This is a
list of basic hermeneutical norms for a correct biblical analysis.
All texts
must be studied taking into account:
1 – ORIGINAL LANGUAGE
Texts lose
force and meaning in translation. The original language in which the text was
written should be taken in consideration to capture the intended meaning of the
writer.
2 – ORIGINAL GRAMMAR AND GENRE
The
grammar in the original language should be observed to discern the proper sense
of an expression, phrase or paragraph. Modern translations sometimes do not
reflect the original grammar of the text.
Also the
Genre and Style of the text should be taken into account, whether is a poem, a
narrative, a chronicle, etc.
3 – HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In what
period of history was the text written Date, place and circumstances will
determine the proper perspective of the text.
4 – AUTHOR
Even if
the author’s name is not revealed, it is important to identify who is the
author and when he is speaking. This will provide a plateau from where we can
place every character within the text.
5 – AUDIENCE
To whom is
the writing directed to. If the audience is named and specific, like in the
epistles, or it is generic and open like in the writings of the Old Testament.
6 – THEME
Why was
the writing made. What motivated the author to make the script.
Sometimes
the theme is not explicit, and it is necessary to read the context of the
passage to find it. Before and after of the text we are studying.
7 – DARK PASSAGES MUST BE INTERPRET AT
THE LIGHT
OF CLEARER DOCTRINES
As
scripture is linear and not circular, especially in the New Testament, some
paragraphs are not explicit or clear. In cases like this, the meaning of the
dark passages must be interpreted under the light of clearer and explicit
passages. The dark passages should be placed within the bigger scope of
explicit passages, unless there is a good reason for not doing so.
8 – LITERAL MEANING
Scripture
should be taken as it is expressed, and not assume secret or allegorical
meanings in the texts.
Allegorical
meanings can only be attributed to passages where the Scripture itself allows
it, like in Old Testament Messianic prophecies mentioned in the New Testament.
9 – UNITY
We must
keep in mind that the Bible is a unity in revelation. Every section of it, it
is part of a bigger frame, and therefore, a coherence of interpretation must be
maintained in all its parts.
10 – TRADITION
As the
Scripture is linear and not circular in its development, it will be necessary
sometimes to take into consideration the historical information and interpretation
of the passages and doctrines we are studying, as they were understood and
interpreted by the first Christians as they lived closer to the apostolic era
and had a fresher and more reliable understanding than modern man about the
sense of the Scripture, especially the New Testament.
Omar
Flores.
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