Biblical Hermeneutics - National Open University of Nigeria

CTH 601 Biblical Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics is deeply involved in communication because we speak or
write to give meaning; we also listen and read to receive meaning.
Two major concerns of Hermeneutics as shall be seen in this course are:
One, the development of criteria for text interpretation; Two, the act of
interpretation itself. Therefore, in addition to the study of rules or
principles for the interpretation of particular texts, Hermeneutics
involves philosophical inquiry, calling upon lexical, linguistic, literary
and other disciplines.
Self-Assessment Exercise
Define the term Hermeneutics.
3.1.2 Rationale for Hermeneutics
Having considered the meaning of Hermeneutics we will now look at
the reasons for the task. According to Benard L. Rahmm (1967, 100)
there is a need for Hermeneutics because of the gap that usually “exists
between the interpreter and the materials to be interpreted and rules must
be set up to bridge the gap.” The gap may be historical, cultural,
linguistic, geographical/biological and philosophical.
Historical gap is the separation in time between the author and the
reader.
Cultural gap is the difference between the cultures of the writer and the
recipient.
There is linguistic gap when the text is originally written in a different
language.
The gap is geological/biological if the document originates in a different
geographical region.
There is a philosophical gap when there is a difference of attitude
toward life and the universe between the writer and the interpreter of the
text.
Self-Assessment Exercise
State the rationale for Hermeneutics.
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