1. Offer a definition of the terms “presuppositions/foundational beliefs” and
“preunderstandings.” How can we test these things to see if they are adequate or
appropriate? What can be done to change preunderstandings? List some of the
presuppositions or preunderstandings from your own life that may inform your
reading of Scripture. From what sources do these things originate? How does a
person’s intellectual and spiritual history (i.e., education and religious instruction)
influence the interpretation of texts? In what way then is objectivity possible in the
interpretation of Scripture?
According to biblical scholars, it is generally understood that no one interprets in
a vacuum; everyone has presuppositions and preunderstandings. Therefore as a
consequence, we must remember, “no one interprets anything without a set of underlying
assumptions.”1 When we make an effort to rationalize the meaning of what the writers of
the Bible intended to convey, we often employ these preconceived presuppositions. One
may, therefore, examine, state, or simply embrace each of these presuppositions
unconsciously. In spite of this, anyone who says that he or she has thrown away all
presuppositions and will only study the text intelligently and objectively is either
deceived or naive. So how can we study Scripture texts objectively and accurately? The
answer is: by using an established hermeneutical approach that will provide standards to
guide us in navigating through the variable and subjective human factors.
Klein et al. defines presuppositions as any preconceived views, concepts, and
beliefs that an interpreter brings to the process of hermeneutics.2 The term foundational
beliefs, as per Duvall and Hays “has to do with how we view the entire Bible and serve as
1 William Klein, Craig Blomberg, and Robert Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. rev. and
updated ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004), 143.
2 Ibid.
NBST 610 Hermeneutics Week Two Discussion Board Forum 2
September 08, 2016
Questions 1&4
a starting point on which to build our method of study.”3 In the same way,
“preunderstanding describes what the interpreter brings to the task of interpretation.”4
Scholars define preunderstanding “as a body of assumptions and attitudes which a person
brings to the perception and interpretation of reality or any aspect of it.”5 It is the basic
and preparatory starting point for understanding. To modify one’s preunderstandings, the
interpreter must proceed to question the text further; then out of this newly formed
understanding, he or she then may obtain different answers.
As a history major in college, I found myself in unique situations. Not only did
the information learned regarding ancient cultures reinforce my preunderstandings of
Scripture, but also I found myself applying the presuppositions of my biblical worldview
to my secular classes. This phenomenon occurred because when believers study the
Bible, they interact with its texts (and with its Author), and, as a result, over time they
enlarge their understanding.
2. Using the 9 items to consider when reading sentences as listed in chapter 3 of
Grasping God’s Word (i.e., repetition of words, contrasts, comparisons, lists, cause
and effect, figures of speech, conjunctions, verbs, pronouns), list as many
observations as you can find in Acts 1:8. You may list these by noting what category
the item falls under (e.g., “contrasts”) and then offering an example of that item.
For example, observation would be to note that the sentence starts off with the
conjunction “but,” which connects the sentence to the one above it in a contrasting
matter. This item could be listed under both “conjunctions” and “contrasts.” We
will follow the basic instructions for this assignment as given on page 64 of your text.
Do not offer an interpretation or an application of the text. At this point I want you
to list as many of the 9 items as you can find. How do you think this exercise helps
3 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word: A Hands on Approach to Reading,
Interpreting, and Applying the Bible, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 145.
4 Klein et al. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. 2004, 154.
5 Ibid.
you to understand the text better? What did you discover that you did not already
notice about this passage?
Acts 1:8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall
be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the
remotest part of the earth.”
In their book Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading,
Interpreting, and Applying the Bible, authors Duvall and Hays state that the strategy of
hermeneutic starts with an examination or study of the Scripture to envision all the details
within each passage.6 In chapter 3, Duvall and Hays make a listing of nine unique
categories to consider within each verse of Scripture used. The categories include
repetition of words, contrasts, comparisons, lists, cause and effects, figures of speech,
conjunctions, verbs, and pronouns.7 As instructed, I will attempt to examine the words
used by Luke in Acts 1:8 then list the terms by noting under which category each phrase
is placed.
Acts 1:8 begins with the conjunction “but,” which links the verse to the one
preceding it in contrasting matter. Next, we find the repetition of words applied three
times with the pronoun “you.” List is another category brought into play because Luke
names four regions where the disciples were to witness. Cause and Effect can be easily
explained in this passage. Once the disciple receives the Holy Spirit (the cause), then he
will become a witness (the effect). One can also argue that Luke utilized figure of speech
in this passage with the phrase “even to the remotest part of the earth.” Luke, could not
only be referring to remotest parts of the known world of that time but also the remotest
6 Duval and Hays, Grasping God’s Word, 2012, 53.
7 Ibid.
parts of the earth during modern times. In addition to conjunction mentioned earlier, the
word “and” is also recorded three times (1 connecting the pronouns you and you, two
connecting places where the disciples were to witness). Moreover, the verse contains
verbs, such as will receive, has come, shall be. Each verb exercised by Luke has a helping
verb in front of the action, creating verb phrases or verb streams. Lastly, there are two
pronouns used in this verse. The word you is offered three times because Jesus was
speaking directly to His disciples and My refers to Jesus Himself.
By analyzing each passage in this manner, we will gain a better understanding of
the text and how to interpret it. It begins with one verse at a time. After we examine one
sentence, then we can look for any connections between our initial passage to another
verse within the paragraph. This technique is perfect for keeping track of the who, who,
what, where, and even, why.
Word Count: 1086
Bibliography
Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading,
Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012.
Klein, William W., Craig L. Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Introduction to Biblical
Interpretation. Rev. and updated ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004.
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