Dungan - Hermeneutics

D. R. Dungan's Hermeneutics: A Text-Book: Table of Contents.
SEC. 46. WHEN WRITTEN? 167
SEC. 47. THE PLACE OF WRITING OR SPEAKING? 169
CHAPTER VII.
RULES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF WORDS AND SENTENCES.
SEC. 48. HOW TO INTERPRET SENTENCES. Rule 1. Always interpret according to the
known purpose of the author. This is observed in history and law. Exception of
incidental remark only apparent. 172
SEC. 49. BUT HOW KNOW THE PURPOSE OF THE AUTHOR? Rule 1. The writer's statement,
or some one else authoritatively stating it. Rule 2. Carefully consider the immediate
context. What is truth? Lovest thou me more than these? Rule 3. The Bible must
harmonize. Objection answered. Rule 4. Compare with other statements of the
author. Rule 5. Compare with statements of others who speak with equal authority.
Rule 6. The use of common sense respecting the things we know, of ourselves.
Caution in the use of this rule. Rule 7. Interpret figurative language by the laws
governing the figures employed. 176
SEC. 50. RULES BY WHICH THE MEANING OF WORDS SHALL BE ASCERTAINED. Rule 1. All
words are to be understood in their literal sense, unless the evident meaning of the
context forbids. Rule 2. Commands generally, and ordinances always, are to be
understood in a literal sense. Rule 3. The literal meaning of a word is that meaning
given it by those to whom it is addressed. But how know that meaning. Rule 4. The
Scriptures are supposed to give to some words meaning which they do not have in
the classics, and therefore the Bible becomes a dictionary of itself. This only partly
true. Rule 5. Words of definite action can have but one meaning. The action,
however, may have different results. Rule 6. The writer's explanation is the best
definition that can be found. Rule 7. The proper definition of a word may be used in
the place of the word. Rule 8. By antithesis. Rule 9. By the general and special
scope. See the plan of the Roman letter. Rule 10. Etymological construction will
many times tell the meaning of the word. Rule 11. The meaning of a word may be
known by other words used in construction with it. Rule 12. The history of a word
has sometimes to be studied. Terry, on the change in the meanings of words. Rule
13. Illustrations or parables give the peculiar meaning sometimes. Who is my
neighbor? Rule 14. In defining a definition, nothing but primary meanings can he
used. 184
CHAPTER VIII.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE.
http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/ddungan/hatb/HATB00C.HTM (6 of 10) [30/08/2003 11:31:43 p.m.]