“What is antithetical parallelism in Hebrew poetry?”……A major literary device in Hebrew poetry is parallelism. Often, the parallelism issynonymous-the same idea is restated in different words, side by side (seePsalm 40:13). Antithetical parallelism provides an antithesis, or contrast. A verse containing antithetical parallelism will bring together opposing ideas in marked contrast. Instead of saying the […]
“What is biblical hermeneutics?”……Answer:Biblical hermeneutics is perhaps summarized best by2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Biblical hermeneutics is the science of properly interpreting the various types of literature found in the Bible. For example, a […]
“What is a proverb in the Bible?”……While many questions can be askedand answeredabout the biblicalbook of Proverbs, ascertaining the exact definition of a proverb, including its form, purpose, and interpretation, is rather difficult! Scholars who have dedicated themselves as paremiologists, or students of proverbs, debate various definitions of what a proverb is. Biblical scholars have […]
“What is Christology?”……The word “Christology” comes from two Greek words meaning “Christ / Messiah” and “word” – which combine to mean “the study of Christ.” Christology is the study of the Person and work of Jesus Christ. There are numerous important questions that Christology answers:……Who is Jesus Christ?Almost every major religion teaches that Jesus was […]
“What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?”……Answer:Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means "to lead out of." That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text.……The […]
“Why is it important to study the Bible in context? What is wrong with taking verses out of context?”……Answer:It’s important to study Bible passages and stories within their context. Taking verses out of context leads to all kinds of error and misunderstanding. Understanding context begins with four principles: literal meaning (what it says), historical setting […]
“What is Christian Eschatology?”……Eschatology is the study of what the Bible says is going to happen in the end times. Many treat Eschatology as an area of theology to be avoided. Of course, Eschatology is not as crucial as Christology or Soteriology. That does not mean, though, that it is unimportant to a Biblical worldview. […]