Biblical Hermeneutics

PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL HERMENETICS ; M. M. NINAN
Hosea 11:1, which speaks to the nation of Israel as God's son in their calling out of Egypt and
the same passage being used in Matthew 2:14-15 to speak of Christ's return from Egypt after
the death of Herod.
The Repetition Principle:
"God repeats some truth or subject already given, generally with the addition of details not
before given."
Examples:
Creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2. In chapter 1 we have the work of the six days of
reconstruction. In chapter 2, however, the Holy Spirit gives a second discussion,
especially regarding the creation of man. The first account is found in 1: 26-31. In 2: 7-
25 is a second and a fuller description together with details added.
Ezekiel 38 and 39, are prophecies of the invasion of Palestine by the nations constituting
the great northeastern confederacy. In chapter 38 the prophet gives the full description
of this event. In chapter 39 he simply repeats the same event adding more details.
Revelation 16, 17, 18, and 19, gives the events of the second half of the Tribulation
Period. Chapter 16 gives the outline of events. Chapter 17 again refers to the same
period but adds the overthrow of Babylon the harlot. Chapter 18 speaks of the literal city
of Babylon, which is destroyed at the end of the Tribulation. In chapter 19 we are given
the event of the marriage supper as the end of Tribulation Period.
The Comparative Mention Principle
(Conner and Malmin, Interpreting the Scriptures)
This is the principle explains that some verses may require other verses to be explained fully
by comparing and contrasting. Two key words are Compare and Contrast.
The Full Mention Principle or The Complete Mention Principle:
"God declares his full mind upon any subject vital to our spiritual life."
This is the principle by which God declares all that we need to know upon any subject vital to
our spiritual life. (Hartill) This principle is seen as the ultimate end of The First Mention and
Progressive Mention working in harmony to reach a logical conclusion.
The Agreement Principle:
"The truthfulness and faithfulness of God become the guarantee that he will not set forth any
passage in his word that contradicts any other passage."
The Direct Statement Principle:
"God says what he means and means what he says."
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