Her Sermon Helps

Interpretation: Exegesis to Hermeneutics

The Bible is a compilation of many books with several authors possessing distinct artistic styles. In light of this fact, the preaching woman must seek to communicate this spiritual work, written by other human hands, from God's perspective. This can often seem daunting to those who endeavor to accurately portray what God is really saying through scripture.

So then, what can be done? Educate yourself in the discipline of Hermeneutics, which is the science of interpreting scripture or any piece of literary work.

Bear in mind that, as God enlightens our understanding, the work of interpretation is never over.  There will always be new questions and answers, errors of interpretation or Eisegesis; by one's own interpretation, forcing the text to mean something that is really not there or supported by further scripture. Therefore, as we are guided by divine inspiration and revelation, these errors can be realized and corrected.

There is a synonym for Hermeneutics and that is, Exegesis.

• The process of drawing out of a text, its God-intended meaning.

According to Edward L. Hayes, the relationship of exegesis to hermeneutics is one of kind and degree.  He says, "Hermeneutics may best be viewed as the umbrella under which exegesis fits."  "Hermeneutics," says Hayes, "deals with broad principles or rules of interpretation governing biblical exegesis." (Horton, David. The Portable Seminary 2006) In other words, a text cannot stand alone in meaning but fits within the entire structure of Spirit-revealed truth.

Exegesis involves a multi-step process:

1. Examining the text, origin, and it's wording.


2. Analysis of the translation.


3. Discovery of historical context.


4. Study of literary framework.


5. Deciding the genre or literary nature.


6. Outlining and diagramming composition.


7. Categorization of grammar and syntax.


8. Methodically studying a given truth in the light of all God-revealed truth.


9. Applying the scripture or text.

What to avoid:

• Moralizing the Word of God - You don't want to apply the wrong moral framework to a truth.


• Personalizing the Word of God - You don't want to mistakenly interpret the Word from an individualistic point of view.

When it's all said and done, whether you understand this teaching or not, remember this.  Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who enlightens our spirits and minds to His divine truth.  As preaching women, we must remain diligent in seeking God, as we impart the infinite wisdom and Word of God to the saints and to a lost and dying world.