Pastor Jon
pastorjonbarrett
pastorjonbarrett
pastorjonbarrett
pastorjonbarrett
pastorjonbarrett
pastorjonbarrett
pastorjonbarrett
pastorjonbarrett
A Guide to Biblical Hermeneutics
- May 18
- 11 min read
While all Scripture was written FOR us, it wasn’t written TO us.
There was an original audience: The biblical texts were originally addressed to specific people in specific historical and cultural contexts (e.g., the Apostle Paul writing to the church in Corinth, or John writing to the seven churches in Asia Minor).
Exegetical Eschatology matters: Understand what the original authors meant to communicate to their contemporaries, rather than reading modern, 21st-century events directly into the text.
Application for our lives: Once you understand the original context and meaning, you can then draw transcendent, timeless truths and applications for our lives today.
TO READ THE BIBLE AS IT’S INTENDED, USE THE “L-E-G-A-C-Y” ACRONYM FOR EACH BOOK OF THE BIBLE:
Location: Where the events took place and where the book was written.
Essence: The core message or "Big Idea" of the book.
Genre: The literary style (e.g., historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, or epistle).
Author: The person who penned or dictated the text (through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit).
Context: The historical background, intended audience, and reason for writing.
Years: The approximate date or time period when the events occurred and/or the text was written.
The Law (Pentateuch)
Genesis
L: Ancient Near East (Canaan, Egypt).
E: The origins of the world, human sin, and God's covenantal rescue plan through Abraham's family.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Moses.
C: Written to teach the Israelites about their identity and God's promise of a homeland.
Y: ~1446–1406 BC (Events: Creation to ~1800 BC).
Exodus
L: Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula.
E: God's miraculous rescue of Israel from slavery and His giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Moses.
C: Focuses on God keeping His promise to Abraham and establishing a dwelling place among His people.
Y: ~1446–1406 BC.
Leviticus
L: Mount Sinai.
E: God's holiness and the detailed sacrificial, priestly, and purity laws for His people.
G: Law / Instruction.
A: Moses.
C: Emphasizes that a holy God requires a holy people, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
Y: ~1445–1406 BC.
Numbers
L: The Wilderness (Sinai to Moab).
E: Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness due to disbelief and rebellion.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Moses.
C: Contrasts God's unwavering faithfulness with human unfaithfulness.
Y: ~1445–1406 BC.
Deuteronomy
L: Plains of Moab.
E: "Second Law"—Moses' final speeches reminding the new generation of Israel of God's covenant.
G: Historical Narrative / Sermon.
A: Moses.
C: Urges Israel to remember God's faithfulness and choose obedience before entering the Promised Land.
Y: ~1406 BC.
Historical Books
Joshua
L: Canaan (The Promised Land).
E: The conquest and division of Canaan, led by Joshua.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Traditionally Joshua (with potential later additions).
C: Demonstrates God fulfilling His promise of land and the necessity of covenant obedience.
Y: ~1400–1375 BC.
Judges
L: Canaan.
E: Israel's repeated cycle of sin, oppression, crying out, and deliverance by regional leaders.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Traditionally Samuel.
C: Highlights the moral chaos that ensues when a nation rejects God as King.
Y: ~1375–1050 BC.
Ruth
L: Moab and Bethlehem.
E: A story of loyalty, love, and redemption involving a Moabite widow.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Traditionally Samuel.
C: Shows God working behind the scenes and traces the lineage of King David (and thus Jesus).
Y: ~1050 BC (During the period of the Judges).
1 & 2 Samuel
L: Israel and Judah.
E: The transition of Israel into a united kingdom, focusing on the prophet Samuel, King Saul, and King David.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Traditionally attributed to Gad, Nathan, and Samuel.
C: Records the establishment of the Davidic covenant and the triumphs and failures of Israel's kings.
Y: ~1050–970 BC.
1 & 2 Kings
L: Israel and Judah.
E: The reign of Solomon, the splitting of the nation into two kingdoms, and the eventual exile due to idolatry.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Traditionally Jeremiah.
C: Traces the spiritual decline of the nation and the prophetic warnings of impending judgment.
Y: ~970–560 BC.
1 & 2 Chronicles
L: Judah.
E: A retelling of Israel's history with a heavy focus on the Davidic line, Temple worship, and spiritual revival.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Traditionally Ezra.
C: Written to encourage the returned exiles that God's covenant with David remains unbroken.
Y: ~450–425 BC (Covers Adam to the return from exile).
Ezra
L: Babylon and Jerusalem.
E: The return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Ezra.
C: Focuses on restoring proper worship and the spiritual revitalization of the people.
Y: ~460–440 BC.
Nehemiah
L: Jerusalem.
E: The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and the spiritual reforms led by Nehemiah.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Nehemiah (with Ezra).
C: Demonstrates leadership, prayer, and the physical/spiritual rebuilding of the Jewish community.
Y: ~445–425 BC.
Esther
L: Susa (Persian Empire).
E: God's providential protection of the Jewish people from a genocidal plot.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Unknown (Possibly Mordecai or Ezra).
C: Showcases God's hidden but active sovereignty and introduces the feast of Purim.
Y: ~483–473 BC.
Wisdom & Poetry
Job
L: The Land of Uz.
E: A righteous man's intense suffering and the theological exploration of pain and God's justice.
G: Poetry / Wisdom Literature.
A: Unknown (Possibly Job, Elihu, or Moses).
C: Explores the concept of trusting God's wisdom in the midst of unexplainable suffering.
Y: Date unknown (Likely during the Patriarchal period).
Psalms
L: Israel.
E: A collection of 150 prayers, hymns, and songs expressing the full range of human emotion.
G: Poetry / Hymnody.
A: David, Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and others.
C: Served as the ancient hymnbook and prayer book of Israel.
Y: ~1400–430 BC.
Proverbs
L: Jerusalem.
E: Practical, moral, and spiritual wisdom for daily living.
G: Wisdom Literature.
A: Solomon, Agur, Lemuel.
C: Focuses on living life according to the fear of the Lord.
Y: ~900 BC.
Ecclesiastes
L: Jerusalem.
E: The philosophical exploration of the meaning of life, concluding that everything apart from God is vanity.
G: Wisdom Literature / Philosophical Monologue.
A: Solomon ("the Preacher").
C: Warns against pursuing worldly pleasure and meaning as the ultimate goal.
Y: ~935 BC.
Song of Solomon
L: Jerusalem.
E: A poetic celebration of marital love and romance.
G: Poetry.
A: Solomon.
C: Depicts the beauty of human love and serves as an allegory for God's love for His people.
Y: ~965 BC.
Major Prophets
Isaiah
L: Jerusalem.
E: Prophecies of judgment on rebellious nations, intertwined with glorious promises of a coming Messiah.
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Isaiah.
C: Warns of the Assyrian exile but offers profound comfort regarding the coming Savior.
Y: ~740–680 BC.
Jeremiah
L: Jerusalem and Egypt.
E: The "weeping prophet" warns Judah of the coming Babylonian exile and the establishment of a New Covenant.
G: Prophecy / Historical / Poetry.
A: Jeremiah.
C: A message of impending judgment and a call to submit to God's discipline.
Y: ~626–585 BC.
Lamentations
L: Jerusalem.
E: Five funeral dirges mourning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
G: Poetry.
A: Jeremiah.
C: Acknowledges the reality of sin and God's judgment while resting in His continued faithfulness.
Y: ~586 BC.
Ezekiel
L: Babylon (during the exile).
E: Visions warning of Jerusalem's fall, declaring God's judgment, and promising future restoration.
G: Prophecy / Visionary.
A: Ezekiel.
C: Emphasizes God's sovereignty, holiness, and the eventual renewal of God's people.
Y: ~593–571 BC.
Daniel
L: Babylon.
E: The historical accounts of Daniel's faithfulness and apocalyptic visions of future world kingdoms.
G: Prophecy / Apocalyptic / Narrative.
A: Daniel.
C: Encourages exiled believers to remain faithful to God in hostile environments.
Y: ~605–530 BC.
Minor Prophets
Hosea
L: Israel (Northern Kingdom).
E: The prophet's marriage to an unfaithful wife as an illustration of God's steadfast love for rebellious Israel.
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Hosea.
C: A powerful message of judgment balanced with unconditional, redeeming love.
Y: ~755–715 BC.
Joel
L: Judah.
E: A locust plague as a warning of the "Day of the Lord" and a promise of the Holy Spirit.
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Joel.
C: Calls for national repentance and predicts the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Y: ~835–750 BC.
Amos
L: Judah and Israel.
E: Pronouncements of judgment against Israel for social injustice and empty religion.
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Amos.
C: Highlights that God hates oppression and demands both justice and righteousness.
Y: ~760–750 BC.
Obadiah
L: Judah (directed at Edom).
E: The shortest book in the Old Testament; a prophecy of doom against the nation of Edom for their cruelty to Judah.
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Obadiah.
C: Warns that God will judge those who mistreat His people and reaffirms God's ultimate kingdom.
Y: ~600–586 BC.
Jonah
L: Israel and Nineveh.
E: A reluctant prophet who runs from God, gets swallowed by a fish, and preaches to Nineveh.
G: Historical Narrative / Prophecy.
A: Jonah.
C: Demonstrates that God's grace and salvation are meant for all nations.
Y: ~780–760 BC.
Micah
L: Judah.
E: A message of judgment for sin and injustice, combined with a prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace (Bethlehem).
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Micah.
C: Summarizes the requirement of believers: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Y: ~735–700 BC.
Nahum
L: Judah (directed at Nineveh).
E: A prophecy predicting the ultimate destruction of the Assyrian capital, Nineveh.
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Nahum.
C: Reveals God as a righteous judge and avenger of His people's enemies.
Y: ~663–612 BC.
Habakkuk
L: Judah.
E: The prophet dialogues with God about His justice, asking how He can use a wicked nation (Babylon) to punish Judah.
G: Prophecy / Dialogue.
A: Habakkuk.
C: Emphasizes that "the righteous shall live by his faith" amidst perplexing circumstances.
Y: ~612–606 BC.
Zephaniah
L: Judah.
E: Prophecies warning of the impending "Day of the Lord" alongside a promise of future restoration.
G: Prophecy / Poetry.
A: Zephaniah.
C: Warns of universal judgment but offers hope to the humble remnant.
Y: ~640–621 BC.
Haggai
L: Jerusalem.
E: A post-exilic prophecy rebuking the people for neglecting the rebuilding of the Temple.
G: Prophecy / Historical Narrative.
A: Haggai.
C: Urges the people to put God's priorities first and guarantees future glory.
Y: ~520 BC.
Zechariah
L: Jerusalem.
E: Visions encouraging the rebuilding of the Temple and containing highly detailed prophecies of the Messiah.
G: Prophecy / Apocalyptic.
A: Zechariah.
C: Points to the ultimate coming of Christ, His triumphal entry, and His future kingdom.
Y: ~520–480 BC.
Malachi
L: Jerusalem.
E: Rebukes the returned exiles for their cynical attitudes, false worship, and disobedience.
G: Prophecy / Dialogue.
A: Malachi.
C: The final book of the Old Testament; closes with a promise of the coming messenger (John the Baptist).
Y: ~430–400 BC.
The Gospels & Acts
Matthew
L: Roman Empire / Judea.
E: The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, presented as the long-awaited Messiah and King.
G: Gospel.
A: Matthew (Levi).
C: Emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies to show Jesus is the rightful heir to David's throne.
Y: ~AD 50–70.
Mark
L: Roman Empire / written for a Roman audience.
E: The ministry and suffering of Jesus, highlighting His identity as the Servant and Son of God.
G: Gospel.
A: John Mark (based on Peter's accounts).
C: Focuses on Jesus' actions and authority, demonstrating that the Son of Man came to serve and suffer.
Y: ~AD 50–60.
Luke
L: Roman Empire.
E: The most comprehensive historical account of Jesus' life, emphasizing His humanity and role as Savior.
G: Gospel.
A: Luke.
C: Highlights Jesus' compassion and inclusion of outcasts, Gentiles, and women.
Y: ~AD 58–60.
John
L: Ephesus / Roman Empire.
E: Presents Jesus as the divine "Word" made flesh, emphasizing His deity and eternal life through Him.
G: Gospel.
A: John (the Apostle).
C: Selected specific miraculous signs and discourses so the reader would believe Jesus is the Christ.
Y: ~AD 85–90.
Acts of the Apostles
L: The Mediterranean (Jerusalem to Rome).
E: The history of the early Church following Jesus' ascension, driven by the Holy Spirit.
G: Historical Narrative.
A: Luke.
C: Documents the transition of the Church from a localized Jewish group to a global, Gentile-inclusive movement.
Y: ~AD 60–62.
The Pauline Epistles
Romans
L: Written to the church in Rome.
E: The most systematic explanation of salvation, justification by grace through faith, and Christian living.
G: Epistle (Letter).
A: Paul.
C: Written to establish a theological foundation for Jewish and Gentile believers alike.
Y: ~AD 57.
1 Corinthians
L: Written to the church in Corinth (from Ephesus).
E: Addresses various issues in the church, including division, immorality, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Corrects the Corinthian church's worldly behavior and outlines godly church order.
Y: ~AD 55.
2 Corinthians
L: Written to the church in Corinth (from Macedonia).
E: Paul's defense of his apostolic authority, ministry, and the theology of suffering.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Expresses Paul's relief at the church's repentance and emphasizes the grace of giving.
Y: ~AD 55–56.
Galatians
L: Written to the churches in Galatia.
E: Defends justification by faith alone and warns against returning to the Mosaic Law.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Emphasizes that Christians are set free in Christ and must live by the Holy Spirit.
Y: ~AD 48–49 (or 55).
Ephesians
L: Written to the church in Ephesus (while Paul was in prison).
E: The eternal purpose of God, the unity of the Church, and the believer's spiritual armor.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Explains the majesty of God's grace and how that grace transforms daily relationships.
Y: ~AD 60–62.
Philippians
L: Written to the church in Philippi (from prison).
E: A warm, personal letter emphasizing joy, humility, and the peace of God.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Encourages the church to stand firm in unity and follow Christ's example of humility.
Y: ~AD 60–62.
Colossians
L: Written to the church in Colossae (from prison).
E: Asserts the absolute preeminence and sufficiency of Christ against emerging heresies.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Focuses on the believer's new life in Christ and practical family/church ethics.
Y: ~AD 60–62.
1 & 2 Thessalonians
L: Written to the church in Thessalonica.
E: Instruction, encouragement, and correction regarding the Second Coming of Christ.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Comforts the church amid persecution and clarifies the events of the end times.
Y: ~AD 50–51.
1 & 2 Timothy
L: Written to Timothy (1st from Macedonia, 2nd from a Roman prison).
E: Pastoral epistles offering advice on leadership, church order, sound doctrine, and endurance.
G: Epistle / Pastoral Letter.
A: Paul.
C: Mentors Timothy in pastoring the church in Ephesus and guarding against false teachers.
Y: ~AD 62–67.
Titus
L: Written to Titus (in Crete).
E: Instruction on leadership, appointing elders, and teaching sound, godly doctrine.
G: Epistle / Pastoral Letter.
A: Paul.
C: Guides Titus in establishing order in the Cretan churches and living above reproach.
Y: ~AD 62–64.
Philemon
L: Written to Philemon (in Colossae).
E: A personal plea from Paul to a slave owner to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus.
G: Epistle.
A: Paul.
C: Demonstrates the practical power of the Gospel to reconcile fractured human relationships.
Y: ~AD 60–62.
General Epistles
Hebrews
L: Written to a group of Jewish Christians.
E: The absolute superiority and supremacy of Jesus Christ over the old covenant.
G: Epistle / Theological Discourse.
A: Unknown (Attributed by some to Paul, Luke, Barnabas, or Apollos).
C: Written to encourage Jewish believers not to return to Judaism amid intense persecution.
Y: ~AD 60–70.
James
L: Written to the "twelve tribes scattered" (Jewish Christians).
E: Practical Christian wisdom focusing on trials, controlling the tongue, and proving faith by actions.
G: Epistle.
A: James (the brother of Jesus).
C: Emphasizes that genuine, saving faith will always result in good works.
Y: ~AD 45–49.
1 & 2 Peter
L: Written to believers throughout Asia Minor.
E: Encouragement during suffering, instructions on holy living, and warnings against false teachers.
G: Epistle.
A: Peter (the Apostle).
C: Focuses on the believer's living hope and standing firm in the grace of God.
Y: ~AD 60–68.
1, 2, & 3 John
L: Written to churches in/around Ephesus.
E: Assurances of salvation, the command to love one another, and tests of true faith.
G: Epistle.
A: John (the Apostle).
C: Written to combat early Gnostic heresies and encourage believers in truth and love.
Y: ~AD 85–90.
Jude
L: Unknown (Written generally to believers).
E: A passionate plea to "contend for the faith" and guard against ungodly false teachers.
G: Epistle.
A: Jude (the brother of Jesus).
C: Reminds believers of God's judgment and His ability to keep His people secure.
Y: ~AD 65–80.
Prophecy
Revelation
L: The Isle of Patmos.
E: Apocalyptic visions revealing the final triumph of God over evil and the establishment of the New Heaven and Earth.
G: Prophecy / Apocalyptic Literature.
A: John (the Apostle).
C: Written to comfort and encourage persecuted churches by revealing God's ultimate sovereignty.
Y: ~AD 90–95.
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