hermeneutics

Definitions

The study of interpretation, particularly concerning texts, meaning, and understanding. It originates from classical exegesis but was significantly developed in the modern period, especially in relation to phenomenology and existentialism. At its core, hermeneutics addresses the conditions of understanding and the processes by which meaning is constructed.

countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“SAUNDERS or SANDERS, RICHARD (1613–1687?), astrologer, a native of Warwickshire, was born in 1613, commenced the study⟳ of hermeneutics about 1647, and practised astrology and cheiromancy during the golden age of the pseudo-sciences in England.”

“1885, Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (original translators and editors), Arthur Cleveland Coxe (editor of American edition), Philip Schaff (also credited as editor), Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series I, I have⟳ included in this volume the four books of St. Augustin On Christian Doctrine. It is the first and best patristic work⟳ on biblical Hermeneutics, and continued for a thousand years, together with the Prefaces of Jerome, to be the chief exegetical guide⟳. Although it is superseded as a scientific work⟳ by modern Hermeneutics and Critical Introductions to the Old and New Testaments, it is not surpassed for originality, depth and spiritual insight.”

“Usage has restricted the meaning of hermeneutics to the science of Biblical exegesis, that is, to the collection of rules which govern the right interpretation of Sacred Scripture. Exegesis is therefore related to hermeneutics, as language is to grammar, or as reasoning is to logic.”

CEFR level