Hermeneutics Course -- Written and published by Ronald
W. Leigh
Copyright (c) 2001, Ronald
W. Leigh
Glossary
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allegorical interpretation
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A type of biblical interpretation which finds (rather, invents) a deeper
spiritual or mystical meaning beyond the literal elements of the passage.
See allegory.
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allegory
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A symbolic expression (story or explanation) which makes use of parallels
or similarities between items in the expression and the thing being explained.
See allegorical interpretation.
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analogy of faith
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The principle, arising out of the Reformation and the notion of the unity
of Scripture, that Scripture is its own interpreter in the sense that it
does not contradict itself and thus any given passage is best interpreted
in harmony with other passages on the same subject and with the general
tenor of Scripture.
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deduction
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The reasoning process which begins with an assumption or set of premises
and draws conclusions from them about particulars.
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eisegesis
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Interpretation of a text by reading extraneous ideas into it. Often
used in contrast to exegesis.
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equivocal
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Subject to more than one interpretation. Unclearly communicated.
Vague. Uncertainty regarding intent. Compare univocal.
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exegesis
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Explanation of a text, with emphasis on getting the meaning from the text
itself. Often used in contrast to eisegesis.
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genre (ZHAN-ruh)
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A category (kind/sort) of literature, labeled according to its form, style,
or content. A few of the various genres of biblical literature include:
narrative (such as O.T. history, the gospels, Acts), doctrinal or ethical
exposition, letter or epistle, poetry, parable, wisdom literature, and
apocalypse.
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hermeneutics
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The principles, rules, or methodology of interpretation.
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induction
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The reasoning process which begins with particulars and uses them as the
basis for general conclusions.
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literal
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The ordinary, straight-forward lexical (dictionary) meaning of a word or
expression. Sometimes used in contrast to a figurative interpretation,
sometimes including figurative interpretation.
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literary
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Having the characteristics of normal human language, and thus including
both the literal and the figurative.
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univocal
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Having only one meaning. Compare equivocal.
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