Case Studies in Hermeneutics

Applying Principles to Old and New Testament Passages

Introduction

It is not enough to memorize methods or principles in the abstract. Hermeneutics becomes real when those principles are applied to specific passages of Scripture.

This article presents a series of case studies — some from the Old Testament, others from the New Testament — that illustrate how the principles and methods of hermeneutics work together. Each case study walks through exegesis, theological reflection, and contemporary application, showing how to bridge the gap from ancient text to modern reader.

1. Old Testament Case Studies

1.1 Genesis 12:1–3 — The Call of Abram

• Exegesis: God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing to all peoples.

• Historical context: In the Ancient Near East, land, family, and blessing were the foundation of security. God’s call demanded radical trust.

• Literary structure: The threefold promise forms the backbone of God’s covenant plan.

• Theological reflection: This passage introduces the covenant through which God will bring salvation to the nations. It is foundational for biblical theology of mission.

• Application: Believers today are called to trust God’s promises, leave behind idols of security, and live as instruments of blessing in the world.

1.2 Exodus 20:1–17 — The Ten Commandments

• Exegesis: The Decalogue establishes Israel’s covenant obligations: worship God alone, honor parents, avoid murder, adultery, theft, false witness, and coveting.

• Historical context: Covenant treaties in the ancient world followed a similar form: preamble, stipulations, blessings/curses.

• Theological reflection: The Ten Commandments reveal God’s holy character and His call to covenant faithfulness. They remain relevant as moral law.

• Application: Christians apply these commands by loving God and neighbor (Matt. 22:37–40).

1.3 Psalm 23 — The Lord as Shepherd

• Exegesis: David declares trust in Yahweh as his shepherd who provides, guides, and protects.

• Literary features: Parallelism, imagery of shepherding, and chiastic structure highlight God’s care.

• Theological reflection: God’s covenant care is personal and comprehensive, even in the “valley of the shadow of death.”

• Canonical context: Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10).

• Application: Believers find comfort in God’s presence amid fear, anxiety, or loss, and are called to trust His provision.

1.4 Isaiah 53 — The Suffering Servant

• Exegesis: The Servant suffers unjustly, bears the sins of many, and is exalted.

• Historical context: Likely written to exiles, offering hope through God’s redemptive servant.

• Theological reflection: This passage prefigures substitutionary atonement.

• Canonical context: The NT applies this text directly to Jesus’ death (Acts 8:32–35; 1 Pet. 2:24).

• Application: Calls believers to trust Christ’s atoning work and embrace a life of self-giving service.

2. New Testament Case Studies

2.1 Matthew 5:1–12 — The Beatitudes

• Exegesis: Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, mourners, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, peacemakers, and the persecuted.

• Historical context: In a world of honor and shame, these qualities seemed weak. Jesus reverses cultural expectations.

• Theological reflection: The Beatitudes reveal kingdom values and the character of true discipleship.

• Application: Believers are called to embody these countercultural virtues today — practicing humility, mercy, and peacemaking in workplaces, families, and communities.

2.2 Luke 10:25–37 — The Good Samaritan

• Exegesis: A lawyer asks Jesus who his neighbor is; Jesus tells a parable in which a despised Samaritan shows mercy to a wounded man.

• Historical context: Jews and Samaritans were bitter enemies.

• Theological reflection: Neighbor-love transcends ethnic, social, and religious boundaries.

• Application: Challenges modern prejudices and calls for practical compassion to those in need, including marginalized groups.

2.3 Romans 3:21–26 — Justification by Faith

• Exegesis: Paul declares that righteousness comes apart from the law, through faith in Jesus Christ, by His atoning sacrifice.

• Historical context: Written in a Jewish-Gentile church divided over law observance.

• Theological reflection: Central text for the doctrine of justification — God’s righteousness revealed in Christ’s cross.

• Canonical context: Connects to Abraham’s faith (Rom. 4) and Christ’s obedience (Phil. 2).

• Application: Affirms that salvation is through faith in Him. Offers assurance and calls for unity in the church.

2.4 Philippians 2:5–11 — The Christ Hymn

• Exegesis: Christ, though equal with God, humbled Himself, became obedient to death, and was exalted.

• Literary structure: Chiastic hymn emphasizing humility → obedience → exaltation.

• Theological reflection: Reveals the pattern of the Christian life: humility leading to glory.

• Application: Calls believers to imitate Christ’s humility in relationships, leadership, and service.

2.5 Revelation 21:1–5 — New Heavens and New Earth

• Exegesis: John sees a new creation, the holy city, and God dwelling with His people.

• Theological reflection: Ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises — restoration, renewal, and eternal communion.

• Canonical context: Culmination of the biblical story: creation → fall → redemption → new creation.

• Application: Inspires hope in the face of suffering and motivates faithful perseverance.

3. How Case Studies Prepare for Competency

These examples show how to integrate the methods of hermeneutics:

1. Exegesis: Study historical, literary, and linguistic details.

2. Theological reflection: Draw out the timeless principle.

3. Application: Contextualize for today.

4. Encouragement for Students

Students of this course should see these case studies as models, not scripts to memorize. The real goal is skill — the ability to walk through the interpretive process faithfully. With practice, you will gain confidence not only for exams but for lifelong study, teaching, and preaching.

Remember: the ultimate purpose of hermeneutics is not just knowledge but transformation. Each case study reminds us that Scripture is living and active, calling us to faith, obedience, and hope in Christ.

Conclusion

 By examining Old and New Testament case studies, you see how principles and methods come together to yield faithful interpretation.

For students of this course, these case studies serve as preparation for the final exam and as training for a lifetime of listening to God’s Word. The goal is not only to pass the test but to be shaped by the text, living out the story of redemption in your own life and community.

References

Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (4th ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Goldsworthy, G. (2000). According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Klein, W. W., Blomberg, C. L., & Hubbard, R. L. (2017). Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Osborne, G. R. (2006). The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Wright, C. J. H. (2006). The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.