Page 17 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

Interpreting the Bible Communicating the Bible
Hermeneutics Exegesis Homiletics Pedagogy Exposition

The science The determination The science The science The
(principles) and art of the meaning of (principles) and (principles) and communication
(task) by which the the biblical text in art (task) by art (task) by of the meaning of
meaning of the its historical and which the which the the text along
biblical text is literary contexts. meaning and meaning and with its relevance
determined. relevance of the relevance of the to present-day
biblical text are biblical text are hearers
communicated communicated in
in a preaching a teaching
situation. situation.

To exegete the Bible well, To exposit the Bible well,
the student must become the student must become proficient
proficient in hermeneutics. in homiletics and pedagogy.

Basics for Interpreting the Bible

Beyond the practices defined above, the one who seeks to interpret the Bible should approach it with
these basic understandings.

The Importance of Bible Interpretation
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Taking the time to interpret the scriptures is essential if one desires to understand and teach the Bible
properly. Sadly, there are people in this world who twist the scriptures and misrepresent the truth that
God has revealed (cf. 2 Co. 4:2). Beyond mere observation, digging deeper into the Word of God helps
us to fully understand God’s intended meaning so we can make relevant applications to those living in
modern-day society. The scriptures were given for our growth, maturity, and effectiveness in ministry
(cf. 1 Pe. 2:2; He. 5:11-14; 2 Ti. 3:16-17). We must know them well, not just what they say, but also
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what they mean.

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The Challenges of Bible Interpretation

Aside from the presuppositions that we bring to the text of scripture, we must understand that the Bible
is not a modern book. Its oldest books (Pentatuch) were written about 3400 years ago and its newest
(Revelation) about 1900 years ago. A lot has changed in the past 1900 to 3400 years. Most of us have
never visited the geographical locations where many of the events in the Bible took place. Customs and
ways of thinking in the ancient Eastern world were much different than they are in the Western world
today. People then spoke and wrote differently than they do now. Beside all these challenges, it’s

18 Zuck, 14-18.
19 Howard & William Hendricks, Living by the Book, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1991), 18-22.
20 Zuck, 19-22.
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