Abstract
The grammatico-historical method of Bible interpretation is often used in traditional reformed hermeneutics and is usually defined as distinctive from historical and reader-response criticism. However, some aspects of grammatico-historical hermeneutics overlap with the latter two approaches. The argument in this article is that exegesis is a multi-faceted process which requires that various methods can be used to meet the requirements of the texts and the questions to be answered. As the Gospels are historical narratives, narrative criticism can provide a useful tool in interpreting these texts. This should not imply that the historical and theological character of these texts has to be invalidated, but rather that the integrity of these texts is appreciated and that they are read as authoritative for religious communities. The arguments in the article are illustrated with reference to the Matthean Gospel.
Highlights
The grammatico-historical method of Bible interpretation is often used in traditional reformed hermeneutics
While the grammatico-historical method of Bible interpretation usually diverts from the classical historicalcritical approach, on the one hand, and on the other hand, from reader-response criticism, it is argued that some aspects of the grammatico-historical method overlap with these two approaches
As hermeneutics requires multi-faceted processes, researchers should use methods that fit the requirements of the text investigated
Summary
The grammatico-historical method of Bible interpretation is often used in traditional reformed hermeneutics. It is usually argued that when reading a text as a narrative, a textimmanent approach should be followed with a non-referential view of the real historical world (Edwards 1997:6). Each Gospel is a narrative with characters, a storyteller with a point of view, an audience and a story with a plot.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
