Definition and Description in Hermeneutics
Apr 11, 2017 15:16:30 GMT -6
Post by Todd on Apr 11, 2017 15:16:30 GMT -6
We can learn through several means. Two of these are by definition and by description (others include use of analogy, analysis of experience, and so forth). In Hebrews 11:1-2 we learn from a definition. Faith is there defined (but the major English translations have the definition wrong. It is a difficult passage with which to deal, owing to our philosophical biases regarding the word “substance.”
In contrast to definition in the “Faith Chapter,” we learn from extended description in the “Love Chapter, I Corinthians 13; Here love is not defined, but its behavior is described. In Hebrews 11:1 we see the phrase “faith is . . “ In I Corinthians 13 we see a long series of behavioral descriptions (“Love does . . .,” Love never . . .,” and so forth.
Perhaps most care needs to be taken with definitions, because there may only be a short definition given, and if the passage is textually or semantically difficult, exactitude may be difficult to come by. Description, however generally is not so much at the mercy of vocabulary as it is to the expositor’s ability to abstract meaning from behavior.
- Todd
In contrast to definition in the “Faith Chapter,” we learn from extended description in the “Love Chapter, I Corinthians 13; Here love is not defined, but its behavior is described. In Hebrews 11:1 we see the phrase “faith is . . “ In I Corinthians 13 we see a long series of behavioral descriptions (“Love does . . .,” Love never . . .,” and so forth.
Perhaps most care needs to be taken with definitions, because there may only be a short definition given, and if the passage is textually or semantically difficult, exactitude may be difficult to come by. Description, however generally is not so much at the mercy of vocabulary as it is to the expositor’s ability to abstract meaning from behavior.
- Todd