A. Exegesis: The task of “getting the facts straight” by analyzing biblical terms, literary criticism, historical context, and cultural patterns in order to “understand the writer as s/he understood himself or herself.” There is always the further question as to whether or not in the writer’s experience of inspiration were there things that the writer did not fully grasp. In other words, are the scriptures a “living document whose meaning continues to evolve? See Hebrews 4:12-13
1. Define Key Terms: It is amazing how we read and use biblical words and yet rarely define them! We assume that we and everyone else share a common understanding. However, it is important for us to offer a working definition of key terms. Once a definition is offered, the definitions will either stand or fall during the interpretive stage. If there are too many unresolved questions or too many qualifications, chances are that we need to go back and offer a new or qualifying definition. If the interpretation stands up, then chances are we have hit the mark or come close to it.a) Example: How would you define the term “spirit”?
b) Second, in light of you definition of spirit, how would you define “Holy Spirit”?
c) In the parable of the Fig Tree (Matthew 24.32-35) the word or term generation (Greek, genea’) needs a clearer definition. Some texts translate this word as “generation” others as “race.” In the Greek the noun for “race” is genos. Obviously, one of the tasks and limits that we may face is translating words from one language to another in such a way that we do not lose the original word and definition. In this regard a particular translation of a word or term will influence our interpretation.
2. Transpose Key Metaphors: The Bible tends to describe rather than explain. For example, “the rising and setting of the sun” is a description rather than an explanation. Likewise, the Bible tends to use metaphors, which is an excellent way to describe things and events in common sense language. However, to reach a reasonably inspired interpretation we have the task of transposing or assigning meaning to metaphors in such a way that they relate to human experience, both in regards to how we function (intellect, emotions, judgments, and will) as well as how we live. For example, I suggest that in the scriptures the word “heart” is a metaphor for emotional desire.
3. Read and Compare the Synoptic Gospels: The synoptic (Matthew, Mark and Luke) will often record the same stories. By reading and comparing the synoptic we get a clearer picture of what happened and its meaning.
4. Literary Context: In order to arrive at an accurate, reasonable and inspired interpretation, we should always consider the broader context of a scripture. In other words, we should read the entire chapter to understand the context. For example when interpreting a scripture from Matthew Chapters 5-7, the context is the Sermon on the Mount, which sets forth a new paradigm for faith in God.
5. Literary Form: The literary form of a scripture will influence its interpretation. For example is a given scripture a psalm, a parable, a proverb, a moral imperative, history, or prophesy?
6. Historical and Cultural Context: Scripture was not written in a historical or cultural vacuum. Although its interpretation may be relevant for today, the first task is to understand its original historical, cultural and social context; the time and events in which it was written.
B. Interpretation: The task of discerning the meaning of the text. In light of the facts gleaned from our exegesis, what is the meaning of the text? Meaning can be understood in a variety of ways. What is the Practical application or lesson for my life? What is the priestly application, which serves to offer consolation, compassion, and caring? What is the prophetic application in terms of justice in our state, nation and world?
1. Relevant Questions: Another condition for an accurate, reasonable and inspired interpretation of scripture is for us to answer the relevant and spontaneous questions. Unanswered or unresolved questions will cause our intellects to be “uneasy.” Once all of the relevant questions are answered to our satisfaction, the intellect will come to a state of rest. Interpretation involves answering the relevant spontaneous questions!
2. The Parable as Thematic: In addition to the relevant questions that we may ask as well as the task of interpreting metaphors within a parable, there is the helpful interpretive aide of identifying the major themes of a parable. What themes can we identify?
3. Interpretive Principles: In addition to the variety of themes discerned or noticed in a text, there may guiding interpretive principles, as such. By this I mean there may be a specific theme that unlocks that moves throughout a scripture and offers a cogent interpretation. For example in the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15.11-32) we see a possible interpretive principle or cogent theme of “separation.” The parable then moves from the principle of “separation” to “reconciliation.”
4. What’s My Line? Some important observations: a. Who is present in the story? Whose presence is not acknowledged? b. Who speaks? Who does not speak? c. What does the text say? What does the text not say? d. Who is the speaker speaking to?
A. Theological Presuppositions
1. Once the task of exegesis is completed, the major task of interpretation (i.e., the arrival of meaning) stands before us. This is where the theological task begins. Every possible interpretation has a theological presupposition; that is, a perspective out of which an interpretation is offered. Theology (literally, the science of God) is critical thinking about the scriptures, God, the spiritual and secular life, and faith. Everyone approaches the scriptures and questions about faith and the spiritual life with a theological perspective. This is what is meant by “theological presuppositions. For example: What is your theological perspective or presupposition regarding theodicy (the problem of evil, human suffering, and mental anguish)? The danger and caution concerning our theological presuppositions is whether or not we have grasped the whole and not simply a part of the solution. To set forth “a part” rather than the whole leads to heresy (theological error). You can understand how a theological heresy can affect our practical life of faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Theological perspectives and their effect on interpretation of scripture are of many kinds. For example:
a) A moral interpretation addressing human behavior
b) A prophetic interpretation addressing issues of community, nation, and global justice.
c) A spiritual interpretation addressing human and spiritual development as persons.
d) A spiritual interpretation addressing our relationship with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
B. Application: James reminds us that we are to be doers of the word and not merely listeners (or learners). James 1:22 And, that faith without works is dead! James 2:26 Application to our lives follows exegesis and interpretation. We have the facts (as best as we know). We have offered an interpretation regarding its various levels of meaning. Now we invited and called to apply the lesson to our lives.
1. Existential/Personal Interpretations
2. Social Justice Interpretations
Developed by Cedric Kirkland-Harris, Pastor Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church Norfolk, Virginia