Hermeneutics
Overview of Understanding and Applying the Bible, by Robertson McQuilkin
By Rev. Christopher C. Arch

1. Approaches to Study
   1. Supernaturalistic – beware of “spiritualizers” and “hidden messages”.
   2. Naturalistic –
      1. Rationalism – rejects miraculous, reason and scientific method only
      2. Existentialism – Bible is only a part of God’s revelation
      3. Cultural Relativism – culture is seen as more important that Scripture
   3. Dogmatic Approaches – Scripture interpreted by own system
2. Basic Principles
   1. Context of the author
   2. Scripture is true in all parts
   3. Limitations of human context
   4. Make doctrine on clear passages
3. Understand the Human Language
   1. Seek the ordinary meaning first
   2. Identify the literary style
   3. Seek the single meaning of the author unless otherwise stated
4. Setting
   1. Historical
   2. Physical
   3. Cultural
5. Word Study
   1. Understand different uses of the words
   2. Compare other uses
   3. Helpful tools – Strongs, Colin Brown, Concordances, etc.
6. Thought Structure
   1. Outline the sentence
   2. Examine in light of the context – passage, book, whole Bible
   3. Use a mechanical layout if possible
7. Examine the Contex
   1. What is the purpose of the book
   2. What is the plan of the book – chronological, topical
   3. Immediate context
   4. Author’s plan
8. Figurative Language
   1. Identify – absurd, context, contradiction with clear passage
   2. Types of figures of speech –
      1. Comparisons – metaphor, simile, type, representation
      2. Association – metonomy, synecdoche
      3. Humanization – anthropomorphism, personification
      4. Illusion – irony, hyperbole
      5. Idiomatic – fables, riddles, understatement, euphemism
9. Parable
   1. Def – a type of figure of comparison
   2. Parable is realistic allegory isn’t
10. Hebrew Poetry
    1. Synthetic Parallelism – add to original concept – Ps. 1:1-2
    2. Synonymous Parallelism – same thing said – Pr. 1:20, 22, 28, 30-31
    3. Antithetical Parallelism – opposite – Pr. 15:2; Ps. 84:6
11. Keep the Unity of the Scripture
    1. Parallel Passages
    2. Similar Ideas
    3. Contrasting Ideas
12. Systematic Theology
    1. Build on sound exegesis
    2. Build on entire Bible
    3. Don’t build on: tradition, reason (alone), extra-biblical sources
13. Alleged Discrepancies
    1. Internal Historical Problem – check again
    2. Alleged Scientific Discrepancy – miracles aren’t our problem, theories
14. Prophecy
    1. Goal – Affect behavior and build faith
    2. Literal
    3. Figurative
    4. Type – point to Christ, for future
    5. Symbol – represents something other than self
    6. Timing – multiple references (Is. 7:4; Ps. 22) , split references (Lk. 1:31-33)
15. Application and Evaluation
    1. Limited application or universal to all Christians of all eras
    2. What principle lies behind event, action, or teaching
    3. Implicit or explicit
    4. No principle stated – freedom to do – don’t require of others
    5. Trust and obey
16. Doctrine
    1. Basic Idea
    2. Explicitly stated will of God
    3. Yes – Is it in balance with all other Scripture? Yes – Go. No – Adjust
    4. Is there a demand by clear principle – balance w/ others – Yes – Go. No – Adjust
    5. Is it compatible w/ explicit teaching and principle – Yes – designate authority and go. No – Stop!