Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange
Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [hermeneutical-approaches]

For questions concerning the implementation or comparison of approaches to hermeneutics

Hermeneutics is the overarching term given to theories and methods of interpreting linguistic communication. Questions here regarding hermeneutical approaches ask about these methods or theories as applied to the Bible (and cognate literature).

Some hermeneutical approaches include lexical-syntactical analysis, historical/cultural analysis, contextual analysis, theological analysis, and special literary analysis. Other principles exists such as the principles of inerrancy, reverence, and historical-grammatical interpretation.

On this site, "hermeneutics" is somewhat intertwined with "exegesis". See the Q&A on "What is the difference between exegesis and hermeneutics?" for a discussion of differences.

Further reading

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What does it mean that "Scripture interprets Scripture"?

Within the field of hermeneutics there is an established principle "Scripture interprets Scripture", which is used by some as a key rule for interpretation. What does this rule mean, and where does it fit into a larger picture of the field of…
Caleb
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Is it possible to be unbiased when interpreting Scripture?

Hermeneutics is not only concerned with the science of interpretation, but also with the philosophy of interpretation. One of the major questions under examination in modern discussions about hermeneutics is how one's presuppositions, framework,…
Jas 3.1
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What is the "systematic typology" hermeneutic method and how does it work?

There's a hermeneutic method that's been used on this site called "systematic typology". What is it? How does one apply it? Are there contexts where it is considered to be a particularly good or particularly bad fit? Where can one go to learn…
user3457
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Hermeneutical Approaches vs. Inductive Bible Study

Inductive Bible Study teaches that you observe, interpret, and then apply scripture, and has lots of specific things you should observe such as word repetitions, structural elements such as comparisons and contrasts, etc. (Appologies if I've…
Jessica Brown
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What is a Horizon of Understanding and how can it be applied to understanding the Bible?

Hans-Georg Gadamer uses Horizons of Understanding as a model for communication, and the concept of fusion of horizons is sometimes put forth as a way of explaining how one can approach a "text", but these phrases are rather abstract. What do these…
Ray
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What is Narcigesis?

I am familiar with the term ‘Exegesis’ and the term ‘Eisegesis’: Exegesis – critical explanation or interpretation of a Bible text which looks for the plain meaning of the biblical passage and explains what the text is actually about. Eisegesis –…
Lesley
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Are there scriptural warrants for using the rule of first mention?

The rule of fist mention is used by various forms of allegorical interpretation. Rather than inventing an allegorical meaning, clues are taken from the first mention. For example: Garments are interpreted to represent either righteousness, or works…
Bob Jones
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Whose meaning are we trying to find?

If hermeneutics is the study of the meaning of a text, whose meaning are we trying to find when we study the Bible? How does Scripture being inspired by God but penned by men affect our ability to understand its meaning? How does hermeneutics, as a…
Caleb
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Structuralism's influence on Biblical interpretation

What is the structuralist view of literary criticism, and how has structural literary theory influenced modern approaches to Biblical interpretation?
jrdioko
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Are there scriptural standards by which a hermeneutic method can be measured?

Jesus appears to be specifically criticizing the interpretive method used by the Sudducees, saying, they do not know the scriptures. Mt 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For…
Bob Jones
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Should Bible texts that are less clear be explained by texts that are more clear?

Is there any Biblical evidence to support the concept that Bible texts that are less clear should be explained by Bible texts that are more clear? It has been explained to me that if two texts address the same topic and one text is plain while the…
Seeker
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What is the "Theological Interpretation of Scripture" movement?

As the title asks--what is meant by "Theological Interpretation of Scripture", a.k.a. TIS, and how does it differ from other methods?
Ray
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What is socio-rhetorical criticism?

I've heard David DeSilva and Ben Witherington III associated with the term "socio-rhetorical criticism" and Witherington even has a series of commentaries titled the "Socio-Rhetorical Commentary" series. What is this form of criticism? Is it…
Soldarnal
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Why is eisegesis generally frowned upon and when might it be an appropriate hermeneutic?

Most hermeneutical approaches are heavy on exegesis which is derived from the Greek ἐξήγησις from ἐξηγεῖσθαι meaning "to lead out". Conversely, eisegesis means the opposite — to read meaning into the text. This term is typically used pejoratively,…
James Shewey
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What are the main tenets of the contextual analysis hermeneutical approach?

When using the hermeneutical approach of contextual analysis, What are the main tenets of this approach? How much context is usually necessary to consider?
Jessica Brown
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