Hermeneutics describes the task of explaining the meaning of the Scriptures. The word derives from the Greek verb hermeneuein that means “to explain, interpret or to translate,” while the noun hermeneia means “interpretation” or “translation.” Using the verb, Luke informs us that Jesus explained to the two disciples on the Emmaus road what the Scriptures said about him (Lk 24:27). Paul uses the noun in 1 Cor 12:10 to refer to the gift of interpretation of tongues. In essence, then, hermeneutics involves