Bibliology Class Notes

March 5, 2026

Interpreting Scripture -A Proper Hermeneutical System

• Use of Figures

  • When an inanimate object is used to describe an animate object, it must be taken as figurative

  • When the expression is not in the character of the thing describes, it must be taken figuratively

• Interpretation Can be Carefully Considered in Light of Other Disciplines

  • Linguistic work

    • History–The branch of knowledge or study dealing with past events, especially as a systematic or chronological record, often including analysis or explanation

    • Science–The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

    • Archeology–The study of human history, prehistory, and ancient civilizations through the excavation, recovery, analysis, and interpretation of material remains such as artifacts, structures, biofacts, and landscapes

    • Rhetoric—The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively, especially in speaking or writing

    • Sociology–The systematic study of society, social institutions, relationships, and human behavior in groups, including the origins, development, organization, and functioning of human societies, often using empirical investigation and critical analysis

    • Logic–The branch of philosophy or science concerned with the principles of valid reasoning, inference, and demonstration; the systematic study of argument forms, validity, and methods to distinguish correct from fallacious arguments, often including formal systems like deductive (conclusions are drawn from general premises or known facts to specific cases) or inductive (using particular facts, observations, or instances to form general principles or conclusions) logic.

  • The Distinctions in Scripture must be Observed

    • Chronological relationships

    • Dispensational relationships

    • Word meaning

    • Word usage

    • Time

      • What God has done in the past cannot be read into what He is doing today

      • What God is doing now cannot be read into the past

      • What God will do cannot be read into the present

• Allegorical Verse Literal Interpretation Methods

  • The Allegorical Method

    • Regards the literal sense of a literary work to be secondary to a more spiritual sense

    • Either denies or ignores historical importance, giving the original words or events little to no significance

    • Used to hide the true meaning of Scripture

    • Disregards the common significance of words

    • Give place to all manner of fanciful speculation

      • Scripture ceases to be the authority for interpretation

      • The interpretation is twisted to the interpreter’s doctrinal views

    • Puts itself beyond the well-defined principles and laws of interpretation

      • There is no means by which the interpretation can be verified or tested.

  • Literal Interpretation

    • Takes the normal use of the word into account

    • Considers the historical importance and original meanings of the words

    • Considers the context

    • Scripture is taken objectively

    • Interpretation can be verified by the examining extra Biblical writings of the day (In Koine Greek)

---

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of Evening School of the Bible at 6:00 PM.

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.