אבנימ

Biblical Hermeneutics Part Second Chapter 6

Having completed his discourses on the interpreter’s work of ascertaining the meaning of words, the author now presents the sum and substance of the grammatico-historical method, along with some notable examples of its application. Simply stated, the exegete takes the author’s words at face value and interprets them according to his knowledge of the rules of grammar and the facts of history. Understanding the usus loquendi is an indispensable first step, and the interpreter must seek to determine how the author may have altered standard usage in relation to his own thoughts and themes in writing. Thus arriving at the author’s own usus loquendi the interpreter then takes these principles and applies them in his work of exegesis. A fundamental principle of the grammatico-historical method is that words and phrases have but one signification in a particular context. [Aside: I understand this in the light of 2 Peter 1.19-21]

The author adduces several examples of passages which in the history of interpretation have often been wrested from their natural and plain meanings. Among these are the records of miracles, the sacrifice of Jephthah’s daughter and the resurrection narratives.

Finally he reminds the reader of the importance of carefully following and consistently applying the laws of grammar. This is particular necessary when dealing with the forms of grammatical constructions, e.g. articles, cases, tenses and moods.