INTERFACING BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS IN TEXTUAL CONTEXTS AND SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

Hermeneutics is the study of the principles and methods of textual interpretation. It derives from the Greek verb hermeneuo, meaning, to interpret, or as the first person singular present indicative active verb form shows, I am interpreting, or I interpret. Hermeneutics deals with the principles, rules and regulations of interpreting sacred texts. In recent times, hermeneutical procedures have been broadened to include both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as semiotics, presuppositions and semantics. Hermeneutical tools are today widely applied in the humanities, especially law, history and theology.