By Dr. Dennis L. Reiter***
Notes From A Hermeneutics Course at Bethel Seminar, Winter 2001
A Comprehensive Methodology For Discerning
the proper
Meaning and Contemporary Application of a passage of Scripture
In preparation for Preaching
and Teaching
Preparation
(laying the foundation):
- Prepare
your heart so that you are open and receptive to God’s Spirit
- Discern
God’s direction in selecting a specific text through prayer and a sensitivity to the spiritual needs around you.
- Establish
the proper limits of a passage of workable length that is both long
enough to be meaningful, and yet focused and brief enough to be
manageable.
Exegesis (focusing
on a specific text in its proper context):
- Observe
the text. Read and re-read the passage. Jot down further observations for
further exploration.
- Determine
the proper text by observing differences among major English
translations and exploring any possible problems involving textual
criticism.
- Locate
your passage in its proper literary context by observing both (1) its
immediate context, and (2) the broader purposes and orientation of the
book of the Bible, including considerations of authorship, dating,
original audience, etc.
- Research
the historical, geographical, and cultural background through Bible
dictionaries and other tools that may shed light on the meaning of the
passage.
- Research
the meaning of key words through doing word studies.
- Investigate
key grammatical issues by checking with grammars.
- Discern
the structure of the passage by noting conjunction and other
structural indicators.
- Consider
the implications of genre or literary form of the passage for
understanding the passage and analyze any possible figures of speech.
- Double
check your work with commentaries and other secondary literature.
Integration
(seeing a text as one part of God’s total self-revelation):
- Explore
cross-references, possible parallel passages, or other passages using
similar motifs, as well as any other material in Scripture that may also
be related to the passage under study.
- Locate
this passage in the broad sweep of redemptive history through a sensitivity to both earlier or later material in
Scripture.
- Reflect
upon how this passage contributes to our understanding of the major
doctrines of Scripture especially our understanding of God and his
ways.
Application
(bridging the gap to today’s world):
- Summarize
the basic theme and major sub-points of the passage clearly and
concisely.
- Identify
the exact contemporary situation to which these truths should be
applied.
- Identify
the specific responses required by this passage in the lives of your
hearers: changes in thoughts, attitudes, and/or behaviors.
- Consider
the most effective way to communicate this message to your particular
audience.
***I didn’t actually take this course. My work schedule
conflicted with the class schedule so I could not take it. Otherwise I would
have. I received notes from a friend and this was one of them.
Page put up and notes put up by Vincent Sapone.