Have you ever read a passage of Scripture and been unsure exactly what it meant? Or found yourself hearing different interpretations of the same Bible verse and not knowing which to trust? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re asking the right questions.
Understanding how to read, interpret, and apply the Bible is one of the most important tasks of the Christian life. That’s where Biblical hermeneutics comes in.
This fall at Covenant Bible Institute, we’re offering a course titled Understanding Biblical Interpretation / Hermeneutics, taught by Dr. Daniel Holcomb. This class is more than an academic exercise—it’s an invitation to grow in your ability to hear God’s voice through Scripture, and to share it clearly and faithfully with others.
But before we dive into the details of the class, let’s take a closer look at what biblical hermeneutics is—and why it matters so deeply for everyday believers, pastors, teachers, and ministry leaders alike.
Table of Contents
What Is Hermeneutics?
Simply put, hermeneutics is the study of how we interpret the Bible. It provides a framework for understanding Scripture in its original context and applying it wisely to our lives today.
The word “hermeneutics” comes from the Greek hermēneuein, meaning “to interpret” or “to translate.” In biblical studies, it refers to the principles and methods we use to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and our modern world today.
While the Word of God is eternal, it was written in specific times, places, and cultures. Without good interpretation, we risk misunderstanding or misapplying the message of Scripture—no matter how sincere our hearts may be.
Why Does Biblical Interpretation Matter?
The Bible is not just a book to be read—it’s a living Word to be understood and obeyed. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” But to teach it well, we must first understand it rightly.
Unfortunately, Scripture is sometimes used out of context, twisted to serve personal agendas, or misunderstood altogether. This can lead to confusion, division, and even spiritual harm.
Good hermeneutics helps us avoid these pitfalls by asking the right questions:
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?
- What literary form is being used—narrative, poetry, prophecy, parable?
- How does this verse fit within the larger context of the chapter or book?
- What theological truths are being revealed here?
- How does this passage point to Christ?
- What application does it have for us today?
When we approach the Bible thoughtfully and prayerfully, using sound interpretive methods, we grow not just in knowledge—but in wisdom, maturity, and faithfulness.
Interpretation with Integrity
At Covenant Bible Institute, we believe that the call to interpret Scripture faithfully is not just a matter of academic discipline—it’s a matter of spiritual integrity. As James 3:1 reminds us, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
That may sound intimidating, but it’s also incredibly hopeful. With the right training, every believer can handle God’s Word with care, reverence, and insight. That’s what Biblical hermeneutics is all about.
We’re not just interested in teaching head knowledge—we want to cultivate spirit-filled disciples who rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), and who can lead others to do the same.
Biblical Hermeneutics for Every Believer
You don’t have to be a scholar or seminary student to study hermeneutics. In fact, every follower of Jesus benefits from learning how to interpret the Bible well.
Think about it: whether you’re leading a Bible study, teaching your kids about Scripture, mentoring a younger believer, or simply seeking God in your own devotional time—you’re engaging in interpretation. And with the right tools, those moments can become richer, more meaningful, and more transformative.
At Covenant Bible Institute, we believe that theology is for the whole church—and that includes biblical interpretation. Hermeneutics isn’t just about parsing Greek verbs or analyzing ancient texts; it’s about learning to hear God more clearly and live more faithfully in response. When believers are equipped with strong interpretive skills, they become more confident in their faith, more effective in their witness, and better able to discern truth in a noisy world.
A Biblical Hermeneutics Class Designed to Equip and Empower
This fall’s course, Understanding Biblical Interpretation / Hermeneutics, is designed to provide exactly that kind of equipping.
Taught by Dr. Daniel Holcomb, the class will explore:
- Core principles of sound interpretation
- The role of context—historical, cultural, literary, and theological
- Common interpretive mistakes and how to avoid them
- The difference between descriptive and prescriptive texts
- How to move from biblical text to theological truth to real-life application
Whether you’re a seasoned ministry leader or someone who’s just beginning to take Scripture study seriously, this course will help you grow in clarity, confidence, and conviction. In fact, a biblical hermeneutics class is required for every certificate and diploma program at CBI, because it’s so fundamental.
Classes meet on Thursday evenings from 6–9 PM, starting this fall. And thanks to CBI’s flexible format, you can attend in person at our Lakewood campus, or remotely via Zoom—whichever works best for your life and schedule.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’ve ever wanted to grow in your ability to understand the Bible—or help others do the same—this class is a perfect next step. Registration for fall quarter is now open, and we invite you to join us.
Let this fall be a season of spiritual growth and renewed vision as you deepen your understanding of God’s Word.