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Biblical '''Hermeneutics''' , in Christian theology, is the study of the interpretation of Scriptures. Hermeneutics is often referred to as both a science and an art. It is : a science because there are specific rules concerning hermeneutics. It is to be followed, but also an art because the task of hermeneutics is not a mechanical, dry procedure. As Henry Virkler said, communication is flexible.

The first half of the process consists of hermeneutics is two main parts:*The first (referred to as [[exegesis]]. The goal of exegesis is ) intends to discover the meaning of the text through the author's intent, . This is commonly called ''[[Historical-critical grammatical method (Higher criticismLiteral hermeneutic)#The literal sense of scripture|the literal sense of scriptureScripture]]''. Once , and means that a passage should be interpreted literally unless the context clearly indicates that a symbolic meaning is discoveredintended (such as in end-times passages as found in Daniel or Revelation, then the principles are appliedor whenever Jesus spoke in parables). This application of (The opposite, [[eisegesis]], intends to interpret Scripture through the principles reader's pre-determined viewpoints, and is to be avoided.)*Once the second half meaning of the process of hermeneuticsa passage is discovered, referred then it is to as contextualization, reading scripture within the context be read in light of the wholeentire Bible (and not build a doctrine or position on a single [[Cafeteria Christianity#Proof texts|proof text]]). A common phrase used to define this is '''"Scripture interprets Scripture"'''. The principle also holds that we should read obscure passages of Scripture in light of clear passages on a subject.

One principle of The difference in hermeneutics often practiced among between Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant groups is how writing of early church fathers should be considered: *[[EvangelicalOrthodox Church|Orthodox]] and [[ChristiansCatholic Church|Catholic]] is '''"Scripture interprets Scripture,"''' which is the principle hermeneutics likewise hold that we should obscure passages of Scripture must be read any passage in light of clear passages as being from the one mind of one Divine Author (the [[BibleHoly Spirit]] in light of [[God]]) interpreted infallibly by the same Author guiding the entire Bible and not build a doctrine or position on a single [[Cafeteria Christianity#Proof texts|proof textMagisterium]]<ref>[http://www. The principle also holds that we should read obscure passages biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:15-17&version=KJV John 14:15-17], [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:25-26&version=KJV 25-26]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2016:7-15&version=KJV 16:7-15]. <br>Compare [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2peter%201:19-21&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19-21]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2peter%203:15-18&version=KJV 3:15-18]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%203:9-12&version=KJV Ephesians 3:9-12]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1timothy%203:14-15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:14-15]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2timothy%203:12-17&version=KJV 2 Timothy 3:12-17]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2013:17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2018:15-20&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-20]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2013:1-3&version=KJV Romans 13:1-3]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%2022:18-19&version=KJV Revelation 22:18-19]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2thessalonians%202:15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:15]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2015:6&version=KJV Acts 15:6]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%203:10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2thessalonians%203:3-5&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2018:16-17&version=KJV Matthew 18:16-17]; [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=titus%203:9-11&version=KJV Titus 3:9-11].</ref> to [[Discernment|discern]] and gradually unfold ever more and more clearly the inexhaustible depths of Scripture in light its profoundly deeper meaning and application to the life of clear passagesthe whole church in accordance with [[Tradition|Apostolic Tradition]] (see [[Apostolic succession]] and [[Ecumenical council]]). Notably*Protestants, in their viewon the other hand, although may consider outside sources (such as the writings of the early church fathers and the creeds which were later developed) are as useful, but hold they are considered secondary to, and not on the level of, Scripture itself; in cases where those sources differ from Scripture, they are to be rejected in favor of the Biblical text.