BTheol Bachelor of Theology Biblical Hermeneutics 2

Question 1

What is 'typology' as used in New Testament interpretation of the Old Testament?

Accepted Answer

The identification of Old Testament persons, events, or institutions that foreshadow New Testament realities

Answer

Typology sees figures like Adam, Moses, and the Passover lamb as 'types'—divinely intended prefigurations of Christ and the new covenant realities he inaugurates.

Question 2

What is the 'analogy of faith' principle in biblical hermeneutics?

Accepted Answer

Scripture interprets Scripture—unclear passages are clarified by clearer ones on the same topic

Answer

The analogy of faith (analogia fidei) holds that the whole of Scripture is internally consistent, so obscure texts should be interpreted in harmony with clearer passages on the same subject.

Question 3

What does the term 'context' mean in biblical exegesis, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The surrounding literary text and historical situation that shapes the meaning of a passage

Answer

Context—both the immediate literary context and the broader historical-cultural setting—is essential because meaning is determined by context; ignoring it leads to misinterpretation.

Question 4

What is 'allegorical interpretation' of Scripture, and which early theologian used it extensively?

Accepted Answer

Finding symbolic, spiritual meanings beneath the literal text; associated with Origen of Alexandria

Answer

Allegorical interpretation looks for hidden spiritual meanings beyond the literal sense; Origen developed this extensively, though it was later critiqued for importing meaning into the text.

Question 5

What is the 'Sitz im Leben' concept in biblical form criticism?

Accepted Answer

The original social or liturgical setting in which a biblical tradition was used and shaped

Answer

Sitz im Leben ('situation in life') refers to the social or worship context in which oral traditions were preserved and shaped before being written, used by form critics to identify tradition history.

BTheol Bachelor of Theology Practice Test

BTheol Bachelor of Theology Practice Test

BTheol Bachelor of Theology Biblical Hermeneutics 2