CONTEXT

• It has been said that there are three rules of hermeneutics:

1. Context

2. Context

3. Context

• Context rules

Literary Context

• Definition – Literary context is the set of words, sentences and paragraphs that surround and relate to the passage being studied.

• Main Idea

• Every passage in the Bible connects to the verses before and after it. (Wisdom literature is often an exception, as well as some OT law and prophecy)

• When we read we must ask “Why is this passage here”?

• Exploring the main idea with two metaphors

• Ladder

• Conversation

Literary Context Principles

1. Interpret single verses in light of their immediate context. (John 12:32)

John 12:32

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

33  This he said, signifying what death he should die.

2. Interpret paragraphs and episodes in light of the paragraphs or events around them. (Rom 12:17-21)

Rom 12:17-21

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

3. Try to determine why your text belongs precisely where it is and no where else. (Luke 15:1ff)

Luke 15:1ff

1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

4. Look for thematic statements that introduce or interpret an entire section. (Judges 2:10-19)

Judges 2:10–19 NKJV

10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.

11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; 12 and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. 13 They forsook the Lord and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 14 And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel. So He delivered them into the hands of plunderers who despoiled them; and He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer stand before their enemies. 15 Wherever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for calamity, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were greatly distressed.

16 Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. 17 Yet they would not listen to their judges, but they played the harlot with other gods, and bowed down to them. They turned quickly from the way in which their fathers walked, in obeying the commandments of the Lord; they did not do so. 18 And when the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and harassed them. 19 And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they reverted and behaved more corruptly than their fathers, by following other gods, to serve them and bow down to them. They did not cease from their own doings nor from their stubborn way.

5. Look for repeated words or phrases. (Rev 17:14; 19:16)

Rev 17:14; 19:16

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

6 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

6. Locate your text in the purpose of its section and the whole book. (Gen. 12:1-3)

Genesis 12:1–3 “1 Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.””

Historical Context

• Historical context is the culture, customs, languages, beliefs, and history of the author, his subjects and his original audience.

• To get the most from our Bible reading learn to use every form of context.

Contrasting Methods of Literary and Historical Contexts

Historical Context Principles

1. The more we know about the world of the Bible, the better we understand the Bible itself.

2. To evaluate the relationship between a writer and his readers, look for pointed questions and objections, sharp rebukes, and terms of endearment.

3. In historical books we need to understand the cultures of the people who acted out the dramas of the Bible.

Questions To Ask

1. Who?

a. Who wrote it?

b. Who is reading it?

c. Who is it about?

2. When?

a. When was it written?

b. OT or NT?

c. If OT are the people faithful or not?

d. If NT is it before or after the resurrection?

3. Where?

a. What land and culture are we in?

4. What and Why?

a. What did he want to teach?

b. What was the goal of writing?

c. What is the main theme?

5. How?

a. Are there any unusual methods of writing?

Matthew 25:1–13 NKJV

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

(MULTILINE)