I ended each of the last six examinations of individual genres with a short section on application. Before we end, I would like to explain a bit more about how application occurs. Poor hermeneutics lead to poor application. If Dr. Russell’s wife had taken his “I’ll eat anything” out of context, she might have set a plate of golf balls in front of him. If people fail to understand the humorous intent of “That’s what she said,” they might spend time trying to determine who “she” is. If parents take Proverbs 22:6 as a promise from God to them, they may be sorely disappointed when things don’t turn out like they expected, and may question God’s willingness to stick to his promises. Proper hermeneutics enable us to live out the truths and teachings we read in the Bible.

Take a common phrase said by Bible-believing Christians: “If the Bible says it, it’s true.” This could mean two things. First, it could mean that all phrases in the Bible are truthful phrases. This can’t be so. After all, the Bible records some lies. Second, it could mean that all of the Bible’s teachings are true. Fair enough, but the problem is that this is generally paralleled with the idea that all of the Bible’s teachings are for Christians. One blogger writes: “Its True If The Bible Says So. Why does reason always have to attack the people who believe in the words written in the bible?” However, large portions of the Old Testament were addressed to a specific people-group for a specific time, and are not intended to be timeless commands for all people everywhere. So just because words are written in the Bible does not mean they’re meant to be applied by us today. How do we know this? The context tells us. Often, God addresses the people of Israel explicitly. For a helpful teaching on the “If the Bible says it, it’s true” phrase, see an entry at Parchment and Pen.

Then how can we know what we’re supposed to apply? Context. This requires, first, that we identify the genre of the material. This requires literary competence.

Second, we should discern the application that the author intended for his initial audience, and then move to how that same principle ought to be used today. For instance, we don’t leave the corners of our fields unplowed (an Old Testament command that benefited the poor), but we can set up other generous safeguards to make sure that people get enough food.

Third, we must recognize that our interpretation establishes a possible range of applications that are suitable for the genre and context.

There are numerous other resources on how to apply biblical teachings and principles well, and I’ll recommend some good starting points on the next page.

We’ve reached the end of our brief course in hermeneutics. I hope this has been of some benefit to you. If you have any comments, criticisms, questions, or feedback, feel free to leave them on the comments page.

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