Definition: the branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of the Bible or literary texts.
Another definition: Hermeneutics refers to the theory and practice of interpretation, where interpretation involves an understanding that can be justified. It describes both a body of historically divers methodologies for interpreting texts, objects, and concepts, and a theory of understanding.
4 Rules of Hermeneutics: In the history of biblical interpretation, four major types of hermeneutics have emerged: the literal, moral, allegorical, and anagogical. Literal interpretation asserts that a biblical text is to be interpreted according to the “plain meaning” conveyed by its grammatical construction and historical context.
What is its purpose: The purpose of hermeneutics is to interpret the meaning of texts, especially biblical texts and scripture. Hermeneutics has many types of interpretation, but it ultimately is intended to describe the meaning for day-to-day life. The purpose of hermeneutics is to apply ancient scriptures to modern life and belief.
What are the 3 principles of Hermeneutics? 1) Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture. 2) Texts of Scripture must be interpreted in context (both immediate & broad contexts). 3) No text of Scripture (properly interpreted in its context) will contradict another text of Scripture.
Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. It is part of the broader field of hermeneutics, which involves the study of principles of interpretation, both theory and methodology, for all forms of communication, nonverbal and verbal.
Above are all literary descriptions of Hermeneutics.
Do we have to use this method of theology to understand scriptures?
No we do not have to follow the ways of man to understand the scriptures. I do agree with the principles of hermeneutics, however. We should always use the Bible to interpret the Bible, all scriptures should be taken in context, and that it NEVER contradicts itself.
All this to say that if we seek the truth from the Father he will reveal the the truth to us. Seek and you shall find. Matthew 7:7 Luke 11:9
We should not ever make doctrine from a few verses, we should use the entire text to know the doctrine of the Father. Many people have taken a couple verses and built a doctrine from them, this is using scriptures out of context.
Example: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
We are given these couple of verses and told it means that when we die that our soul will directly go to heaven to be with the Lord, cause it says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
These verses were taken out of context to deliver that interpretation. A doctrine was based on these two verses ignoring the surrounding verses that gives it the proper context.
Let's read the entire Chapter to get a better understanding of these 2 verses.
2 Corinthians 5
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Now after reading this entire chapter we now see that to be in the body or flesh is to be in sin, and to be in the spirit to be in reconciliation to the Father not death. It goes on to say we labor which can not be done in death only life. We also see that all good or bad done in our lives will be placed at the seat of Christ that everyone can receive the things that were done in his own body alive. It is telling us that once we have learned the truth we are to change our ways and stop living our lives for ourselves and life for the Father and Christ. It goes on to say we become a new creature and the old things are passes away.
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