Interpretation Of Genesis -- By: G. Van Groningen

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 13:4 (Fall 1970)
Article: Interpretation Of Genesis
Author: G. Van Groningen


Interpretation Of Genesis

G. Van Groningen, Ph.D.*

The interpretation of Genesis can be said to be difficult for various reasons. It presents the story of creation. It deals with materials concerning the most ancient times. It is in the form of historical narrative rather than theological explanations and instruction. However difficult it may be considered to be, general hermeneutical principles, rules and exegetical tools must be applied diligently and without exception. It is not necessary to review these; they can be found in various books which are accessible to the readers.1

For the proper interpretation of Genesis, one must seek to come to a clear understanding of who the author was, his circumstances, times, intent and method of presentation. We have dealt with specifically selected aspects of these elsewhere.2

The Starting Point

Where does one begin when he sets out to interpret the book of Genesis? It is well known that a general knowledge of the materials of the book, gained by careful readings of it, is the very necessary first step. These readings should be in various languages. If at all possible the Hebrew text should be mastered. Having read the text, the next very important question is from which position should one approach the book as he seeks to uncover the message and its relevance. As stated before, one’s basic presuppositions usually determines one’s approach. We will briefly review a number of approaches. As we do so, and as we criticize them, it must be remembered that we are dealing with them as approaches, not as subordinate means to illumine the study of the text. For, as is well known, various studies, such as that of ancient history, anthropology, early forms of literature, can be of valuable assistance in interpreting the Genesis material.

1. The Scientific Approach

It should be clearly understood that any interpretative study of Genesis should be scientific in the sense that it is done systematically according to interpretative principles, rules and methods. The term

*Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological College, Geelong, Victoria. Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne.

scientific however does have other meanings. Two of these are often employed when speaking of the interpretation of Genesis.

First of all, we refer to the modern scientific method, which is in many respects the application of the principle of D. Hume, the Scottish philosopher. He taught that all our knowledge is limited to actual experience. Of that what is above or beyon...

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