Three Primary Principles of Interpretation

Hermeneutics: The Science of Interpretation

The purpose of hermeneutics is to establish guidelines and rules for interpretation. It is a well-developed science that can become technical and complex. The science of hermeneutics is the science of biblical interpretation. It deals with conveying a message that can be understood.

These three primary principles of interpretation are aids to our personal enrichment.

1. The analogy of faith

The analogy of faith keeps the whole Bible in view lest we suffer from the effects of exaggerating one part of Scripture to the exclusion of others. The rule is that Scripture is to interpret Scripture

Some scholars seem to think that the more skeptical they are, the more critical they are. But adopting an excessive and unwarranted skeptical stance is not more critical than gullibly accepting whatever comes along.

2. The literal sense

The literal sense offers a restraint form letting our imaginations run away in fanciful interpretation and invites us to examine closely the literary forms of Scripture.

The Bible does not take on some special magic that changes basic literary patterns of interpretation. To discern the difference historical narrative and metaphor, earnest supplication to God is needed to give us clear minds and pure hearts to overcome our prejudices.

Though a scriptural passage has one meaning, it may have a host of applications to the wide variety of nuances to our lives. Both the analogy of faith and the principle of seeking the literal sense are necessary safeguards against unbridled speculation and subjectivist interpretation.

3. The grammatical-historical method

The grammatical-historical method focuses our attention on the original meaning of the text lest we "read into the Scripture" our own ideas drawn from the present.

Sound interpretation demands a careful analysis of the grammar and historical context of a writing. This work must be done.

Historical analysis involves seeking a knowledge of the setting and situation in which the books of the bible were written. This is a requisite for understanding what the books of the Bible meant in their historical contexts.

Inspired text from Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul.