Introduction to Hermeneutics: Interpreting Scripture with Clarity

Learn the essential principles of interpreting Scripture by exploring historical, linguistic, and theological context. Develop the skills needed to read, understand, and apply biblical texts faithfully. This course is part of ETS’s ECTE-accredited Micro-Credential Program and awards 3 ECTS credits, formally recognized across Europe and applicable toward further accredited theological study.

Accredited Learning That Counts

Gain 3 ECTS credits from an ECTE-accredited program and advance your theological studies with credentials recognized across Europe.

Expert Guidance on Bible Interpretation

Receive expert insights and guidance to decipher the complexities of biblical literature with precision and clarity.

Comprehensive Hermeneutics Training

Delve into the theoretical foundations and historical context of biblical interpretation while focusing on practical rules and methods for analyzing narratives, poetry, and prophecy.

What you'll learn

Principles of Biblical Interpretation

Understand the historical, linguistic, and theological foundations of hermeneutics.

Contextual Reading Skills

Earn to interpret Scripture within its literary, cultural, and canonical context.

Practical Application

Apply sound interpretive methods to teaching, preaching, and personal Bible study.

The syllabus

13 Chapters · 96 Lessons

  1. 1

    Course Orientation

    1. Course Teaser Free preview
    2. Before You Begin Free preview
    3. How Your Course Works Free preview
    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Academic integrity

  2. 2

    Chapter 1: Introduction to Hermeneutics

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 1: Introduction & Terms

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      Correct Terminology

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      The Role of Context, Exegesis, and Hermeneutics

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      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 2: Interpreter and Scripture

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      The Interpreter's Context

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      A Practical Investigation

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      How does God communicate?

  3. 3

    Chapter 2: The History

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3: Historical Background I

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      Terms of the Historical Context

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      Exegesis in the Ancient Jewish world

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      Analyze Ancient Jewish Methods

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      Own Biases

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      The usage of the Old Testament in the New Testament

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      Church Fathers

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      The Fourfold Exegesis

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      Hermeneutical Divergences within the Reformation

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      Lesson 4: Historical Background II

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      Matthias Flacius: Reformation and Hermeneutics

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      Hermeneutical Evolution: Lutheran Movement

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      Hermeneutical Evolution: Enlightenment

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      Karl Girgensohn

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      Holistic Approaches to Biblical Interpretation

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      Interaction in the course forum

  4. 4

    Chapter 3: The Goal of Interpretation

    1. Lesson 5: Step One is Exegesis Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Easy and Difficult Passages

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      The Exegetical Process I

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      The Exegetical Process II

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      Straightforward Reading Method

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      Reading Assignment

    8. Lesson 6: Step Two is Hermeneutics Free preview
    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading something into a text

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      Exploring Alternative Text Interpretations

  5. 5

    Chapter 4: The Exegetical Process

    1. Lesson 7: The Question of the Text Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Science of Bible Translation

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      Lesson 8: The Question of the Language

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      Different Aims for Different Types of Bible Translations

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      Different Bible translations

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      Lesson 9: The Issue of the Historical Distance

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      The Historical Distance

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      Lesson 10: How to choose a Translation

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      Reading Assignment

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      The Effectiveness of Bible Translations Across Different Contexts

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      Lesson 11: How to choose a Commentary

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      A Good Commentary

  6. 6

    Chapter 5: Unterstanding and Interpreting the Epistles

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 12: The Epistles

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      The Structure of Epistles

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      Challenges for Interpreting Epistles

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      Example: Corinthians

  7. 7

    Chapter 6: Unterstanding and Interpreting Old Testament Narratives

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 13: Old Testament Narratives

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      7 Characteristics of Hebrew Narrative

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      A Narrative's Trajectory

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      Reading between the lines

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      Discuss in the Forum

  8. 8

    Chapter 7: Unterstanding and Interpreting The book of Acts

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 14: The book of Acts

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      Motivation for Reading Acts

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      Luke's intentions for writing Acts

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      Modern Church Structure: Back to the Roots

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      Modern Church Structure: Discuss

  9. 9

    Chapter 8: Unterstanding and Interpreting The Gospels

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 15: The Gospels

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      Jesus did not write the four Gospels

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      Four Gospels - Four Authors

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      Unveiling Strength Through Critique: Addressing Concerns in the Gospels

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      Forum Discussion

  10. 10

    Chapter 9: Unterstanding and Interpreting Parables

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 16: Parables

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      The Four Rules

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      Interpreting Parables correctly

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      A New Testament Parable

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      Identifying the Target Group

  11. 11

    Chapter 10: Unterstanding and Interpreting the Law

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 17: The Law

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      Reading Assignment

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      Challenges of the Law for Christians

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      Forum Discussion

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      Six Guidelines for the Mosaic Law

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      Christians and the Law

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      From Theory to Practice

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      Forum Discussion

  12. 12

    Chapter 11: Unterstanding and Interpreting the Prophets

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading Assignment

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      Lesson 18: The Prophets

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      Reading Assignment

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      The four Expressions of a Prophet

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      Specific Examples

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      The Prophetic Perspective of Chronological Events

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      Interpreting the Prophets

  13. 13

    The Excellence Commitment

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Before Finishing...

Discover the Principles of Biblical Interpretation

The way we read the Bible shapes how we live it. This course invites you to explore the timeless principles of biblical interpretation that have guided scholars, pastors, and believers for generations. Discover how context, culture, and faith unite to reveal the living message of Scripture — and how these insights can transform your study, teaching, and ministry.

Dr. Steffen Schumacher

Meet Dr. Steffen Schumacher

An experienced biblical scholar and lecturer in Biblical Hermeneutics, Dr. Schumacher brings years of scholarship and practical ministry insight to your learning experience. His teaching will equip you to read, interpret, and apply Scripture with depth, accuracy, and confidence.

Launch Discount: 50% Off Every Course and Bundle

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Start your study of biblical interpretation today

— gain expert insight and practical skills for life and ministry.

€300,00

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