Hermeneutics is the study of the way in which scripture is read and interpreted. It sounds like a hard complicated term, but it in practice it is very simple.
How to read the Bible?
When reading the Bible, it is important to read within the context in which the passage was written. Knowing the context, the setting, plot, and circumstances surrounding the writing of the text, helps the reader to understand the text more completely. Having this context in place, the reader is less likely to misinterpret the author's meaning of the text. In addition to contextual reading, it is also equally important to allow the text to speak for itself out of the context, this is called exegeses. It is the reader's responsibility to not to read into the text from their own experience, thoughts, or context that which is not natural to the context of the passage, this would be called eisegesis.
Inductive or exegetical Bible study is the reading through a passage or book of the Bible in its context, and making observations on the text by drawing from details in the context of the passage- this is the typical format for personal and group Bible studies. Another form of Bible study is topical study in which the reader selects multiple different passages speaking on the same topic. It is necessary for the reader to first understand the context of each passage selected to ensure that they interpretation of the passage is relative to the topic at hand.
How to Prepare for Teaching the Bible?
There are several different methodologies for the study of the biblical text and its instruction. The method provided is simple and worthwhile for the purposes of this study.
Look, Learn, Live
Look: Read through the passage and the surrounding passages for context. Ideally, read through the entire book, at least- read through the paragraph before and after. After reading through text for context, look for facts and information contained in the text. It may be helpful to take each verse and paraphrase in your own words, be sure to maintain the original meaning of the passage (exegesis) but make it your own. Avoid reading into the text things that are not there (eisegesis).
Learn: Again, read through the passage, and consider your paraphrase as well. Consider what things you can learn from the text (See the helpful hints below for help if needed). Take time to pray that God will reveal to you the meaning of the scripture and make it clear how this scripture should effect your life.
Live: Take additional time to determine what the purpose of this scripture is and how it should apply to your life. Remember, that all scripture is inspired and god breathed for the purpose of instruction to man. Take time again to be in prayer and seek repentance. Having sin in your life can effect your ability to teach and present the word of God. Identifying a "problem" is not a means to a solution. Spend time in prayer, allow God to lead you toward repentance. Develop an action plan to right any wrongs that you may have done to others, seek out forgiveness, and pursue accountability. Once this has been done, you are prepared to lovingly serve and guide others and invite them to apply the passage to their life as well.
Look
- Write down as many facts listed in the text as possible. Reading from the context, Why are these details important? Why did the author include them in their writing?
- Ask A LOT of questions and try to find the answers within the text. Who are the characters in the story? What do the symbols in poetry remind you of? When did this happen? Who was it written two? Why was this text written? Etc.
- Is there a question that you asked but could not answer? Look in other passages for additional context- start within the save book. Then consider other books that were written in the same time period (many bibles have a "timeline" in them to consult for this info). Next look to see if the scripture was quoted in another part of the bible (check cross references) or if this topic is mentioned somewhere else.
Learn
- What does this passage teach us about who God is, or about who we are?
- Is God giving a command that we should obey?
- Was there a promise in the passage? Was the promise fulfilled yet?
- Is there a warning that should be heeded? What sin is this warning against? What are the consequences/rewards for rejecting/listening to the warning?
- Are there specific character traits that should be modeled?
- Is there a truth that we should understand or wisdom to be learned?
Live
- Apply the scripture to your life. Be sure that all application is consistent with the whole of the Bible- to best avoid this, practice exegesis by allowing the text to speak for itself.
- Is there a command or verse that we are currently disobeying?
- Is there an example of prayer to learn or follow?
- Is there a character example that needs to be improved?
- Is there a promise that God has given that needs to be claimed and upheld in your life?
- How does this passage apply to family, friends, and relationships?
- How does this passage apply to my workplace?
- How does this passage apply to my church?
Adapted from:
Anchor Your life Ministries; Marji "Mike" Kruger
http://www.anchoryourlife.com/bible/study_live.htm
