Hermeneutical Analysis Worksheet
Use this worksheet to study any passage before forming conclusions.
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1. Text and Translation
Passage:
Translation used:
Why this translation:
List any significant wording differences between translations.
2. Immediate Literary Context
What comes directly before this passage?
What comes directly after it?
How does the argument or narrative flow?
Genre (check one):
- Narrative
- Law
- Poetry
- Wisdom
- Prophecy
- Gospel narrative
- Epistle
- Apocalyptic
How does genre affect interpretation?
3. Historical and Cultural Setting
Author:
Original audience:
Approximate date:
Cultural situation:
Known issues addressed:
What problem was this text originally addressing?
4. Key Terms and Original Language
List key words that require deeper study.
Key Term 1
Term (Greek/Hebrew):
Range of meaning:
Other occurrences in Scripture:
Cultural usage in that era:
Key Term 2
Term (Greek/Hebrew):
Range of meaning:
Other occurrences in Scripture:
Cultural usage in that era:
Key Term 3
Term (Greek/Hebrew):
Range of meaning:
Other occurrences in Scripture:
Cultural usage in that era:
Key Term 4
Term (Greek/Hebrew):
Range of meaning:
Other occurrences in Scripture:
Cultural usage in that era:
Avoid assuming modern definitions.
5. Covenant and Redemptive Placement
Where does this passage fall? (choose one):
- Pre-Abrahamic
- Mosaic covenant
- Monarchy
- Exile
- Second Temple period
- Life of Christ
- Early church
- Post-resurrection apostolic teaching
Is this civil law, ceremonial law, moral instruction, narrative description, case law, or kingdom ethic?
How does Christ fulfill, transform, or reaffirm this?
6. Canonical Coherence
Where else is this theme addressed? List related passages.
Do those passages reinforce, clarify, limit, expand, or recontextualize the theme?
What does the wider canon require you to adjust?
Avoid isolating a single text.
7. Descriptive vs Prescriptive
Is this passage describing behavior or prescribing behavior?
If narrative, does the text endorse or critique the action?
Is there explicit divine commentary?
8. Theological Synthesis
In one sentence: What did this passage mean to its original audience?
In one sentence: What timeless theological principle emerges?
9. Application Discernment
What aspects were culturally specific?
What aspects are covenant-bound?
What principles transcend culture?
What would faithful obedience look like today?
10. Interpretive Humility Check
- I have read at least one opposing scholarly view
- I have consulted historical commentary or trusted study resources
- I have identified my own assumptions
- I have distinguished discomfort from error
- I have avoided proof-texting
11. Christological Orientation
How does this passage align with the character and teaching of Christ?
How does it relate to the cross and resurrection?
Does my interpretation produce love, justice, faithfulness, mercy, and holiness?
12. Open Questions
What remains unresolved?
What requires deeper research?
Where am I tempted to shortcut the process?
This worksheet is a study aid. Interpretation should be done in conversation with the whole canon and the church.