Hermeneutae {ip^r]vtvTai, interpreters), officers in the ancient Church, whose business it was to render one language into another, as there was occasion, both in reading the Scriptures, and in the homilies that were made to the people; an office chiefly used in those churches where the people spoke different languages, as in Palestine, where some spoke Syriac, others Greek ; and ill the churches of Africa, where some spoke Latin and others Punic. " So far was the primitive Church from encouraging ignorance, by locking up the Scrip- tures in an unknown tongue, that she not only trans- lated them into all languages, but also appointed a stand- ing office of interpreters, who were viva voce to make men understand what was read, and not suffer them to be barbarians in the service of God, which is a tyranny that was unknown to former ages." — Bingham, Orig. Ec- cles. bk. iii, ch. xiii, § 4.
Hermeneutics (from ipfjirjvivo), to explain), the techincal or scientific name of that branch of theology which consists in exposiMon in general, as distinguished from exegesis (q. v.) in particidar. Eeser^'ing for the more usual and equivalent title Interpketation (of Sckipture) the history and literature of the subject, we propose to give in the present article only a brief view of those principles or Canons which should be observed in the elucidation of the meaning of the sacred text.
L The first and most essential process is to apply the natural and ol)\ious principles of a careful and consci- entious exegesis to the passage and all its temis. This may be called the philologico-historical ride. It embraces the following elements :
1. The diligent and discrimuiative use of an accurate and judicious Lexicon.
2. The painstaking and constant reference to the best Grammai-s.
A well-grounded knowledge of the language is im- plied in these prescriptions, yet the interpreter needs to confirm or modify his judgment by these independent authorities.
3. An intimate acquaintance with the archeeologg in- volved, including geography, chronologj', and Oriental usages.
4. The context should be carefully consulted ; and the general drift of the argument, as well as the author's special design in writing, must be kept in mind.
5. Especially is a cordial sympathy with spiritual truth a prerequisite in this task. A deep religious experience has enlightened many an otherwise ill-instructed mind as to the meaning of much of Holy Writ.
II. Parallel and xllistrative passages from the same book or writer, or (if these are not to be had) from other parts of Scripture, are to be atteutivelj- con-
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sidered, on the principle that Scripture is its own best in- terpreter. This is pre-eminently trne of types, meta- phors, parables, prophetical symbols, and other figura- tive representations. For this purpose "reference Bi- bles" alone are not sufficient: the examination should include an extensive comparison of doctrine, theorj',and topic, as weU as of example, fact, and expression.
III. When various meanings are assignable to a given passage or word, that should be selected which is the broadest in its import and appUcation ; if possible, one that is ixcLUSi\'E of all or most of the others. This rule should especially be observed in expomiding the language of Christ, of God directly, or the more cardinal statements of inspiration.
In prophetical and eschatological passages of Scrip- ture especially must the fact be borne in mind that one event or circumstance is often made the type or image of another ; the two being generally related to the same essential principle as proximate and remote, or as per- sonal and national, or as temporal and spiritual manifes- tations of the divine economy. In some cases this cor- relation runs through an entire piece or book, e. g. tlie Canticles and many of the Psalms. See Double Sense (of Scripture).
IV. The CONSENSUS of the universal Chiu-ch in past and present time should have its due influence ; not as being of absolute authority, but as an exponent of the aggregate and deliberate judgment of good and unpreju- diced men. This will guard the expositor against fan- ciful subtleties and extravagant or dangerous impres- sions. To this end creeds, confessions, and articles of faith are useful, as well as the study of exploded or liv- ing heresies, but more particularly a collation of the views of preceding commentators. In weighing none of these, however, is any superstitious reverence to be indulged, for the word of God itself is superior to them all, and it is not only possible, but certain, that in some points they have ahke erred, as in many they have fluc- tuated or conflicted with each other. Even the objec- tions and cavils of infidels and rationalists should not be overlooked, for " fas est ab hoste doceri."
V. Where different interpretations are possible, that must be selected which is most consistent with common sense. Especially must those be set aside which lead to a psychological or theological impossibility or con- tradiction. Such a principle we always feel bomid to apply to the communication of a friend, and to every obscure passage in a rational WTiter. Interpreters, from overlooking this rule, have often increased rather than explained the difficulties of the sacred text. For exam- ple, to understand Paul as meaning in Rom. ix, 3 that he was willing to forfeit his title to eternal bliss, is to attribute to him a sentiment incompatible with mental and moral sanity ; and to refer the preference in 1 Cor. vii, 21 to a state of slavery, is to outrage the spontane- ous instincts of the human mind.