Hermeneutics: The Study of Biblical Interpretation
By JK Sellers
April 15, 2019
Who is the author?
Who is the intended audience?
When and where was it written? What cultural or historical context was the scripture written in?
What is the context of the surrounding verses?
What is the original intent or meaning of the author?
Why did the author choose the words he used?Have you invited the Holy Ghost to assist you in your study?
For more information on Hermeneutics
Now What? Start a Library
Helpful Internet Links for the Bible Student
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Hermeneutics
Introduction
The interpretation of scripture has caused much contention and consternation among theologians over the centuries. The last time I checked, there were at least 211 different English bible versions, translations, and paraphrases1 and over 41,000 Christian denominations2 which are divided into roughly four major Christian traditions; Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Other.3 All of these traditions and denominations have many beliefs in common, as they are all based on the Bible. However they do differ widely in traditional practices, organization and the interpretation of various Biblical scriptures and prophecy. (See Eschatology For the Layman)
These numbers illustrates the wide variety of Biblical interpretation found in Christianity. If every Christian agreed on the interpretation of every scripture then there would be only one church with all of the membership in accordance with the leadership.
Paul in his letter to the Christians in Corinth stressed the importance of a strong unified Church leadership to keep errors from entering Church doctrine:
Ephesians 4:11-14 (KJV)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [emphasis added]
The Church that Christ established was, from the very beginning, beset by persecution from the Jews, Roman tyranny and mass execution for entertainment and from attempts to obliterate the teachings of Christ by killing its leaders and destroying their writings4. It is a miracle that what we have remaining in the New Testament survived. Besides persecution, early Christianity was attacked from within by various heresies and apostasy5. This persecution of early Christianity lasted for three centuries until the Roman Emperor, Constantine, adopted Christianity as the Roman Empire's state religion. In attempts to unify the diverging Christian doctrines, Christian theologians and clerics debated doctrine and the interpretation of the scriptures in seven ecumenical councils beginning at Nicaea in 325 AD6. During these councils, Christian leaders attempted to settle the different teachings that had evolved since the ascension of the Savior and the passing of His apostles. This division in Christianity has continued in various forms through the centuries to our day.
So how do we avoid being "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine"? How do we reconcile the various interpretations of Bible scriptures? To alleviate some of the most obvious misinterpretations of scriptures, Christian theologians found it useful to apply a branch of science for the interpretation of literary text called 'Hermeneutics'.
Hermeneutics (ˌhər-mə-ˈnü-tiks) is the science of the interpretation of scripture7. The first use of the word "Hermeneutics" was in the early 16th Century and comes from the Greek hermēneutikos, meaning an "expert in interpretation"8. Interestingly, this use for Hermeneutics in Bible research began not long after the invention of the printing press by Johann Gutenberg in 1448. The printing press allowed Christians to read and study the Bible in their own home and in their own language. The wide dissemination of the Bible also played a key role in the Protestant movements lead by Martin Luther, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer and Huldrych Zwingli among others. Prior to the wide publication of the Bible, the common Christian was reliant upon clerics to read the Bible to them, interpret it and expound on the Bible's teachings. Lay members now had access to the scriptures themselves and, along with lower level clergy like Martin Luther, began to question their leader's interpretation.
Exegesis (eksiˈjēsis) is another word used by theologians which means "explanation or critical interpretation of a Biblical text"9. Exegesis is older than hermeneutics 10 (early 15th Century) and closer to the Reformation and the wider distribution of the Bible to the people. Exegesis is the principle of Hermeneutics put into action. In other words, hermeneutics is the science of interpretation while exegesis is the interpretation of the text itself. The use of the science of hermeneutics has helped individuals study the scriptures. To better understand a scripture using hermeneutics and exegesis, we need to ask these six basic questions of the text:
- Who is the author?
- Who is the intended audience?
- When and where was it written? What cultural or historical context was the scripture written in?
- What is the context of the surrounding verses?
- What is the original intent or meaning of the author?
- Why did the author choose the words he used?
- Have you invited the Holy Ghost to assist you in your study?
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Who is the Author?
It is helpful to understand a verse, chapter or even book of the Bible if we know who wrote it, his culture, language and personal history. Knowing the author will help us understand why he wrote what he did and place his writings in the context of history and the culture of the time. For example, we know that the first five books of the Bible were written by Moses who lived in the mid 1400s BC11. Thus, as we read the history of man from Adam and Eve all the way down to Abraham and then to Moses, we can appreciate the work of this great man, how he collected the early writings of the early patriarchs (see, Did Moses Write Genesis?) and can appreciate the understanding Moses had of man's history.
We must also keep in mind that on occasion an author may quote someone else to make his point. For example, many New Testament authors, as well as the Savior Himself, quoted many Old Testament prophets. A greater understanding of the New Testament as well as an interpretation of Old Testament scriptures can result from reading how New Testament authors used and understood Old Testament scriptures.
Is the author speaking to the ancient Israelites, Jews at the time of Christ, gentile converts to Christianity or even Jewish converts? Knowing this may help in your interpretation, exegesis, of the scripture you are reading. An author would use different reasoning, words and phrases depending on the culture, sect, knowledge and learning of his audience. For example, Paul used his knowledge of Greek religion and Philosophy to preach to the Athenians about God and the Resurrection of the Savior on Mars Hill. (Acts 17:16-34)
When and where was it written? What cultural or historical context was the scripture written in?
Placing scripture in its historical setting is very important, especially in the Old Testament. The Children of Israel had dealings with many of the civilizations that surrounded ancient Israel. The Holy Land was the cross roads where civilizations clashed against one another with tiny Israel just a minor player in the game of conquest. Knowing the historical context is important because many of the prophecies and warnings involved these empires and their pagan religions.
Culture is another context, which we need to take into account. The Bible is not just the inspired writings of great teachers and prophets acting under the influence of the Holy Spirit. We need to remember that the Bible is also a historical record. Donald W. Parry suggested that we should "overcome conditioning that leads us to look at this rich volume of scripture through the lens of our own culture. Otherwise, imposing modern cultural understandings on a society that existed thousands of years ago will make the Old Testament seem strange or out of touch. We cannot appreciate and understand the Bible if we remove it from its own context and place it in our modern culture. Rather, we have to change our mind-set to better understand the ancient way of life."12
What is the context of the surrounding verses?
Context has often been used in debates on the meaning of a scripture. "The word context comes from the Latin contextus or contexere, meaning 'to weave together.' Therefore, words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and even larger works, such as chapters and books, can be part of a whole just as a fabric is composed of individual threads woven together. Therefore, the meaning of an individual portion of text must be understood in relation to the work as a whole, such as a word in its sentence, a sentence in its paragraph, and so on. The primary purpose of considering context, then, is to derive the correct meaning and intent of the author. By relying on isolated passages without giving due consideration to their context, misunderstandings and misinterpretations may result. In religion, using a passage of scripture irrespective of its context for the purpose of proving a preconceived idea is called proof-texting."13
One of the oldest copy of Paul's letter to the Romans. The Chester Beatty Library
What is the original intent or meaning of the author?
This is where the exegesis varies depending on who is reading the scripture. Our biases and preconceived notions formed from our religious training and background will influence how we perceive the intent of the author. Comparing our readings with different translations and Commentaries may help. These authors are trained to keep to the intent or their perception of the intent of the scriptures’ author. However, they are only human and can inadvertently pass their biases into their writings and translations whether they be Catholic, Orthodox or Evangelical14.
Who really knows the mind of the author unless it is the author himself or God and His Spirit who inspired the author. Just look at our own communications via email, social media or texts. Misunderstandings often occur and even cause longtime friends to break relationships. How can we deduce and trust the original intent of a scripture written thousands of years ago by an author of a very different culture and transcribed by a lineage of dozens of scribes? This is the bugbear that has entered the debate of any subject in Christianity from the importance and methods of Baptism to the exegesis of the prophecies of Daniel.
Studying the original languages of the Bible, it’s history and culture, the different meaning of the words and their grammatical relationships in sentences will help in your exegesis but this scholarly approach has not ended the doctrinal nor eschatological differences in Christianity.
Why did the author choose the words he used?
Authors of the scriptures used many forms of writing. Some were poets in their own right and used the form of poetry of their day. Isaiah was famous for this. Other forms of literary styles found in the scriptures are: Simile, metaphor, hyperbole, idiom, personification and parables. Knowing the style of writing is important to interpret a scripture. Getting the literary style wrong will change the meaning of a verse altogether.
See:
Literary Forms in the Bible, by Kenneth Boa
What kinds of literary techniques are used in the Bible?, by Alex Carmichael
The Semitic Style of the New Testament, by Michael D. Marlowe
Understanding Old Testament Poetry, By Kevin L. Barney
Literary Styles of Scripture, Scripture Study—The Power of the Word, Teacher's Manual
Hebrew Literary Styles, Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel
Have you invited the Holy Ghost to assist you in your study?
Theologians over the centuries have used the tools of textual hermeneutics to decipher the words written by ancient prophets and still have not come to a "unity of the faith". What is missing? Some have forgotten the ultimate author of the scriptures. The Bible is not an ancient text written by men. It is the inspired word of God transcribed by men under the influence of the Holy Ghost and can only be truely comprehended with God's help.
Paul V. Johnson said, "The scientific method and intellect are very helpful, but they alone will never bring spiritual knowledge. Learning spiritual things involves the intellect, but that is not enough. We only learn spiritual things by the Spirit. …"15
Paul taught this principle in his first epistle to the Corinthians. In the second chapter of his letter to the Corinthian saints, Paul reminds them that it is difficult for the natural man to comprehend the things of God, which He will give to those who love Him:
1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (NIV)
9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? ”But we have the mind of Christ. [emphasis added]
We can benefit from the teachings of Paul to the Corinthians. To understand the things of God, like the scriptures, we need the influence of the Holy Ghost to guide our thoughts. Hermeneutics will get us to a certain point but without the Spirit we may miss the meaning God was trying to communicate to His prophets through the Holy Ghost.
Peter also taught the importance of inaccurate interpretations. He declared that God taught the prophets of the Old Testament through the influence of the Holy Ghost:
2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV)
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.(See also Hebrews 1:1) [emphasis added]
So not only did God speak "in time past unto the fathers by the prophets" with His own voice ( Hebrews 1:1, Exodus 3:6, Exodus 33:11, Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1, Ezekiel 2) but also through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.
Elijah records just such an occasion when God spoke to Elijah as he hid in a cave. God's voice was not in the wind he heard, nor the earthquake, nor the fire, but in a still, small voice:
1 Kings 19:11-12 (KJV)
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. [emphasis added]
As recorded by Daniel, even the Queen of Belshazzar recognized that God's prophets were inspired by the Holy Ghost:
Daniel 5:11 (KJV)
11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; [emphasis added]
Moses recognized this principle too. Moses had chosen, under the direction of the Lord, seventy of the elders of Israel to help in the administration of the hosts of Israel. When Moses and the seventy all met in the Tabernacle, as commanded by God, He spoke to them and gave them the same spirit (the Holy Ghost) that Moses had received and thus were able to prophesy:
Numbers 11:25 (KJV)
25 And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit (Spirit of God) that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit (Spirit of God) rested upon them, they prophesied (Root Naba = to flow, pour out, pour, gush forth, spring), and did not cease. [emphasis added]
God spoke to His prophets by voice and by way of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. These men recorded those promptings, revelations, visions and prophecies and passed them down to us. We are to study them (John 5:39) and not only use our intellect through Hermeneutics but more importantly, the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) to understand the words of God as communicated to us through His prophets.
John 14:26 (KJV)
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [emphasis added]
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [emphasis added]
For more on seeking the Spirit as we study the scriptures:
The Role of The Holy Spirit in Biblical Interpretation, By Brian Shealy
The Holy Spirit and Hermeneutics, by Daniel B. Wallace
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Bottom Line
We have the scriptures. We know who wrote the passage we are reading and the intended audience. We have studied the history surrounding the verses and the culture of those involved. We can differentiate between simile, metaphor, hyperbole, idiom, personification and parables as used by the different authors in the Old and New Testaments. We can read and understand the context of the surrounding chapters and verses. We have kept our lives in tune with God, prayed for the influence of the Holy Ghost to help us to understand the passages we are studying. All this we have done. Are we any closer to the "unity of the faith"? Sadly, we have not. I imagine that the many Christian traditions and denominations will be unable to unite and become "of one heart and of one soul" (Acts 4:32) until Christ returns in glory as He defeats Satan and his followers and begin His millennial reign. At that time, Jesus will put an end to our differences and unite the world through our love for Him.
For more information on Hermeneutics see:
Interpretation of the Bible, from Theopedia
How Should We Interpret the Bible, by Tim Chaffey
Science and Hermeneutics, by Vern S. Poythress
Notes:
1. List of English Bible Versions, Translations, and Paraphrases by Steven J. DeRose
2. List of Christian Denominations
3. Christian Traditions Pew Research Center
4. "The writings of Christians were suppressed by most of the emperors before Constantine." History of Libraries in the Western World, Michael H. Harris, Scarecrow: 1995, pg 66.
"An edict issued at Nicomedia on February 23, 303, enjoined the demolition of churches and the burning of Christian books. This was the first Roman persecution that was designed not only to destroy Christians but to eradicate their sacred text, the New Testament." (Notice his choice of the word 'first'--Emp. Julian will later try it also). Quest for the Original Text of the New Testament, by Philip Wesley Comfort, Baker Book House: 1992, pg 13.
"The persecution began with a series of edicts against Christians, the first of which, issued in 303, ordered Christian books to be confiscated and burned by imperial agents…and sharply reduced their availability.” Books and Readers in the Early Church, Harry Y. Gamble, Yale: 1995, pgs. 132 and 145.
5. Acts 20:29, 1 Cor. 11:18-19, Gal. 1:6-7, 1 Tim. 1:6-7, 2 Tim. 1:15, 2 Tim. 2:18, 2 Tim. 4:1-5, 2 Pet. 2:1, 2 Pet. 3:17, 1 Jn. 2:18-19, Jude 1:4, Rev. 2:2.
6. The Seven Ecumenical Councils Christian Classics Ethereal Library
7. Merriam-Webster Definition of hermeneutic
8. Dictionary.com hermeneutics
9. Merriam-Webster Definition of exegesis
10. Dictionary.com exegesis
11. Twelve Steps from Christ to Adam by John P. Pratt
12. Christ and Culture in the Old Testament by Donald W. Parry
13. Studying Scripture in Context “Lesson 10: Studying Scripture in Context,” Scripture Study—The Power of the Word Teacher Manual, (2001), pgs 30–32
14. Bias in Bible Translation by Lloyd Thomas
15. A Pattern for Learning Spiritual Things, Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion satellite broadcast, Aug. 7, 2012.
Now What? Start a Library:
If you truly want to do a more in-depth study of the scriptures, start with a basic library:
A good translation of the Bible:
As in anything else in Christianity, which Bible version to read is hotly debated. Choosing which version to study is really not a denominational issue, per se, but a doctrinal issue or a simple preference. The most commonly used translations are the King James Version (KJV), The New International Version (NIV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). I prefer the KJV since it is the bible I grew up reading and the official version used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Here is a synopsis on each of the three most used version:
King James Version, KJV
"In 1604, King James I of England authorized that a new translation of the Bible into English be started. It was finished in 1611, just 85 years after the first translation of the New Testament into English appeared (Tyndale, 1526). The Authorized Version, or King James Version, quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Its flowing language and prose rhythm has had a profound influence on the literature of the past 400 years." (Biblegateway.com)
New International Version, NIV
"In 1967, the New York Bible Society (now Biblica) generously undertook the financial sponsorship of creating a contemporary English translation of the Bible. The NIV Bible was produced by more than one hundred scholars working from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts."
The NIV Bible was first published in 1973, with revisions published in 1978 and 1983. (Biblestudytools.com)
New Revised Standard Version, NRSV
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) first appeared in 1989, and has received wide acclaim and broad support from academics and church leaders as a Bible for all Christians.
The NRSV Bible Translation Committee consists of thirty men and women who are among the top scholars in America today. They come from Protestant denominations, the Roman Catholic church, and the Greek Orthodox Church. The committee also includes a Jewish scholar." (Biblestudytools.com)
Here is a list of other versions if you prefer:
Bible Versions and Translations from Bible Study Tools
Lexicon, Concordance and Dictionary:
A good Lexicon, Concordance and Bible Dictionary goes a long way in helping you in your personal study when you encounter a difficult passage:
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, Second Edition 2nd Edition
"Exhaustive and irreplaceable, Walter Bauer's lexicon is one of the great momuments of biblical and related scholarship, perfect for English speaking students working in the Greek text."
Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Coded with Strong's Concordance Numbers
"For over a century, "Thayer's" has been lauded as one of the best New Testament lexicons available. Both accessible and thorough, it is a work suited for the student of New Testament Greek. "Thayer's" provides dictionary definitions for each word and relates each word to its New Testament usage and categorizes its nuances of meaning. Its exhaustive coverage of New Testament Greek words, as well as its extensive quotation of extra-biblical word usage and the wealth of background sources consulted and quoted, render "Thayer's" an invaluable resource."
The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon: With an Appendix Containing the Biblical Aramaic : Coded With the Numbering System from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. (Commonly referred as BAGD. Can be found for around $20. The 3rd edition, referred to as BDAG sells for $140 or more.)
"A trio of eminent Old Testament scholars--Francis Brown, R. Driver, and Charles Briggs--spent over twenty years researching, writing, and preparing "The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon." Since it first appeared in the early part of the twentieth century, BDB has been considered the finest and most comprehensive Hebrew lexicon available to the English-speaking student. Based upon the classic work of Wilhelm Gesenius, the "father of modern Hebrew lexicography," BDB gives not only dictionary definitions for each word, but relates each word to its Old Testament usage and categorizes its nuances of meaning. BDB's exhaustive coverage of Old Testament Hebrew words, as well as its unparalleled usage of cognate languages and the wealth of background sources consulted and quoted, render BDB and invaluable resource for all students of the Bible."
The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
"Only one concordance includes the best of Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. The Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic dictionaries now have three times more word study information than any other edition. Plus additional cross-references from leading dictionaries make this the ultimate reference tool for pastors, teachers, and all students of the Bible."
Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
"This completely revised and updated edition of Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is the most comprehensive and up-to-date Bible dictionary available. Designed, written, and edited with the needs of general readers in mind. A wealth of background information is found in more than 7,000 encyclopedic entries on the people, places, things, and doctrines of the Bible. Written in plain language, not scholarly jargon. Includes tables, charts, pronunciation guides, and over 500 full-color in-text photographs. Cross-referenced to the KJV, NKJV, NIV, NRSV, and REB. Winner of the Gold Medallion Award."
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
"Revised and expanded, this best-selling study tool is better than ever! It features 700 color photos, 80 color maps, a pronounciation guide, the latest archaeological excavation information, time lines, extensive cross-referencing, unique scale drawings, and much more."
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A Bible Commentary:
Choosing a Bible Commentary will depend on which Christian Tradition or denomination you follow. There are many out there. Check with your Pastor, Priest or church leader.
Helpful Internet Links for the Bible Student:
Blue Letter Bible:
Blue Letter Bible provides powerful tools for an in-depth study of God's Word through our free online reference library, with study tools that are grounded in the historical, conservative Christian faith.
1. BIBLE-CENTERED: We view the Bible as central to our study resources. We intentionally designed the website to include study tools that are linked directly to Bible passages.
2. POWERFUL STUDY TOOLS: Dig deep into the Word using commentaries, encyclopedias, maps/images and much more. One of our most used tools is the Lexicon search, which gives users immediate access to the original Hebrew and Greek words.
3. QUICK AND EASY SEARCH FUNCTION: In one spot, you can search Scripture by word, verse or multiple verses.
4. PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE: Use some features more than others? Create a customized homepage and sidebar to include exactly what study tools you want.
Bible Study Tools:
"BibleStudyTools.com is the largest free online Bible website for verse search and in-depth studies.
Search verses using the translation and version you like with over 29 to choose from including King James (KJV), New International (NIV), New American Standard (NASB), The Message, New Living (NLT), Holman Christian Standard (HCSB),English Standard (ESV), and many more versions of the Holy Bible.
Our rich online library includes well known and trusted commentaries including the popular Matthew Henry Commentary, concordances like Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and Naves Topical Concordance, Bible dictionaries, Biblical encyclopedias and historical Christian and church books including Fox's Book of Martyrs. Our library of resources also includes Bible reading plans, Parallel Bible, and many other additional Christian resources including dictionaries and encyclopedias.
For a more in-depth study of Scripture, our website offers Greek and Hebrew Interlinear for the New and Old Testament, lexicons for original Greek and Hebrew reading of Scripture, as well as popular Church history books.
Our most popular content, Bible verses by topic, provides Biblical encouragement and wisdom for all of lives situations and events. Search over 200 topical verses to meet your need, or sign up for our daily bible to receive a verse by email to start your day."
Bible Gateway:
"Bible Gateway is a searchable online Bible in more than 200 versions and 70 languages that you can freely read, research, and reference anywhere. With a library of audio Bibles, a mobile app, devotionals, email newsletters, and other free resources, Bible Gateway equips you not only to read the Bible, but to understand it.
Strong's Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon:
"The Strong's concordance is a very useful tool for studying the scriptures. It takes every single word of the King James Version and lists where each word can be found in the scriptures. It is useful for locating scripture verses that you know the words to, but don't know the book, chapter and verse.
For example, let's say that you know of a verse that says our hairs are numbered. You could look up the word "numbered" in a Strong's Concordance and it would give you a listing of all the verses that contain the word "numbered". You would then find Matthew 10:30, where Yahushua said that the very hairs of your head are all numbered". You can find the Strong's Concordance in most any bible bookstore (See the graphic to your right).
Also beside each verse reference there is a number. That number represents a Hebrew word (if in the Old Testament) or Greek word (if in the New Testament). In the back of the book it lists Hebrew and Greek words used to translate the bible into English. Each has a a number beside them so that we may only need to know the number to locate a Greek or Hebrew word. Then we can do a word study by reading the meaning of the original word. Whenever I refer to a number in the Strong's concordance, you can look up the number for yourself in the Strong's Lexicon or other lexicons that use Strong's numbers to verify everything.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the Strong's Concordance is fairly reliable in its lexicon definitions, it is relying on 19th century scholarship. One of the best ways to determine the true meaning of a word is look up that word in a Hebrew or Greek Lexicon to see how it was translated in various places (See below). Also, Hebrew especially has various verb forms, tenses and stems that can have different meanings. The Strong's Lexicon doesn't do much to address this, but others (such as the Brown Driver Briggs that the online concordance uses) have more detailed definitions for each verb stem.
With the online concordance, you have a tool even better than a normal Strong's Concordance. You can search multiple words and find all the verses with those words in it. For instance, you could search using the two words "beginning created" and find 4 verses that contain both of these words. This is something that a normal Strong's Concordance cannot do. Also, you can search the concordance by Strong's number. For instance, if you wanted to find all the occurrences of the Hebrew word #07723 (Shav), you put 7723 in the search box and it would list the scripture verses that contain this word. This makes it possible to get a fuller meaning of the word when you see how it is used in the context of other verses."
New English Translation of the Septuagint:
NETS is a new translation of the Greek Jewish Scriptures, entitled A New English Translation of the Septuagint and the Other Greek Translations Traditionally Included Under that Title (and abbreviated as NETS). This project is being carried out under the ægis of The International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies (IOSCS). The translators are specialists in Septuagint studies. Their translations follow rigorous procedures established by the editors. Oxford University Press publishes the translation. An accompanying commentary series is also planned.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Hermeneutics
JK Sellers