1. THE 6651 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS
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Class XII: Integrating the Three Worlds
© Dr. Esa Autero

2. Behind the Text I: History & Grammar
Integrating the Three Worlds
Behind the Text I: History & Grammar
1.1 Integrating the Three Worlds
Three worlds of biblical hermeneutics
Hermeneutical dimensions
WITHIN (Genre, structure, plot…)
BEHIND IN FRONT OF
- Historical background Interpretative history
- Text’s prehistory Reader’s context
- Application/appropriation
TEXT
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3. Behind the Text I: History & Grammar
Integrating the Three Worlds
Behind the Text I: History & Grammar
How to integrate the three worlds of biblical hermeneutics?
Hermeneutically integrated approach – how to do it in practice?
WITHIN (Genre, structure…)
BEHIND IN FRONT OF
- Historical background Interpretative history
- Text’s prehistory Reader’s context
- Application/appropriation
Different dimensions of the text accounted for – multidimensionality
In practice one or two emphasized in analysis
 Dimensions, approaches/methods used already an interpretative decision
TEXT
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4. Integrating the Three Worlds
Integration of Three worlds help…
Understand the hermeneutical process
Look at the text in a multidimensional way
Evaluate the interpreter’s contribution & presuppositions
Contested areas – meaning and objectivity
In what sense can we talk about objectivity or objective meaning of the text
What exactly is the reader’s contribution in interpretative process
What is the “nature” of language and texts – degree of polyvalency

5. Integrating the Three Worlds
Orientation to theological questions
How is meaning possible theologically?
 God is not “yes” and “no” at the same time
Humans able to communicate and
understand language by virtue of imago Dei
Doctrinal statements & tradition as “guard rails”
Collective experience and guidance of the Holy Spirit
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation?
How do theological “systems” & traditions guide us hermeneutically?
How do we read the Bible theologically?
How do we move from the Bible to theology and practice?
 These questions will occupy us in the last two sessions
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6. Integrating the Three Worlds
Interpret Lk 12:22-34 by integrating the Three worlds
Make a note of the following…
1) Behind the text: Background information (history, culture, social setting etc.) & text’s prehistory
2) Within the text: What is the genre and structure of the section? Is there a climax? What is it? Relationship to the literary context?
3) In front of the text: Influence of past interpretations; my socio- economic, cultural & theological situatedness; present-day meaning (theology & practice) and how I reached it
4) Self-reflection: which dimension of the text did I focus on? Why? What led you emphasize this dimension?

7. Integrating the Three Worlds
Interpret Jam 1:1-27 by integrating the Three worlds
Make note of the following…
1) Behind the text: Background information (history, culture, social setting etc.) & text’s prehistory
2) Within the text: What is the genre and structure of the section? Is there a climax? What is it? Relationship to the literary context?
3) In front of the text: Influence of past interpretations; my socio-economic, cultural & theological situatedness; present-day meaning (theology & practice) and how I reached it
4) Self-reflection: which dimension of the text did I focus on? Why? What led you emphasize this dimension?