Introduction to Hermeneutics

Review

The Nature of Scripture/Revelation

The Question of Canon

Inspiration/Preservation

The Necessity of Sound Translations

“The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical;a so as in all controversies of religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them.b But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them,c therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come,d that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner,e and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.”

The Reformation and the Fight for Vulgar Translations

Types of Translations 

The Definition of Hermeneutics

The root of the Word Hermeneutics

Is Bible Interpretation a Science? (Neh. 8:8; Mt 22:29)

The First Principle of Hermeneutics: The Analogy of Faith (Rom. 12:6; Matthew 4:5-7)

"The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.” - WCF 1.9