Part 3 | The Bible Was Written to Be Explored, Not Finished

Hermeneutics Part 3: Exegesis vs Eisegesis, Biblical Meditation, and Cultural Context

In this episode of Coffee with Hales (Hermeneutics Part 3), I review key terms like Torah/Pentateuch, Tanakh, and the Septuagint, then explain hermeneutics as both a science and an art. I break down eisegesis (reading my assumptions into the text) versus exegesis (letting the text speak from its original context) and why hermeneutics should shape theology rather than the other way around. I also explore the Bible as ancient Jewish meditation literature using Psalm 1 and show how repeated meditation reveals layers of meaning, including the “parting waters” theme from creation through Exodus and into baptism symbolism. Finally, I highlight how understanding ancient Hebrew collectivist, honor-shame, patriarchal culture clarifies difficult passages, using levirate marriage and Tamar as examples of protection and covenant faithfulness.

00:00 Welcome and Series Recap

00:22 Key Bible Terms

01:47 Hermeneutics Explained

02:13 Eisegesis vs Exegesis

03:57 Bible as Meditation Literature

05:12 Psalm 1 and Spiritual Growth

06:39 Red Sea Layers and Baptism

09:48 Moving Beyond Childlike Faith

12:41 Culture Matters in Reading

14:27 Levirate Marriage Context