Semantic Range Once we see all the possible meanings of a word — what we refer to as a word’s range of meaning or semantic range — we will be in a better position to decide what the word actually does mean in a specific context. For example, let’s look at the semantic range of the English word hand. To find the range of meaning for an English word,

The criteria we gave you in Chapter 2 for determining principles are still valid: The principle should be reflected in the text. The principle should be timeless and not tied to a specific situation. The principle should not be culturally bound. The principle should correspond to the teaching of the rest of Scripture. The principle should be releva

PART 2 Contexts — Now and Then

Conclusion — Can We Be Objective?

Step 5: How should individual Christians today live out the theological principles?

What Is Historical-Cultural Context? What exactly do we mean by historical-cultural context? Generally speaking, this kind of context involves the biblical writer, the biblical audience, and any historical-cultural elements touched on by the passage itself. Historical-cultural context relates to just about anything outside the text that will help y

What the reader does with the meaning is application. Once we identify the meaning in the text that God is trying to communicate to us, then we must respond to that meaning. We use the term application to refer to the response of the reader to the meaning of

5. Means (By Which Something Is Accomplished)

Another important distinction to look for in verbs is whether they are active or passive. Active verbs are those in which the subject is doing the action (Bill hit the ball). Passive verbs are those verbs where the subject is acted upon (Bill was hit by the ball).