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Methods of Biblical Interpretation

ASSIGNMENT TITLE / TOPIC:______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

SUBMITTED TO: Rev. Saju Varghese. N

NAME OF THE STUDENT: Cressida Shindle M

PROGRAM: M. DIV / B.TH YEAR OF ADMISSION: 2021

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 20/10/23 REG NO.

Academic Office Use Marks Awarded :

Grade :

Teacher’s Signature:______________________________ Date:____________________

 CONTENTS

Literary Method 1

Allegorical Method 2

Traditional Method 4

Rationalistic Principle 4

Subjective Method 5

Typological Method 6

Historical Method 7

Ethical or Moral Method of Interpretation 8

Contextual Method 8

Bibliography 11
 Cressida 1

Biblical interpretation is a fundamental process within Christianity, serving as how

believers seek to discern the intended messages and wisdom within the sacred texts. A

significant challenge facing biblical interpretation within the church today is the absence of a

uniform approach. In essence, various members of the faith do not adhere to a consistent method

or set of guidelines when engaging in biblical interpretation. This issue stands as a primary

catalyst for the doctrinal disparities observed in contemporary churches. While it may not be the

sole contributing factor, it undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in the proliferation of diverse

denominations within the Christian community. Hence, while interpreting the Scripture it proves

to be of immense importance to setting a standardized method of Biblical Interpretation.

Literary Method

The first book ever written employed the literal approach. The literal method accepts the

text's meaning in its plain sense and at face value. Context and communication standards like

genre, symbols, and figures of speech are observed. However, no effort to discover the hidden

meaning beneath or behind the text is made. Due to its emphasis on the author's literary style, it's

also known as literary interpretation. The Israel of the Old Testament was accustomed to this

kind of interpretation. It is seen, for instance, in how legal documents are interpreted and in how

the Old Testament prophets interpret and apply God's warnings to the Israelites and others.

Additionally, the literal meaning of the law was used by Ezra and the scribes in Nehemiah 8:3–8

to explain it to the populace.

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According to Kenneth R. Cooper,

Literal interpretation has its criticisms and its misunderstandings. Nevertheless, it

stands as the best approach for determining what the Bible means by establishing
what it says as accurately and as clearly as possible. It focuses on the original
author’s intent and examines the text in its various contexts to arrive at its actual
meaning.1
A significant point of contention in the biblical interpretation debate revolves around the

term "literal." Some argue that this approach may oversimplify the text, potentially neglecting

the richness of its figurative language and diverse literary genres. However, proponents of a

"literal" interpretation emphasize that it essentially involves giving each word the same meaning

it would have in everyday language, whether in writing, speaking, or thinking. Couch aptly

elucidates this methodology, stating that

A normal reading of Scripture is synonymous with a consistent literal,

grammatico-historical hermeneutic. When a literal hermeneutic is applied to the
interpretation of Scripture, every word written in Scripture is given the normal
meaning it would have in its normal usage.2
This perspective sheds light on the underlying principles guiding biblical interpretation and

underscores the importance of linguistic and historical context in unravelling the intended

meaning of sacred texts.

Allegorical Method

The allegorical technique of interpretation involves disregarding the historical context of

a story and seeking symbolic meanings within its characters and events. Instead of focusing on

the original intent, it establishes imaginative connections between historical events and

1
Kenneth R. Cooper, “A Survey of the Case for Literal Interpretation of the Scriptures,” Journal
of Dispensational Theology, 30, 10 (September 2006), 32.
2
Mal Couch, An Introduction to Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics: A Guide to the History
and Practice of Biblical Interpretation (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2000), 33.
 Cressida 3

individual Christian experiences. This approach emphasizes spiritual significance, often straying

from the story's original purpose. Although some find this method insightful, critics argue that it

obscures the genuine meaning and heavily relies on the interpreter's creativity.

The development of this interpretative method can be attributed to Hellenized Jews and

Christians influenced by early church "fathers" Clement of Alexandria and Origen. They

perceived Scripture, especially the Old Testament, as being symbolic rather than literal. The

allegorical school teaches that beneath the surface of each scripture verse lies the "true" meaning

of the passage. Within every sentence or statement, a symbolic and spiritual significance is

hidden.3

Notably, the use of allegory by Paul in Galatians 4:24–26 stands out due to its clarity and

precision. Paul explicitly acknowledges his application of allegory, setting it apart from the more

general practice of allegorizing, where hidden meanings are sought. He compares two women,

Hagar and Sarah, along with their respective children, to illustrate various aspects of the Torah

and Christian beliefs. Paul's allegory aims to highlight specific connections between these

historical figures and spiritual truths. This differs from the more fanciful and unsubstantiated

allegorical interpretations often employed to interpret different biblical verses. As a result, it is

deduced that the allegorical method should be approached cautiously.4

3
“Principles of Proper Bible Interpretation,” Gold Country Calvary Chapel, July 30, 2014,
https://goldcountrycalvary.com/images/pdf/HAClass7Principles.pdf, 3.
4
“Introduction to Principles of Biblical Interpretation,” Maranatha Bible Church, June 24, 2018,
https://www.mbcmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Principles-of-Bible-Interpretation.pdf, 4-5.
 Cressida 4

Traditional Method

The traditional method of biblical interpretation, which is not truly an interpretation at all,

primarily revolves around the acceptance of interpretations handed down by authoritative figures

or institutions as absolute truths. For instance, the Roman Catholic Church historically imposed

its singular interpretation of Scripture as the only correct one, effectively discouraging personal

study and individual interpretation of the Bible. This approach essentially restricted individuals

from cultivating a deeper, more personal connection with God through the Scriptures.

The Roman Catholic Church justified its stance by citing three sources of authority:

Scripture, including the seven deuterocanonical books; tradition, which encompassed alleged

oral teachings of Jesus passed down from apostles to bishops but not documented in the Bible;

and the Magisterium, consisting of the collective teachings of the Pope and bishops. However,

this authoritative tradition became a point of contention that ultimately led to the emergence of

Protestantism, championing the principle of "Sola Scriptura," asserting that Scripture alone holds

authoritative weight. Consequently, the traditional method of biblical interpretation challenges

the primacy of Scripture and God's authority. This sentiment finds resonance in passages such as

1 John 4:1, which advises believers to "...test the spirits to see whether they are from God

because many false prophets have gone out into the world," underscoring the individual's

responsibility to interpret and discern the right interpretation from the false ones by comparing

them against Scripture.

Rationalistic Principle

The Rationalistic method of interpretation, which emerged during the Enlightenment era,

represents an approach to biblical interpretation where the interpreter evaluates biblical content
 Cressida 5

through their understanding of what is feasible or real. In essence, this method asserts that any

biblical ideas or teachings that appear incongruent with human reason are dismissed as false.

However, this approach essentially places the human interpreter as the ultimate arbiter of biblical

truth, consequently eroding the authority of Scripture. Rather than being a genuine interpretation,

it serves as a method to selectively accept or reject specific biblical teachings based on the

interpreter's perspective. For instance, Rudolph Bultmann's concept of demythologization of the

Bible exemplifies this method, ultimately exposing the interpreter's scepticism and doubt

regarding biblical content.

Subjective Method

In this method of interpretation, the focus shifts away from seeking a deep understanding

of the inherent meaning within the text. Instead, the reader engages with the text by attempting to

find a meaning that resonates personally. Rather than a quest for a precise understanding of what

the Bible conveys, this approach implores eliciting emotional or intellectual responses without

necessarily delving into the text's accurate meaning. It's a method wherein the meaning of the

text is perceived as fluid and subjective, emerging within the reader's mind as they engage with

it. A typical example occurs in Christian gatherings when participants inquire, "What does this

text mean to you?" In essence, this shift from a literal interpretation of the Bible to a subjective

one becomes evident. To mitigate this tendency, it's vital to discern between interpretation, which

involves discovering the text's meaning, and application, which entails ascertaining the text's

relevance in contemporary situations.5

5
David Andrew Dean, “Principles of Biblical Interpretation: Part 1 of 6,” Youtube, (lecture),
accessed August 25, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpfhVrpBF2s.
 Cressida 6

Typological Method

Typological interpretation, a valuable hermeneutical approach, discerns in past divine

acts a foreshadowing of what Christians now possess in great measure. According to Gerhard

Von Rad, this interpretation focuses on revealing the essence of these events as they point to

future, more significant occurrences rather than dwelling on shared historical, cultural, or

archaeological details between the Old and New Testaments. Its primary concern is the kerygma,

the proclamation of the divine event's meaning, rather than the narrative minutiae that serve to

convey it. However, in its application within the church, typological interpretation can

sometimes veer into overly intricate displays of cleverness.6 The most crucial factor is not the

events themselves but rather the expectation of later, bigger occurrences. The term "typou," from

which the word typology emerges, is used by Walter Eichrodt to describe "persons, institutions,

and events of the Old Testament which are regarded as divinely established models or

presentations of corresponding realities in the New Testament salvation history."7 Thus, typology

consistently carries the promise of something transcendent and superior to the past.

Typological interpretation is a legitimate method for connecting the Old and New

Testaments. Jesus frequently referenced past events that mirrored his audience's situations,

effectively conveying the Old Testament's message. For instance, Jesus employed typology when

quoting Isaiah 6:9-10 in all four gospels to describe the contemporary situation of his audience,

revealing how the Old Testament's past events corresponded to their current state. Typological

interpretation rests on the belief that God's words and actions transcend time, making the entire

6
Claus Westermann and James Luther Mays, eds., Essays on Old Testament Hermeneutics
(Richmond, Virginia: John Knox Press, 1964), 36-37.
7
Claus Westermann, Essays, 225.
 Cressida 7

Bible typological, as it presents examples and patterns of human experiences. Typology offers a

means to understand the Bible's unity through history rather than allegory.8 It reveals that the Old

Testament is a book about Christ, and typology is the tool for discovering and interpreting this

profound truth.

Historical Method

The Historical method of Biblical interpretation is an approach that emphasizes

understanding the Bible in its historical context. It involves delving into the cultural,

geographical, and historical background of the biblical text to grasp its original meaning and

significance for the people of that time. This method seeks to bridge the gap between the modern

reader and the ancient world in which the Bible was written.

Key aspects of the Historical method include studying the customs, traditions, and

practices of the biblical era, as well as examining archaeological findings and historical records

that shed light on the biblical narrative. It also involves considering the authorship, dating, and

purpose of biblical texts to gain insights into the historical context in which they were written.

By employing the Historical method, interpreters aim to uncover the intentions of the

biblical authors and the messages they intended to convey to their original audience. This

method helps prevent anachronistic readings of the text and promotes a more accurate

understanding of the Scriptures in their historical setting.

8
Stanley N. Gundry, “Typology as a Means of Interpretation: Past and Present,” Journal of the
Evangelical Theology Society 12, no. 4 (1969): 233–40,
https://www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/12/12-4/12-4-pp233-240_JETS.pdf, 234.
 Cressida 8

Ethical or Moral Method of Interpretation

The ethical/moral method of biblical interpretation serves as a valuable tool for extracting

timeless truths from Scripture and applying them to our contemporary world. Its application is

essential because not all of its enduring truths are explicitly outlined in the Word of God. While

some teachings display clarity, many are veiled in a degree of mystery, necessitating the

application of the ethical/moral method. This method's versatility allows it to be applied to

virtually every passage in the Bible, offering flexibility in deriving multiple moral lessons from

the same text without conflicting with other hermeneutical principles or established biblical

theology.9 The Feeding of the 5000 is an example of this method because it emphasizes the

miracle of sharing rather than a supernatural increase in food. This moral interpretation,

promoted by Rudolf Bultmann, creates avenues for modern ethical discoveries, addressing

themes like racism, gender identity, sexuality, and the environment that the Bible may not

directly address or may treat differently. However, it also raises questions concerning the

potential incorporation of foreign moral ideas into the minds of the Gospel authors and Jesus'

followers.10

Contextual Method

Biblical interpretation is inherently contextual, rooted in people's social locations,

encompassing various facets of personal history, culture, and identity. These contextual

interpretations, influenced by factors like gender, ethnicity, nationality, and more, contribute to a

9
Nancy Jennings, “The Moral Principle I. What Is the Moral Principle of Biblical Interpretation?
The Moral Principle of Biblical Interpretation Is That Principle of Interpretation. - Ppt
Download,” SlidePlayer, accessed September 8, 2023, https://slideplayer.com/slide/10886318/.
10
“Moral Interpretation of Scripture,” web log, Philosophy Dungeon (blog) (Weebly), accessed
September 8, 2023, https://philosophydungeon.weebly.com/moral-interpretation.html.
 Cressida 9

multifaceted understanding of Scripture, enriching the global church's comprehension.

Contextual methods are indispensable for grasping and applying biblical teachings in

contemporary societal contexts. As Michael Barram emphasizes, our social location invariably

shapes our interpretive practices, making every interpretation inherently contextual.11

Consequently, diverse readings of biblical texts abound worldwide, fostering various

"theologies" as groups find their unique place within Scripture's narrative. Investigating how

various societies read these scriptures in the light of their respective historical and cultural

contexts is a key component of the contextual method of interpretation.

Rather than an obstacle, the contextual method of biblical interpretation stands as an

invaluable asset for the Christian church's engagement with Scripture. It not only acknowledges

the richness of diverse perspectives but also underscores the universality of biblical teachings,

revealing their relevance across various contexts and identities.12

In conclusion, biblical interpretation is a crucial process within Christianity, but it faces a

challenge due to the absence of a uniform approach. The lack of a standardized method of

interpretation has contributed to doctrinal disparities and the proliferation of diverse

denominations within the Christian community. This paper explored various methods of

interpretation, including the Literal, Allegorical, Traditional, Rationalistic, Subjective,

Typological, Historical, and Ethical/Moral approaches, highlighting their strengths and

weaknesses.
11
Michael Barram, “The Bible, Mission, and Social Location: Toward a Missional
Hermeneutic,” Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology 61, no. 1 (2007): 42–58,
https://doi.org/10.1177/002096430006100106, 44.
12
Keon-Sang An, “The Contextual Nature of Biblical Interpretation: An Ethiopian Case,” Fuller
Studio, January 30, 2018,
https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/the-contextual-nature-of-biblical-interpretation/.
 Cressida 10

To address this challenge, the church must establish a standardized method of biblical

interpretation to foster greater unity and a deeper understanding of Scripture. By adopting a

balanced approach that incorporates the strengths of each method while mitigating its

weaknesses, the church can promote a more cohesive and united Christian community. Such an

approach will help believers develop a deeper connection with the Word of God and gain a

clearer understanding of its teachings across diverse contexts and identities, ultimately fostering

a more unified interpretation of its sacred texts.

 Cressida 11

Bibliography

An, Keon-Sang. “The Contextual Nature of Biblical Interpretation: An Ethiopian Case.”

Fuller Studio, January 30, 2018.
https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/the-contextual-nature-of-biblical-interpretation/.
Barram, Michael. “The Bible, Mission, and Social Location: Toward a Missional
Hermeneutic.” Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology 61, no. 1 (2007):
42–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/002096430006100106.
Cooper, Kenneth R. “A Survey of the Case for Literal Interpretation of the Scriptures.”
Journal of Dispensational Theology, 30, 10 (September 2006).
Couch, Mal. An introduction to classical evangelical hermeneutics: A guide to the history
and practice of biblical interpretation. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications,
2000.
Dean, David Andrew. “The Nature of the Bible and the Goals of Interptretation.”
Principles of Biblical Interpretation. Lecture, 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpfhVrpBF2s&list=PLmSGvzErZJS1kofmq
Yptl3ZPq5y3ycGjA&index=7.
Gundry, Stanley N. “Typology as a Means of Interpretation: Past and Present.” Journal of
the Evangelical Theology Society 12, no. 4 (1969): 233–40.
https://www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/12/12-4/12-4-pp233-240_JETS.pdf.
“Introduction to Principles of Biblical Interpretation.” Maranatha Bible Church, June 24,
2018.
https://www.mbcmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Principles-of-Bible-Interpret
ation.pdf.
Jennings, Nancy. “The Moral Principle I. What Is the Moral Principle of Biblical
Interpretation? The Moral Principle of Biblical Interpretation Is That Principle of
Interpretation. - Ppt Download.” SlidePlayer. Accessed September 8, 2023.
https://slideplayer.com/slide/10886318/.
“Moral Interpretation of Scripture.” Weblog. Philosophy Dungeon (blog). Weebly.
Accessed September 8, 2023.
https://philosophydungeon.weebly.com/moral-interpretation.html.
“Principles of Proper Bible Interpretation.” Gold Country Calvary Chapel, July 30, 2014.
https://goldcountrycalvary.com/images/pdf/HAClass7Principles.pdf.
Westermann, Claus, and James Luther Mays, eds. Essays on Old Testament hermeneutics.
Richmond, Virginia: John Knox Press, 1964.