Principle 1

Hermeneutics

PRINCIPLE 1

Meditate, Pray, Obey, and Be Open

This first principle is foundational to applying the other biblical principles of interpretation. The more we meditate on Scripture, pray about the meaning, obey what we learn, and are willing to have an open mind about our preconceived opinions, the more we’ll be practicing good hermeneutics.

  • Biblical meditation is not subjective, like eastern meditation; it is objective. We focus on the Word if God, not on our feelings or our “inner self.” Try reading one Scripture in the morning and meditating on it throughout the day.

  • In addition to meditating on Scripture, we must pray. Inn Psalm 119:144 the psalmist preyed, “Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.” God delights in answering prayers that ask for help in understanding His Word. 

  • It’s also important to obey God’s Word. If we’re willing to do God’s will, we will receive insight into His teaching, or His Word (John 7:16-17).

  • Finally, we must be open. We may have to change our views if we find that they’re not in line with Scripture - even if we don’t initially agree with or like what the Scripture is saying. The people of Berea are a good example. They followed this fundamental principle of hermeneutics: “The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth” (Acts 17:11).

HermeneuticsRon ReidHerm Principles