Biblical Interpretation and the Hermeneutical Triad
The “Hermeneutical Triad” is an interpretive lens that seeks to understand any passage of Scripture, regardless of genre, in light of the historical setting, the literary context, and the theological message. Such a triadic approach is grounded in an authorial-intent hermeneutic that embraces the common-sense notion that successful communication depends first and foremost on discerning an author’s or speaker’s communicative intent. This article introduces the concept of the hermeneutical triad, compares it with methods found in a number of standard hermeneutics text books, and also discusses the importance of moving beyond method and cultivating interpretive virtues.
