How to study the bible - Exegesis/Hermeneutics 101

From Command to study

Previously we looked at reading vs. study

The command to study

Some general guidelines for study

Tonight we will look at important words and tools for study.

Defining some terms.

Have someone look up the word Exegesis

(Noun), critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture

Synonyms: Interpretation, explanation, exposition, explication

In simple terms “What does the text say”

Have someone look up the word Hermeneutics

(Noun) the branch of knowledge that deals with interpretations, especially of the Bible or literary texts

In simple terms “what does the text mean?”

So when they are combined when it comes to studying the bible this is the what does the bible say and what does it mean.

Question: So, do we get to chose what the bible means?

Question: What things do you think we as students of the word should consider when we are trying to learn what the bible says and means?

Some good bible tools to help us to learn what it says and what it means

The Bible (always the best tool)

Bible dictionary (defining words is important to understanding)

Bible encyclopedia (good for understanding the setting, the culture etc)

Bible Commentary (what others have written about what it says and means - need to be careful on this)

Many on-line, or media tools available

E-Sword

Bible Gateway, blue letter bible, Bible hub

Faithlife app links to many of the resources that I have

Google (have to be careful)

Common sense

It is important to always start with the bible itself and that would be after prayer of course. - Having said that may we look exegetically at a passage together?

Turn to Col1:1-2

Colossians 1:1–2 NASB95

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Question: Who is author, how do you know?

Question: Who is the author writing to?

Question: What else do you see in this passage that gives us understanding - Timothy is with him. Also, the comment, grace and peace to you.

Question: It is good to see if there are any words you do not know and if so look up the definition of the word.

For our passage let’s chose one word “brethren” - Someone look up the word

Question: where do you think you can turn to learn about Colossi? (Commentary, encyclopedia) - use Clinton Arnold Commentary as an example for this.

Let’s do one more simple one Turn to Php1:1

Philippians 1:1 NASB95

1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

Question: Who is the author?

Question: who is being written to?

Question: what more can you learn from the verse?

Question: Are then any words that need to be defined?

So we have looked at these two passages exegetically, now to may we move to hermeneutics.

Another good definition of hermeneutic from New Bible Dictionary is the Greek word “Hermeneuo” meaning interpret, (a) it is used to denote the study and statement of the principles on which a text — for present purposes, the bible text, is to be understood, or (b) the interpretation of the text in such a way that its message comes home to the reader or hearer.”

Having proper hermeneutics is important for there are many who have poor hermeneutics

Existentialism (noun) - a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.

In other words; coming up with your own definition of the text, and everyone came come with different approaches and definitions - - - wrong!

This is philosophy not theology

Illumination (Noun) light that comes into a room, that shines on something, etc. Knowledge or understanding, spiritual or intellectual enlightenment.

In other words: turn on the light via the spirit to the meaning of the text - WRONG

This is gnosticism

Another term that I should give you is Eisegesis

From dictionary.com it says “personal interpretation of a text (especially of the Bible) using your own ideas”

In plain speak it is: “reads into the text what the interpreter wishes to find or thinks he finds there. It expresses the reader's own subjective ideas, not the meaning which is in the text.

Exegesis is reading from the text, Eisegesis is read into the text.

This is wrong; It is going from objective to subjective. It is using the word to prove your view instead of you using the bible to shows Gods view.

Proper hermeneutics comes from God - (turn to 2Tim3:16) it is revealed knowledge that was given to the prophets, the apostles by inspiration of the Spirit that we hold in our hands now and call the bible, which is the full counsel of God.

The best hermeneutics is to let the scripture speak for and define itself.

We are on on adventure, a journey to learn how to study the bible in a way that is engaging, interesting, informative and transforming.

(If time permits; look at clock; then turn to Heb1:1-3 and do exegesis of that passage)

(Prayer) (Exit)