Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

Video Segment 1 Outline

I. The Need for Biblical Interpretation

A. Introductory terms

1. “Hermeneutics” - the discipline and branch of knowledge which focuses on interpretation, especially the interpretation of texts

2. “Interpretation” - the act or process of interpreting or explaining; providing the sense and the meaning of a message, text, or object

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B. Why the Bible must be interpreted

1. The Bible is a divine book: no one knows the thoughts of God save God himself, 1 Cor. 2.10-11.

a. God has spoken clearly, Deut. 30.11-14.

b. God has spoken so that the seeker may understand his mind, Isa. 45.19.

c. God has spoken comprehensively (i.e., giving us the things that we need to know to believe and obey him), Deut. 29.29.

2. The Bible is a human book, 2 Pet. 3.15-16.

a. Differences exist in language, culture, and experience.