Hermeneutics 101

I found this guide on the New Attitude blog. You can download it as a PDF here.

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Hermeneutics (hur-muh-noo-tiks) n. [Grk.]: the craft of interpreting Scripture

7 Questions to Ask Every Passage*

1. Who is the author and who is his audience?

2. Why is the author writing and what is his burden for his audience?

3. How does this verse connect to the rest of the chapter and the book the whole storyline of the Bible?

4. What does the language of the passage highlight and draw attention to? (e.g., parallels, word pictures, specific details, repetitive words/phrases)

5. What does this reveal about the nature of God and the nature of mankind?

6. How does this passage reveal our need for a Savior and Godʼs disposition to provide a Savior?

7. What response or action does this passage call for?

A Starter Bibliography: For Further Study
• Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul: Short and sweet. Start here.
• The Message of the Old Testament & The Message of the New Testament by Mark Dever: One chapter for each book of the Bible.
• Godʼs Big Picture by Vaughn Roberts: A helpful introduction to storyline of the Bible.
• The ESV Study Bible: Our favorite study Bible (or it will be when it releases this fall).
• Your Pastorʼs Sermons: Every week your pastor helps you interpret Scripture and apply it. Listen closely.

* Of course, these questions arenʼt meant to be exhaustive but may provide a helpful starting place.

© 2008 New Attitude.