 |  |
No.9.
Interpretation.
pp. 116 - 118
In our quest for "meaning" and "sense" we have arrived at the last phase
"Interpretation". We might do worse than commence this study with a quotation from
Crabb's English Synonyms:
"To explain, is generic, the rest are specific: to expound and interpret are each modes
of explaining. Single words or sentences or symbolic sign is interpreted. It is the
business of the philologist to explain the meaning of the words by a suitable definition; it
is the business of the divine to expound Scripture; it is the business of the antiquarian to
interpret the meaning of old inscriptions on stones or of hieroglyphics on buildings. An
explanation serves to assist the understanding, to supply a deficiency, and remove
obscurity; an exposition is an ample explanation, in which minute particulars are detailed
and the connection of events in the narrative is kept up . . . . . to explain is simply to
render intelligible; to illustrate and elucidate are to give additional cleverness . . . . . we
explain by reducing compounds to simples, and generals to particulars; we illustrate by
means of examples, similes and allegorical figures; we elucidate by commentaries, and
the statement of facts. Words are the common subject of explanation; moral truths
require illustration; poetical allusions and dark passages in writers require elucidation."
INTERPRETATION. Interpretation is the act of explaining that which is otherwise
unintelligible, not understood, or not obvious.
"Do not interpretations belong to God?" (Gen. 40: 8).
Interpretation unfolds the intent, meaning or reason of any sign or event:
"Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto
Pharaoh" (Gen. 41: 8).
Interpretation covers two allied processes: 1. Exegesis. 2. Hermeneutics.
"The Science which discloses to us the tenets of Holy Writ we call Biblical Exegesis
or Interpretation. Biblical Archaeology and Biblical Introduction are the proper
instruments for the accomplishment of that object, which we call the Historical
Interpretation of the Scriptures; the true and perfect Biblical interpretation is thus
comprised in the category of GRAMMATICO-HISTORICAL EXEGESIS" (Kitto).
"Hermeneutics and Exegetics are closely akin, but not identical. The former lays
down the principles of Biblical interpretation; the latter deals with the practical
application of the principles thus laid down. In other words, Hermeneutics is a science,
Exegetics is an art" (Lloyd).
If Hermeneutics is the science, and exegesis the art of explanation, our course is clear.
We must start with Hermeneutics. Now it may be that to many this word will itself need
explanation, so let us devote the remainder of our space to the explanation and
interpretation of Hermeneutics.