I attended MacArthur’s Master’s University and was taught the LGH (Literally Grammatical Historical) method. Watching this channel has given me a greater understanding of other methods of hermeneutics and how other Christians can come to different conclusions. This made me feel closer to brothers and sisters in Christ who believe differently than I. Thank you Dr.Faulk for your videos, you are an encouragement
An example of ambiguity in interpretation in Ancient Greek is “σέ φημι Ῥομαίους νικήσειν”, which a priestess at Delphi said to Pyrrhus the king of Epirus (Complete Ancient Greek by Gavin Betts and Alan Henry, section on indirect statements). Word-for-word breakdown: σέ - you (acc sing) φημι - I say Ῥομαίους - Romans (acc pl) νικήσειν - going to conquer (future infinitive) Since this is an indirect statement using infinitive construction, both the subject and object of the infinitive (which would’ve been the main verb in the direct speech equivalent sentence) have to be in the accusative form. This, coupled with Ancient Greek having more flexible word order than English, makes it ambiguous as to whether σέ (you) or Ῥομαίους (Romans) would be the direct version’s subject. Thus, both “I say you will conquer the Romans” and “I say the Romans will conquer you” are possible readings. The exact same sentence can be interpreted in complete opposite ways.
Thank you for this, Dr. Falk. This a straightforward, easy to understand, masterclass on this concept. Whenever I hear pushback on the proposition that "there might be several valid interpretations of the meaning here," I am going to refer to this. On the one hand, I do understand why people may find it unsettling that (even with the best translation) not everything in Scripture is totally straightforward (though some areas are much more simple than others). But even in plain English, you have demonstrated the weakness in insisting that the only and best interpretation must be the plain literal reading of the text. If you hypothetically assume the translators totally nailed it with 100% accuracy, phrases and meanings can still be missed, or understood differently, even in our native language.
I find it somewhat hilarious that in order to explain a passage, one must need to utilise more words to explain it. However, those words must also be interpreted. For example, in order to define Phantastic, one must use more words to define it, and then we may need to define those words used to define Phantastic in order to better understand the definition. And then, we may need to do the same to that. And thus the cycle shall evermore continue.
It really is. Right now I’m trying to figure out what Matthew 26:52 means: “Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword.” The commentaries and infos I’ve looked up have generated various different interpretations from personal ethics, to condemning revolution, to affirming the death penalty, to being a general proverb, etc. What’s funny is the commentators assert their interpretation, with no one admitting that we probably have no idea.
Have you yet been made aware of the audio issues with this video? It seems to be cutting off when the input is low, probably a simple issue with the microphone input settings.
Oh, I'm aware of the audio issues. The drop-offs have been getting steadily worse over the past four weeks. Almost the entire audio of this video had to be re-recorded. We turned off all the audio filters and the issue is still persisting. We think it's probably a hardware issue with the audio interface.
Exegesis is pulling meaning out of a text at the grammatical or lexical level. Hermeneutics is the broader concept of how you interpret a text. They are closely related disciplines. So think about it like this. Exegesis examines grammar to find nuances of meaning, and hermeneutics sits above that, using exegesis as a tool as well as other methods to find meaning. So, you can think of exegesis as a subset of hermeneutics.
It's funny I'm seeing this video right now. Just recently, for whatever reason, I was thinking about what denomination you could possibly be. Not that it matters, but just out of curiosity. I understand you keep it confidential, but I do try to figure it out based off how you answer certain questions. You haven't made it easy by the way lol. I came across an older video where you stated "We are a non-denominational channel". so the first time I seen you say that a while ago, I assumed you were telling us you're non-denominational, but after thinking about it, it could be interpreted that way or it could be interpreted as you saying, the channel itself is non-denominational and not necessarily you. Lol hermeneutics at work 😂
Oftentimes, the best way to ensure that you are interpreting something in context is to just read the passage, and not cherry-pick the verses you like and read the context afterwards.
The dictionary gives this meaning of hermeneutics: "science of interpreting texts: the science and methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books of the Bible 2. theology of religious concepts: the branch of theology that is concerned with explaining or interpreting religious concepts, theories, and principles."(Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2005) However, the word hermeneutics that comes from the Greek word hermeneuo (G2059), does NOT mean "the science and methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books of the Bible", but rather "to translate", and is found three times in the Bible, as at John 1:42; 9:7; Hebrews 7:2. At John 1:42, it accurately says: "and he (Andrew) led him (Peter) to Jesus. When Jesus looked at him, he said: “You are Simon, the son of John; you will be called Ceʹphas” (which is translated “Peter”)."(2013 New World Translation) The King James Bible inaccurately reads here: "And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." At John 9:7, it accurately says: "and said to him (the man born blind): “Go wash in the pool of Si·loʹam” (which is translated “Sent Forth”). And he went and washed, and came back seeing."(2013 New World Translation) The King James Bible reads here: "And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." Additionally, the Greek word methermeneuo (G3177), means "to explain over, i.e. translate", and is found seven times in the Bible, and is also accurately rendered as "when translated", as at John 1:38: "Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, he said to them: “What are you looking for ?” They said to him: “Rabbi (which means, when translated, “Teacher”), where are you staying ?"(2013 New World Translation) The prefix me·ta´ implies “a change,” and so, added to her·me·neu´o, the word me·ther·me·neu´o·mai results. It means “change or translate from one language to another,” and is always in the passive voice (or grammar form of a verb), as at Matthew 1:23. Matthew 1:23 accurately reads: "Look ! The virgin will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and they will name him Im·manʹu·el,” which means, when translated, “With Us Is God.”(2013 New World Translation) The King James Bible reads here: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." The Greek word diermeneuo (G1329), means "to expound thoroughly, to interpret, by implication, to translate", and is found six times in the Bible (as "interpret(s)" at 1 Cor 14:5, 13, 27; as "interpreters" at 1 Cor 12:30; "interpreted" at Luke 24:27; "translated" at Acts 9:36), lends itself more closely to the "science and methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books of the Bible", than the Greek word hermeneuo. Many Greek Bible translators and scholars fail to accurately grasp Koine Greek, it nuances, and various underlying "details", allowing a plethroa of false religious ideologies to color their "vision", causing a "mistranslation". So, accurately understanding the Bible requires far more that what society today calls hermeneutics, for Jesus made this clear at Matthew 11:25, 26, saying in prayer to Jehovah God (see Ex 6:3, KJV): "I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth," "because you have hidden these things (of understanding the Bible's theme of God's Kingdom, see verse 12) from the wise and intellectual ones (such as at seminaries, going to Christendom's churches, that blocks an accurate understanding of the Bible, see Matt 23:13) and have revealed them to young children (or humble ones, that loves Jehovah God, see Matt 18:4). Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved." And at Amos 3:7, it says: "For the Sovereign Lord ("Sovereign Lord", H136, which is an emphatic form of H113, that means "Lord") Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to HIS servants the prophets." And yes, it is hard to figure what the Bible REALLY teaches, to find "the truth" (see John 18:37), for most who profess to be Christian allows Christendom to guide them that sets them off on a "wild goose chase", rather than by the holy spirit, which is given only to those ' obeying Jehovah God as ruler '.(Acts 5:32)
Archaeologists Found Evidence of a Lost Temple in Chorazin Linked to Jesus’ Healing Miracles - this is the new discovery (few days ago). Thank your channel, i am starting intresting Biblical archeology. When i was an atheist, i was thought that archeology and bible are two oposites. Now thank is research i know that Bible really well working with archeology.
David, I think you would agree that one of the hardest Hermeneutics of the bible is Daniel 9:24. By the Ruach HaKodesh I independently interpreted the 70 x 7's of Daniel 9:24 to be 70 Jubilees! As a Jubilee is a 7 of weeks of years! I was the second person to independently understand Daniel 9:24 is 70 Jubilees. There might have been more but I could only find one other. David, please note the 70 Jubilees fits a spring 1406 BC entrance into Canaan. The 70th Jubilee is coming up in one month. I am not here to "self promote" as all my work is pro-bono. But I like some of your work and thought you might be interested on this. David, Please see my video: *Jubilee Year Restored: 2024 - Proved by Archeology - 70th Jubilee Begins September 19th, 2024* When you see the "math" I think it will impact you. Best Regards! Nick
There is nothing no way to prove that AD 2024 is the 70th Jubilee, since there was no proper count of Jubilees when Israel entered the Promised Land. My opinion of this is that it's newspaper eschatology.
@@ancientegyptandthebible David, there is. In Ezekiel 40:1 he hid that it was a Jubilee Year and anchored / pegged it to two events! In the 25th Year of the captivity and in the 14th year after Jerusalem has been destroyed. By VAT 4956 we know when Jerusalem was destroyed. If you can know one Jubilee you can count them all backwards and all forwards from that one Jubilee. My work was independently done. Best Regards, Nick Also, I spent March - June in Egypt on my third expedition for the Israel route. Using some old maps I believed I discovered the location of Marah, Elim, and there third camp at the Red Sea (which I believe to be Eilah / Ayla/ Ezion Geber, as the the authors on purpose did not disclosed the name of the camp to hide the route but rather said Yam Suph to through a wrench in everyones search. I then went to Jordan for one month to search for the remaining stages! You know Dophkah means knocking which is the same action as whipping and would indicate this stage required an ascent. Also as you know Alush means "I will nead" and what do you need in? A Bowl / Basin and that is what Wadi Rum and the Disah Basin is or also Humayma. I am really close to finding Mount Sinai if not I stumbled or drove by it unknowingly during my 1 month expedition and search in Ma'an and Aqaba Districts in southern Jordan. Best Regards! Nick
@@DarkBladeShdw Read the Book of Jubilees... it is 49 years as the 50th year is the 1st year of the next 49 years. Same was as the Pentocad Festival of the Firstfruits of Wheat, New Wine, and New Oil in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
@@NickVanderLaan7 We have no idea which Jubilee is the one referred to in Ezek 40:1. And the Yam Suph of the exodus is not the Red Sea/Gulf of Aqaba. Frankly, it doesn't matter to me if your work is independently done or not. If it doesn't match the evidence we have, then it cannot be correct.
I attended MacArthur’s Master’s University and was taught the LGH (Literally Grammatical Historical) method. Watching this channel has given me a greater understanding of other methods of hermeneutics and how other Christians can come to different conclusions. This made me feel closer to brothers and sisters in Christ who believe differently than I. Thank you Dr.Faulk for your videos, you are an encouragement
Awesome! That's great to hear!!! 😊
Pretty insane the range of interpretation such a simple text can produce. See it all the time, and it's no wonder.
An example of ambiguity in interpretation in Ancient Greek is “σέ φημι Ῥομαίους νικήσειν”, which a priestess at Delphi said to Pyrrhus the king of Epirus (Complete Ancient Greek by Gavin Betts and Alan Henry, section on indirect statements).
Word-for-word breakdown:
σέ - you (acc sing)
φημι - I say
Ῥομαίους - Romans (acc pl)
νικήσειν - going to conquer (future infinitive)
Since this is an indirect statement using infinitive construction, both the subject and object of the infinitive (which would’ve been the main verb in the direct speech equivalent sentence) have to be in the accusative form. This, coupled with Ancient Greek having more flexible word order than English, makes it ambiguous as to whether σέ (you) or Ῥομαίους (Romans) would be the direct version’s subject. Thus, both “I say you will conquer the Romans” and “I say the Romans will conquer you” are possible readings. The exact same sentence can be interpreted in complete opposite ways.
Thank you for all of your videos. There are awesome🙏
You're welcome. 😊
Thank you for this, Dr. Falk. This a straightforward, easy to understand, masterclass on this concept. Whenever I hear pushback on the proposition that "there might be several valid interpretations of the meaning here," I am going to refer to this.
On the one hand, I do understand why people may find it unsettling that (even with the best translation) not everything in Scripture is totally straightforward (though some areas are much more simple than others). But even in plain English, you have demonstrated the weakness in insisting that the only and best interpretation must be the plain literal reading of the text. If you hypothetically assume the translators totally nailed it with 100% accuracy, phrases and meanings can still be missed, or understood differently, even in our native language.
I find it somewhat hilarious that in order to explain a passage, one must need to utilise more words to explain it. However, those words must also be interpreted. For example, in order to define Phantastic, one must use more words to define it, and then we may need to define those words used to define Phantastic in order to better understand the definition. And then, we may need to do the same to that. And thus the cycle shall evermore continue.
Then the fact that languages change over time.... thus it becomes an endless cycle.
Infinite regress
@@not_milk Yep, those were the words I was looking for. It becomes an infinite regress. Also, if you are not milk, what are you then?
It really is.
Right now I’m trying to figure out what Matthew 26:52 means:
“Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword.”
The commentaries and infos I’ve looked up have generated various different interpretations from personal ethics, to condemning revolution, to affirming the death penalty, to being a general proverb, etc.
What’s funny is the commentators assert their interpretation, with no one admitting that we probably have no idea.
I _always_ upvote Dr. Falk. 😁
We appreciate the support.
Have you yet been made aware of the audio issues with this video? It seems to be cutting off when the input is low, probably a simple issue with the microphone input settings.
Oh, I'm aware of the audio issues. The drop-offs have been getting steadily worse over the past four weeks. Almost the entire audio of this video had to be re-recorded. We turned off all the audio filters and the issue is still persisting. We think it's probably a hardware issue with the audio interface.
Isn't this exegesis rather than hermeneutics?
I thought exegesis what about what a passage is trying to say; hermeneutics is how you apply it.
Exegesis is pulling meaning out of a text at the grammatical or lexical level. Hermeneutics is the broader concept of how you interpret a text. They are closely related disciplines. So think about it like this. Exegesis examines grammar to find nuances of meaning, and hermeneutics sits above that, using exegesis as a tool as well as other methods to find meaning. So, you can think of exegesis as a subset of hermeneutics.
Getting the Hermeneutics right helps to keep the exegesis from going into eisegesis!!!
This is a great little exercise.
How many copies of the Old Testament scrolls would the Jews have had in Jesus' time? Would every synagogue have at least had the Torah?
It's funny I'm seeing this video right now. Just recently, for whatever reason, I was thinking about what denomination you could possibly be. Not that it matters, but just out of curiosity. I understand you keep it confidential, but I do try to figure it out based off how you answer certain questions. You haven't made it easy by the way lol.
I came across an older video where you stated "We are a non-denominational channel". so the first time I seen you say that a while ago, I assumed you were telling us you're non-denominational, but after thinking about it, it could be interpreted that way or it could be interpreted as you saying, the channel itself is non-denominational and not necessarily you. Lol
hermeneutics at work 😂
😂
Oftentimes, the best way to ensure that you are interpreting something in context is to just read the passage, and not cherry-pick the verses you like and read the context afterwards.
The dictionary gives this meaning of hermeneutics: "science of interpreting texts: the science and methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books of the Bible 2. theology of religious concepts: the branch of theology that is concerned with explaining or interpreting religious concepts, theories, and principles."(Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2005)
However, the word hermeneutics that comes from the Greek word hermeneuo (G2059), does NOT mean "the science and methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books of the Bible", but rather "to translate", and is found three times in the Bible, as at John 1:42; 9:7; Hebrews 7:2.
At John 1:42, it accurately says: "and he (Andrew) led him (Peter) to Jesus. When Jesus looked at him, he said: “You are Simon, the son of John; you will be called Ceʹphas” (which is translated “Peter”)."(2013 New World Translation) The King James Bible inaccurately reads here: "And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone."
At John 9:7, it accurately says: "and said to him (the man born blind): “Go wash in the pool of Si·loʹam” (which is translated “Sent Forth”). And he went and washed, and came back seeing."(2013 New World Translation) The King James Bible reads here: "And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing."
Additionally, the Greek word methermeneuo (G3177), means "to explain over, i.e. translate", and is found seven times in the Bible, and is also accurately rendered as "when translated", as at John 1:38: "Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, he said to them: “What are you looking for ?” They said to him: “Rabbi (which means, when translated, “Teacher”), where are you staying ?"(2013 New World Translation)
The prefix me·ta´ implies “a change,” and so, added to her·me·neu´o, the word me·ther·me·neu´o·mai results. It means “change or translate from one language to another,” and is always in the passive voice (or grammar form of a verb), as at Matthew 1:23.
Matthew 1:23 accurately reads: "Look ! The virgin will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and they will name him Im·manʹu·el,” which means, when translated, “With Us Is God.”(2013 New World Translation) The King James Bible reads here: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
The Greek word diermeneuo (G1329), means "to expound thoroughly, to interpret, by implication, to translate", and is found six times in the Bible (as "interpret(s)" at 1 Cor 14:5, 13, 27; as "interpreters" at 1 Cor 12:30; "interpreted" at Luke 24:27; "translated" at Acts 9:36), lends itself more closely to the "science and methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books of the Bible", than the Greek word hermeneuo.
Many Greek Bible translators and scholars fail to accurately grasp Koine Greek, it nuances, and various underlying "details", allowing a plethroa of false religious ideologies to color their "vision", causing a "mistranslation".
So, accurately understanding the Bible requires far more that what society today calls hermeneutics, for Jesus made this clear at Matthew 11:25, 26, saying in prayer to Jehovah God (see Ex 6:3, KJV): "I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,"
"because you have hidden these things (of understanding the Bible's theme of God's Kingdom, see verse 12) from the wise and intellectual ones (such as at seminaries, going to Christendom's churches, that blocks an accurate understanding of the Bible, see Matt 23:13) and have revealed them to young children (or humble ones, that loves Jehovah God, see Matt 18:4). Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved."
And at Amos 3:7, it says: "For the Sovereign Lord ("Sovereign Lord", H136, which is an emphatic form of H113, that means "Lord") Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to HIS servants the prophets."
And yes, it is hard to figure what the Bible REALLY teaches, to find "the truth" (see John 18:37), for most who profess to be Christian allows Christendom to guide them that sets them off on a "wild goose chase", rather than by the holy spirit, which is given only to those ' obeying Jehovah God as ruler '.(Acts 5:32)
Archaeologists Found Evidence of a Lost Temple in Chorazin Linked to Jesus’ Healing Miracles - this is the new discovery (few days ago). Thank your channel, i am starting intresting Biblical archeology. When i was an atheist, i was thought that archeology and bible are two oposites. Now thank is research i know that Bible really well working with archeology.
How do we know which is the right interpretation
I'm not saying it's context, but it's context 😁
Context. Context is king.
First
David, I think you would agree that one of the hardest Hermeneutics of the bible is Daniel 9:24. By the Ruach HaKodesh I independently interpreted the 70 x 7's of Daniel 9:24 to be 70 Jubilees! As a Jubilee is a 7 of weeks of years! I was the second person to independently understand Daniel 9:24 is 70 Jubilees. There might have been more but I could only find one other. David, please note the 70 Jubilees fits a spring 1406 BC entrance into Canaan. The 70th Jubilee is coming up in one month. I am not here to "self promote" as all my work is pro-bono. But I like some of your work and thought you might be interested on this. David, Please see my video: *Jubilee Year Restored: 2024 - Proved by Archeology - 70th Jubilee Begins September 19th, 2024* When you see the "math" I think it will impact you. Best Regards! Nick
There is nothing no way to prove that AD 2024 is the 70th Jubilee, since there was no proper count of Jubilees when Israel entered the Promised Land. My opinion of this is that it's newspaper eschatology.
@@NickVanderLaan7 The jubilee is every fifty years (Leviticus 25:10-11). Seventy times fifty is 3500. 3500 years from 1406 BC is 2095 AD.
@@ancientegyptandthebible David, there is. In Ezekiel 40:1 he hid that it was a Jubilee Year and anchored / pegged it to two events! In the 25th Year of the captivity and in the 14th year after Jerusalem has been destroyed. By VAT 4956 we know when Jerusalem was destroyed. If you can know one Jubilee you can count them all backwards and all forwards from that one Jubilee. My work was independently done. Best Regards, Nick Also, I spent March - June in Egypt on my third expedition for the Israel route. Using some old maps I believed I discovered the location of Marah, Elim, and there third camp at the Red Sea (which I believe to be Eilah / Ayla/ Ezion Geber, as the the authors on purpose did not disclosed the name of the camp to hide the route but rather said Yam Suph to through a wrench in everyones search. I then went to Jordan for one month to search for the remaining stages! You know Dophkah means knocking which is the same action as whipping and would indicate this stage required an ascent. Also as you know Alush means "I will nead" and what do you need in? A Bowl / Basin and that is what Wadi Rum and the Disah Basin is or also Humayma. I am really close to finding Mount Sinai if not I stumbled or drove by it unknowingly during my 1 month expedition and search in Ma'an and Aqaba Districts in southern Jordan. Best Regards! Nick
@@DarkBladeShdw Read the Book of Jubilees... it is 49 years as the 50th year is the 1st year of the next 49 years. Same was as the Pentocad Festival of the Firstfruits of Wheat, New Wine, and New Oil in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
@@NickVanderLaan7 We have no idea which Jubilee is the one referred to in Ezek 40:1. And the Yam Suph of the exodus is not the Red Sea/Gulf of Aqaba. Frankly, it doesn't matter to me if your work is independently done or not. If it doesn't match the evidence we have, then it cannot be correct.
The more you study the Bible the less you actually know what it says. Thus I found out that the faith of the ignorant is the strongest faith.😂
@@lohikaarmeherra-1753 nah you wrong