Minor lesson
How Literally? Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics is how literally or figuratively we read a passage. Everyone draws that line somewhere, usually without thinking about it, and that line is where end-times views split.
September 20, 2026
After the sixty-nine weeks of Daniel, everyone agrees it is incredible. After that, the tension starts. People argue over semantics and verses. It comes down to something called . It is a scary scholarly word, and you do not need to worry too much about it. Basically, it is how literally or how figuratively you take the Bible. Let me help with some verses.
History, parable, and
If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"
That is real people, real writings, true history. No argument.
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.
Same thing, no argument. It is a parable. It is not real history, it is a lesson. There is more to it, but the point is that it is not literal history.
You might think that is not that big of a deal. But what do you do with this?
And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.
This is what is called apocalyptic language. The question is, is it a parable? Is it literal history? Is it a future event? It kind of depends on how you read it.
Everyone has a line
That is basically all hermeneutics is: how you are reading the Bible. Where do you put the line between actual historical truth and more spiritual lessons, things that are true but are not necessarily historical events, or even future events? Everyone has that line in their head, and most of the time they probably do not even think about it.
This is really where the tension comes from. I am . I take prophecy very literally, line by line, in sequential order. The other views spiritualize it more and take it less literally. They read books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation as colorful, more interpretive passages than I would. I usually see those passages as fulfilled prophecy, or unfulfilled prophecy, events that are going to happen at some point.
Brothers and sisters
It is a minor thing next to this: all three major viewpoints still agree that Christ is coming a second time. We just take different pathways to get there. They are still brothers and sisters in Christ. As you learn about the other sides, or about my side if you disagree, have some . We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Next: The Three Major Views.
This is a deeper teaching under Watching Wisely. Its home is Prophecy.