Institute

Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics is the science and art of biblical interpretation - the set of principles that govern how to correctly understand what a passage of Scripture actually means. Building on the practical skills taught in Bible Study Methods, this course teaches students the literal-grammatical-historical method, the role of literary and historical context, biblical genres, figurative language, how the New Testament uses the Old Testament, and how to avoid the most common interpretive errors.

True Gospel Canada 9 weeks Text

Start Week 1

Learning Objectives

Understand why sound hermeneutics matters and what happens when it is neglected
Learn and apply the literal-grammatical-historical method of interpretation
Understand the role of literary, historical, and cultural context in interpretation
Recognize the major biblical genres and how genre shapes correct interpretation
Understand figures of speech and symbolic language in Scripture
Understand progressive revelation and the unity of the whole Bible
Learn how the New Testament authors use and interpret the Old Testament
Understand typology and Christ-centered interpretation
Recognize and avoid the most common errors in biblical interpretation

Syllabus

Overview

Hermeneutics is the discipline of correct biblical interpretation - the principles that govern how to understand what a passage of Scripture actually means, rather than what we might wish it to mean. Building on the practical skills of Bible Study Methods, this course covers the literal-grammatical-historical method, context, genre, figurative language, the unity of Scripture, how the New Testament uses the Old Testament, typology, and the most common interpretive errors to avoid.

Reading Plan

Week 1: why hermeneutics matters. Week 2: the literal-grammatical-historical method. Week 3: literary, historical, and cultural context. Week 4: understanding biblical genres. Week 5: figures of speech and symbolic language. Week 6: progressive revelation and the unity of Scripture. Week 7: how the New Testament uses the Old Testament. Week 8: typology and Christ-centered interpretation. Week 9: common interpretive errors and how to avoid them.

Required Materials

A personal Bible in one of the following standard translations: ESV, NIV, NASB 1995, CSB, LSB, or NLT; a notebook or journal for reading notes and reflection.

Grading & Completion

Assessment focuses on engagement with Scripture and demonstration of comprehension. Students complete weekly reading assignments and a short weekly quiz covering that week's material. A final exam covering the entire course is available once every week has been passed.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to apply the literal-grammatical-historical method to interpret a passage correctly
Upon completion, students will be able to identify a passage's genre and interpret it accordingly
Upon completion, students will be able to recognize and avoid common interpretive errors in their own Bible study