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THOMAS K. DAILEY
Spring 2025 | Online Option | 3 credit hours
Hermeneutics introduces students to principles of (biblical) interpretation. The course is largely theoretical, though opportunities to apply those principles are tied to the various course assignments. The hermeneutical principles discussed in class focus on three major areas. First, students will identify the role of the author, text, and reader in the determination of meaning. Second, general hermeneutics introduces principles that arise from historical, cultural, and linguistic considerations—principles that generally fit any text of Scripture. Third, special hermeneutics introduces principles designed for different literary types e.g., special principles appropriate for parables, the psalms, or narrative, etc. (3 hours)
As a result of taking this course...
- Students will be able to describe the primary role of the author for determining the meaning of a given text.
- Students will formulate a syntactical analysis of a portion of a NT letter, a poetic analysis of a portion of the psalms, and a narrative analysis of an OT story.
- Students will discuss the appropriateness of the special principles suggested from the course textbooks.
- Students will produce a record of influential principles, both general and special, that have sharpened their understanding of biblical interpretation.
Dr. Thomas Dailey is the Professor of New Testament at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary. He has served at VBTS since 1999 in various roles as the Instructor of New Testament, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology and Exegesis, and Associate Professor of New Testament. He received his MDiv from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, his ThM from Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, and his PhD from Clark Summit University. Read more....
20% – Reading
30% – Hermeneutical Analysis
30% – Online Quiz
20% – General and Special Principles
- Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, 4th Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014.
- Andreas J. Köstenberger and Richard D. Patterson, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology, 2nd Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2021.
