Methods in Biblical Interpretation

Question 1

proposed that a text’s genre is indicated by its structural form and is bound to a particular social setting and function.

Answer 1

Hermann Gunkel (1862-1932)

Question 2

• the most widely used approach
• concerned with the interpretation of biblical literature in its present form, in relation to form, genres, settings, and intentions of biblical texts.

Answer 2

Form Criticism

Question 3

Method of passing down biblical literature before it was written

Answer 3

Biblical Literature was passed on orally in the faith community before it was written down.

Question 4

refers to the outline, structure, or shape of an individual literary unit.

Answer 4

Form

Question 5

Steps to determine a literary unit’s form:

Answer 5

• define the boundaries of the text, determining where it starts, concludes and the reason why.
• detect motifs within the text such as changes in character, event, setting, or overall concern of the text.
• pay attention to the sentence structure and the use and function of its words, phrases, expressions, etc.

Question 6

refers to the typical conventions of expression or language that appear within the text.

Answer 6

Genre

Question 7

Distinct literary genres

Answer 7

laments, thanksgivings, and hymns.

Question 8

types of prophetic lessons

Answer 8

judgement, promise, admonition, exhortation, etc.

Question 9

smaller genres that were found in New Testament writings

Answer 9

miracle stories
pronouncement stories
parables
birth stories
hymns
prayers
sermons
confessions

Question 10

refers to the text’s original setting or the situation in which it was used.

Answer 10

Setting