Biblical Hermeneutics - National Open University of Nigeria

CTH 601 Biblical Hermeneutics
3.1 Biblical Period
Biblical Hermeneutics began in the Bible itself. Interpretation is
involved anytime that an earlier tradition or writing is reviewed from the
standpoint of a later one. During the Ezra – Nehemiah reform, Ezra read
the law (referring most likely to the five books of Moses) for about six
hours to the Israelites. The entire process involved in trying to help the
Israelites to live by the law of God is summarized in verse 8”. They read
from the Book of the law of God, making it clear and giving and
meaning so that the people could understand what has been read.”
About three steps seem to be involved in the task. The first is reading
the law. The second is “making it clear”. This most likely refers to an
extempore translation from Hebrew to Aramaic. This was necessary
because it appears that some of the Israelites did not understand Hebrew.
After reading the original language and translating it to an
understandable language of the people, the third step is “giving the
meaning” or “sense” (RSV). They needed to give the meaning through
explanation so that Israelites could understand what was read.
Jesus Christ also interpreted his life, ministry and death in accordance
with the Old Testament Scriptures as follows:
• Isaiah 7:14 cf. Matt. 1:22-23; The prophecy of the virgin birth was
ultimately fulfilled through his incarnation.
• Isaiah 61:1-2 cf. Luke 4:16-21; The public declaration of his earthly
ministry has been foretold in the Old Testament.
• Isaiah 52:13-53:12 cf. Luke 24:25-27; It has been prophesised that
the Messiah would serve and suffer before entering the glory of God.
Read the following passages for more understanding; Gen. 3:15; Nu.
21:9; Dt. 18:15; Isa. 9:6; 40:10, 11; Ez. 34:23; Da. 9:24; Mic. 7:20;
Mal. 3:1).
• In rabbinic Judaism a lot of interpretation involved drawing out
logical inferences and comparisons. Traces of this can be seen in the
writings of Apostle Paul, e.g. Romans 3:9-12, 13-20; vv. 10-12
(Psalm 14:1-3; 54:102); v. 13 (Psalm 59; 140:3); v. 14 (Psalm 10:7);
vv. 15-17 (Isaiah 59:7-8); v. 18 (Psalm 36:1).
The Apostles (Paul, Peter etc) and other New Testament writers thus
freely quoted from the Old Testament to explain events or show
fulfillment of the promises of God. Sometime that practice may look
arbitrary to the modern interpreter but it was an acceptable
Hermeneutical method at that time.
Self – Assessment Exercise
8