Hermeneutics wk 5

Bible study steps• 1. Pray to the Lord• 2. Fellowship with the Lord• 3. Read the Book/Section• 4. Make Observations• 5. Meditate on the Book/Section• 6. Study the Historical Background

Step 7• Look for Figures of Speech• Figures of Speech and structural

patterns (parallelism, grammar) are important to note as you begin to investigate the details of the book/section you are studying.

Figures of speech• Simile: a comparison of two things

using like or as• EXAMPLE: Cody is strong like an ox.

Figures of speech• Metaphor: A comparison of two

things by saying one thing is another thing without using like or as.

• EXAMPLE: Cody is a warrior.

Figures of speech• Hyperbole: an exaggeration or

overstatement to make a point.• EXAMPLE: Cody is the coolest person

ever.

Figures of speech• Personification: Language that

attributes human qualities to things, animals, nature, etc.

• EXAMPLE: Cody the walrus wailed with amazement.

Figures of speech• Anthropomorphism: God being

described by the attributes of man• EXAMPLE: Exodus 33:20-23

Structural patterns• Parallel patterns: in parallel

structure, thought patterns run parallel to each other

Parallelism in OT Poetry• Synonymous: First part is repeated with different

words. Psalm 2:3• Synthetic: The second line develops the thought

of the first line. Psalm 1:2• Antithetic: The first and second line contrast each

other. Proverbs 15:2• Climactic: Building of thought to the climax of

emphasis. Joel 1:14• Emplematic: A type of synonymous parallelism

where one line contains a simile or metaphor. Psalm 103:13

Structural patterns• Ring pattern: A central portion of

Scripture is preceded and followed by parallel material. Genesis 37-39.

• Chiasm pattern: Points 1 and 4 are parallel and points 2 and 3 are parallel. Psalm 137:5-6

• Alternating pattern: Points 1 and 3 in a verse or passage are parallel and points 2 and 4 are parallel. Psalm 31:20

Structural patterns• Inclusio: A paragraph or portion ends in a

similar way in which it began. Genesis 6:1-8 to Genesis 9:20-27

• Trilogy: Three related things are mentioned. Jude 11

• Acrostic: Each verse begins in succession with a separate letter of the alphabet. Psalm 119

• Repetition: Repetition is used for the sake of emphasis or emotional impact. Isaiah 40:21, 28

Grammar!• The Bible was written in human language.• In order to understand the Bible you must

understand your own language.• In order to understand your own language

you must understand the grammar of your language.

• Identifying conjunctions, verbs, nouns, and sentence structure all help you understand the passage.

Conjunctions• Small and underappreciated, like

hobbits.• They are the hinges and joints of all

sentences within Scripture.• VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT!

Contrast• But, rather, however• Galatians 5:22

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…

Condition• IF• Three kinds• EXAMPLE: Romans 6:5

“For if we have been united with Him in a death like His…

comparison• As, just as, in the same way, thus, in

this manner• Analogy between two ideas

Reason• Because, since, for this reason• Expressing the basis or ground of an

action• The reason why or for something• EXAMPLE: 1 Corinthians 2:14

Result• So that, as a result, with the result,

that• Gives the outcome or consequence

of an action

Purpose• That, in order that• The goal or aim of an action

Disjunctive• OR• Suggests an alternative possibility to

the specific idea it is connected to the alternative possibility

Connective/Coordinate• AND• Connects an additional element to

the discussion

summary• THEREFORE• Conclusion or summary to the

discussion that went before• EXAMPLE: Hebrews 12:1-2

Transition• Now, then• Change of topic or new discussion

Explanation• For, that is

• Additional information given to what has been described previously

Building blocks of a sentence

• Subject: the “doer” of the sentence• Verb: the action of the sentence• Direct Object: the thing acted upon• Identify the verb:

“Helping old ladies cross the street prevents accidents.”

Pull apart this sentence• “And the world is passing away along with

its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17

• “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

• “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments.” 1 John 5:2

Quiz questions• LIST AND EXPLAIN THE FIRST 7 BIBLE

STUDY STEPS.