Interpretation of Scripture – Hermeneutics

1. Brief summary of interpretation

A. Brief summary of interpretation

1. What does the text say?
2. What is the text saying?
3. What says the text?!

B. Study Approach

1. OBSERVE
   • What do I see?
   • What / questions do I have?
2. INTERPRET
   • What does it mean?
   • What did these details mean to the people to whom they were given? 
   • What did you say this?
   • What does this word mean? This phrase?
3. SUMMARIZE
   • What is the major idea the writer is seeking to communicate?
   • In this verse, in this paragraph, in this book?
4. APPLY
   • How shall I apply the teachings in this passage to myself?
   • What does it mean to me?

C. Principles of interpretation (see standard lists)

D. Engage

1. Study Charts
2. Individual passage of scripture
3. Principles of interpretation
4. Benefits to personal experience with the Lord

E. Tips for observing

1. Look for
   • Key words and ideas author emphasizes
   • Way he describes things
   • Verbs he uses and their tenses
   • Contrasts, comparisons, illustrations
   • Important connectives which bring out comparisons, reasons (but, for, yet therefore)
   • Advice he gives, promises he makes
   • Figurative language (word pictures)

F. Asking Questions

1. Meanings: what does the word or phrase mean/
2. Implications: what is implied in this term
3. Significance: why are these words used, their significance
4. Relationship: relationships of one verse to another, paragraphs to one another