Hermeneutics Course Interview Discussion

Introduction

• Special session featuring an interview with Dr. Elaine Bernius and Dr. David Ward.
• Topic: Utilizing extra-biblical resources in the exegetical process.
• Importance: Essential for understanding scripture deeply.
• Upcoming assignment: Exegetical tools paper.

Opening Prayer

• Prayer for guidance and understanding in studying the Word.

Discussion Highlights

Initial Thoughts on Extra-Biblical Resources

• Bible Commentaries:

  • Importance of distinguishing between modern critical commentaries and earlier commentary works.
  • Modern critical commentaries pull together diverse scholarly interpretations.
  • Use of commentaries to address historical, cultural, and linguistic questions.

• Additional Resources:

  • Interlinear Bibles:
    • Bridges between English translations and original texts.
    • Helps reveal underlying connotations and structures.
  • Community Discussions:
    • Involvement of diverse groups of people for varied insights.

Structuring the Exegetical Process

• Timeline for Incorporating Resources:
  • Begins detailed observations 13 days out.
  • Use of interlinear Bibles around 12 days out.
  • Engagement with critical commentaries 11 days out.
  • Interaction with community to balance scholarly insights.

Selecting Appropriate Resources

• Choosing Resources:

  • Use a variety of resources to get balanced perspectives.
  • Critical commentaries often split into technical and semi-technical.
  • Avoid overly devotional or applicational sources for deep study.

• Use of Google and Online Resources:

  • For geographical information and general data.
  • Encouragement to leverage freely available, credible online resources.

Conducting Word Studies

• Approach:
  • Prefer "context studies" over simple word studies.
  • Goal: Identify how words are used across different biblical contexts.
• Guidelines:
  • Bridge meaning through context rather than isolated definitions.
  • Use tools like biblehub.com for comprehensive analysis.

Encouragement for Students

• Challenges for New Students:
  • Acknowledge intimidation and encourage perseverance.
  • All hard work leads to abundance; learning by doing.
  • The seminary journey is about developing skills over time.

Final Thoughts

• Encouragement from both Dr. Bernius and Dr. Ward to embrace the learning process.
• Reminder that developing exegetical skills is a lifelong journey.
• Upcoming video support for using online resources effectively.

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• Note: These notes aim to help students engage with biblical texts more deeply and build confidence in using scholarly tools for interpretation.