Hermeneutics is a theological word describing the method one uses to interpret Scripture. Two people read the same verse and come to different conclusions—why? Their hermeneutic may not be the same. We are going to see this today in Psalm 82. We are looking at Psalm 82 from John 10 because Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6. If you take the time to study the Psalm with different study Bibles and commentaries, you will see everyone does not agree on who the “gods” are in verse 1. Our goal is to discover and understand what the author wanted his readers to comprehend (and do) from the words he wrote. For example, “Be kind” (Eph 4:32a). Paul wants believers to be kind (in word and deed). That was easy. This is called authorial intention. Sometimes, it isn’t as easy as “be kind.” Therefore, we apply hermeneutical principles to discern the author’s intended meaning. Before you start, PRAY to the Spirit.
- Context is king. Single verses cannot be pulled out of the verses around them. For example, John 3:16 was written in the context of chapter 3, then in the context of John’s gospel, and then in the Johannine literature (all the books John wrote). See points #2 and #5. Phil 4:13 does not mean you, too, can be an Olympian.
- Target audience. How does my knowledge of the message’s intended recipient impact the interpretation? Consider Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare…” Who is the “you”? It is Israelites in captivity, not Apostles, who will die for the faith. Always identify the original target audience.
- Cultural (historical) context. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul tells Timothy to drink a little wine for his ailments. Should I take that as prescriptive and follow that example for my ailments (a digestion issue)? Or does my understanding of the lack of clean water impact my interpretation? Is the Bible teaching me to use wine today for medicinal purposes? No.
- Genre. Is the verse or text I am studying classified as narrative (Genesis), apocalyptic (Ezekiel), a song (Psalms), a truism (Proverbs), or even a letter (James)? Proverbs cannot be interpreted like Ephesians. Ezekiel and Mark will not be read and interpreted the same way.
- Analogous. A similarity that invites comparison. We let Scripture interpret Scripture. Mark 16:16 declares that the one who believes and is baptized will be saved. Therefore, baptism is necessary for salvation until the analogous principle is applied. Since numerous texts indicate baptism is not required for salvation, we conclude that the wrong interpretation would make baptism necessary to be saved.
- Literal v. figurative. This is difficult and often leads to disagreement. Is my default literal interpretation, or is my default method of interpretation based on the genre? Consider Rev. 21:1: “And the sea was no more.” But in chapter 22, there is a river. If I apply the literal principle—there is no sea. If I apply the analogous principle, I conclude rivers will be on the new earth; therefore, we are not discussing the absence of water. In Rev 20:13, “the sea gives up the dead in it.” Consequently, I conclude I must look for a figurative interpretation of the word “sea.” But in a narrative, my default would be a literal interpretation.
- New Covenant (NC). The New Covenant hermeneutic principle insists that the NT teaches us how to interpret the OT. Not the reverse. This is a Christocentric approach (Luke 24:27). Those in the NC read the OT through the lens of the NT. Today, we will see this principle applied as Jesus quotes from Psalm 82:6. The way he uses and applies the text informs the correct interpretation of Psalm 82.
- Grammar. Define words; look for repetition of words and how the author puts them together. Compare translations of the same verse or phrase to gain a better understanding.