Hermeneutics Lesson V Basic Forms of Scripture

Two basic forms of literature: A) Referential: precise, fact oriented language to describe and relay more technical information, e.g. repair manuals, medical texts, phone books, blueprints, cookbooks, etc.

B) Commissive: Literature relating to the heart, appealing to emotions and feelings, e.g. poetry, songs, pep talks, etc.

In the Bible there is both referential and commissive literature. Referential: Epistles, Law, Historical Narratives. Commissive: Poetry Both: Proverbs, Prophecy

Rules for interpretation are like rules for a game. If you ignore the rules, you’ll misunderstand what is being written. Soccer player Holding the ball. Football player holding the ball. Basketball player holding the ball. Soccer player throwing ball from out of bounds Football player throwing ball from out of bounds Basketball player throwing ball from out of bounds Soccer player Kicking the ball Football player Kicking the ball Basketball player Kicking the ball