What is hermeneutics?
Hermeneutics is the discipline of biblical interpretation — the rules and principles that guide how we move from an ancient text to faithful understanding today. Exegesis is the practice; hermeneutics is the theory.
Christian hermeneutics holds that Scripture interprets Scripture, that the clear passages clarify the obscure, and that all of it points to Christ (Luke 24:27).
Hermeneutical principles include: literal-historical reading where the genre is narrative or epistle, recognition of metaphor in poetry and apocalyptic, sensitivity to original culture, and respect for the divine author behind the human ones.
Without it, Bible reading drifts into proof-texting or private fancy. With it, the church across cultures and centuries hears the same God speak.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.