Introduction to Hermeneutics The Art and Science of Interpreting the Bible

CHAPTER 1 WHAT IS HERMENEUTICS? The best way to introduce the subject on hermeneutics is by asking the question: What is hermeneutics and why is hermeneutics important to social science, literature, and biblical theology? According to Jens Zimmermann in Hermeneutics: A Very Short Introduction to Hermeneutics’ and his abstract to his book, hermeneutics means interpretation. He then proceeds to asks the question: “But how and why do we interpret?” Zimmermann believes that hermeneutics is the art of understanding and of making oneself understood. Understanding may be guided by analytical principles, but it cannot be reduced to them. Understanding requires art rather than rule-governed science. Hermeneutics is also the name for the philosophical discipline concerned with analyzing the condition for understanding. Zimmermann argues that the universal conditions for human understanding are divided into three areas: the nature of consciousness, the nature of truth, and the importance of language. The art and science of hermeneutics are not limited to the field of theology, but for the sake of this analysis, this document will only focus on hermeneutics in the field of theology. In the field of theology, biblical scholars use the word hermeneutics to refer to meaning and interpretation. Although the origins of hermeneutics are somewhat unclear, the term hermeneutics is traced back to the ancient Greek figure of Hermes. The origin and history of the word hermeneutics derive from a mythological character and widely-revered god that lived in ancient Greece, named Hermes. David Jasper, in A Short Introduction to Hermeneutics, says that Hermes was renowned for his spoken word ability and was a winged, golden-sandaled interpreter of the gods. Hermes' cleverness and sharp mind caused him to become a wordsmith. This ability to speak, interpret, and reveal the spoken word captivated Zeus. According to Greek mythology, Hermes' eloquence and talent mesmerized Zeus so greatly, that he was awarded the chief messenger to the gods. Hermes had a special gift to utter and reveal the messages, mysteries, and secret meanings of the gods from Mount Olympus to the people on Earth. His athleticism and speed gave him the power to swiftly bridge the communicational gap from the heavenly to the earthly realm. In other words, in hermeneutics, the biblical and theological Hermes must be interpreted accurately. They must correctly interpret and understand the biblical text and the sacred Scriptures in their original form. Jasper believes in understanding the nature of the text and how we interpret and use it, especially concerning the Bible, a collection of ancient texts with distinctive and abiding authority that commands our utmost respect. How we read and understand the Bible has constantly changed throughout its history, both in Jewish and Christian traditions. The individual who engages in biblical hermeneutics must understand that they are divinely called to be an interpreter of the monotheistic God of the Bible (Old and New Testaments). This is a sacred duty, requiring them to handle God’s salvific and heavenly messages with their mysteries and secret meanings, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal them from heaven to the people on Earth. This messenger of God, through skillful interpretation, bridges the communicational gap from the divine and unseen to mortals and seen. In classical Greek, the word “hermeneutics” means one that interprets, explains, and translates the messages of God to the people. According to Jasper, the interpreter must put into words those mysteries which were beyond the capacity of human utterance. He eloquently says that without such a messenger, how would these two realms communicate with each other, and how would the gap in the understanding between the gods and humankind be overcome? In other words, the student/interpreter that faithfully does hermeneutics must theologically stand between two realms and explain and or reveal the things that are hidden from the supernatural to the natural. From a Oneness Pentecostal theological standpoint, I assert that Jesus Christ embodies our spiritual and biblical Hermes, a view supported by the rigorous use of Pneumatological and Christological hermeneutics. This conviction is deeply rooted in the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The God of the Old Testament, who is Spirit (Jn. 4:24), manifested Himself in the flesh during the New Testament to bridge the supernatural with the natural realm (1 Tim. 3:16). This profound act is powerfully illustrated in the moment when the Word became flesh (Jn. 1:14). It stands as the ultimate demonstration of God's role as Hermes, revealing His transcendent nature to humanity. In the words of the Apostle Paul: “… and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen” (Rom. 9:5). In Christology, Jesus Christ is understood to possess two natures: the divine (Spirit) and the human (flesh). These two natures signify that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (2 Cor. 5:19). The apostle Paul describes Christ as the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15). The importance of this Pentecostal hermeneutics theology lies in its assertion that the Bible reveals Jesus Christ's descent from heaven to Earth in order to enlighten humanity with the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6). Through Jesus, God is not merely explained but is also interpreted and made understandable to frail humanity. In the words of Jasper, Hermes was the interpreter who articulated divine mysteries beyond human expression. Oneness Pentecostals believe that in Jesus Christ, He serves as the divine interpreter, revealing and clarifying heavenly mysteries, thereby making them comprehensible to humanity. In Greek mythology, Hermes had a special gift to utter and reveal the messages, mysteries, and secret meanings of the gods from Mount Olympus to the people on Earth…to swiftly bridge the communicational gap from the heavenly to the earthly realm. Pentecostal hermeneutics presents a profound challenge to traditional beliefs about Jesus Christ. It asserts that He was not merely a messenger, but uniquely gifted to unveil the message, mystery, and divine purpose of the one true God of Israel.