:14), partiality to the rich (Leviticus 19:15),
partiality toward the poor (Exodus 23:3; Leviticus 19:15). Do not give food to someone who
refuses to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Hunger can be a good incentive to not be lazy (Proverbs
16:26). Do not help those who are doing wicked work (2 John 10-11) or would be foolish with
the money (Proverbs 1:16). Realize that some falsely claim they are poor or rich (Proverbs 13:7).
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Example of Interpretation/application as applied to political involvement of the
institutional church
a. Clear interpretation of
Romans 13 – It seems
clear that there is
authority given to
government by God
according to Romans 13
to carry out justice. There
is also a clear chain of
authority from God to
government.
Question: What is the role of government according to
the Bible? Romans 13:1-7 - Let everyone be subject to the
governing authorities, for there is no authority except
that which God has established. The authorities that exist
have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever
rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God
has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on
themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do
right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free
from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right
and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is
God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be
afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They
are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment
on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to
the authorities, not only because of possible punishment
but also as a matter of conscience. 6This is also why you
pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give
their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you
owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then
revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
b. Application 1 - Should the
Institutional church be
involved in politics?
Abraham Kuyper (NeoCalvinist, 1837-1920) –
“that while individual
Christians may engage in
politics the church as such
may not? This was the
position of Abraham
Kuyper, who drew a clear distinction between the church as organism and the church as
institution. The latter was the church formally organized and acting through its officebearers and official structures. This institution, according to Kuyper, should have no
political voice. The church as organism, on the other hand, is the totality of believers
dispersed through society, lacking any formal organization, yet linked organically
through their common membership of the body of Christ. These believers, according to
Kuyper, have every right to raise a political voice. But he went further. Precisely because
they are linked organically they have a right to form associations: for example, to set up
parent-controlled Christian schools or even (as in Kuyper’s own case) Christian political
parties. This was a corner-stone of Kuyper’s public theology.”1
Application 2 - Are there times where we should rightfully resist government?
(Barmen Declaration) “Try the spirits whether they are of God! Prove also the words of
the Confessional Synod of the German Evangelical Church to see whether they agree
with Holy Scripture and with the Confessions of the Fathers. If you find that we are
speaking contrary to Scripture, then do not listen to us! But if you find that we are
taking our stand upon Scripture, then let no fear or temptation keep you from treading
with us the path of faith and obedience to the Word of God, in order that God's people
be of one mind upon earth and that we in faith experience what he himself has said: "I
1
Donald Macleod, https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/media/school-of-divinity/documents/theologyinscotland/T-i-S%20sample.pdf
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will never leave you, nor forsake you." Therefore, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your
Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
4. Resources
a. Bible Dictionary – Good simple one volume resource. The New Testament Bible
Dictionary
b. How do you judge a good Christian book?
i. The best Christian books are deeply rooted in Scripture as their foundation and
argue from that basis.
ii. We owe much to our church fathers and need to be appreciative of great heritage
(not everything old is obsolete).
c. Commentaries – Helpful but not all the same. Some are very technical and some are
very tangential and some are agenda driven. Get one that is easy to read and practical.
Do not take what is written as having the same authority as Scripture, you can disagree
with them.
d. PCUSA Book of Confessions – Good resource to understand the foundational beliefs of
Presbyterians. I personally like the Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed and the Second
Helvetic Confession.
5. Summary
a. The Bible was written to be understood. Christianity has a long tradition of literate
believers with the expectation that they should read and study the Bible. There are two
simple principles of interpretation: (1) Literary context (2) Historical/Cultural context
b. The Holy Spirit is constantly enlightening the Scripture to every believer. There are
applications of principles that are clear. E.g. we are to be holy, we must not commit
adultery, etc.
i. The Holy Spirit can use Scripture (and other methods) to speak specifically to the
believer. Care must be used because we can be deceived. Therefore, any message
from God should 1) never violate teaching in the Bible and 2) be confirmed
through the witness of believers
c. A good framework to categorize issues
i. Major or Minor - Is the issue a major (defines Christian faith) or a minor? Majors
can be generally found in the Apostle’s
Major* Minor
or Nicene Creed. If it is a major, we hold
firm and understand that these beliefs
Prescriptive
separate Christians from Non-Christians.
Note – minor issues do not imply the
Flexible**
issue is unimportant.
*defines Christian faith
ii. Prescriptive or Flexible - If it is a minor,
**Bible is sparse/silent
is the Bible prescriptive or spare/silent
(flexible)? If spare/silent, we can allow
for a variety of opinions.
iii. How essential is the issue? - We can learn for the Bible not only what beliefs are
essential but also where we can be flexible and allow for differences.
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