영문초록
Calvin’s Exegetical Principles in the Interpretation of Isa 4:2
(In Comparison with Delitzsch’s)
Kim, Jinkyu
Baekseok University
Calvin’s interpretation of Isa 4:2 appears quite contrastive to Delitzsch’s. Calvin understood it literally and metaphorically, but Delitzsch interpreted it messianically. Calvin usually adopted a distinctive and progressive approach in the interpretation of the messianic prophecies, by which he was often criticized as a “Judaizer” at his time. The goal of this paper is to unravel Calvin’s principles of biblical interpretation in his exegesis of Isa 4:2.
There are three distinctive exegetical principles revealed in his interpretation of Isa 4:2. First, Calvin regarded the literary and historical context as the primary determinant of meaning. He was very cautious to apply OT prophecies directly to Jesus like majority of the OT scholars at modern time. His interpretation of Isa 4:2 displays such a hermeneutical tendency, comparing to Delitzsch’s treatment of the same passage. Calvin’s interpretation of Isa 4:2 was partially motivated by the fear of Jewish mockery and also influenced by his humanistic training. Calvin’s emphasis upon the literary and historical context suppressed much of flagrant allegorical interpretation mainly influenced by Origen’s full-blown allegorical exegesis via the medieval four-fold meaning. Negatively, however, Calvin, promoting clarity of his exegesis, also put down inherent messianic meaning from some of the OT messianic prophecies.
Calvin’s second principle of interpretation is the principle of clarity. Clarity is one of the most important principles of Calvin’s hermeneutics as is shown in his commentary on Isa 4:2. This principle was applied to the interpretation of Isa 4:2 woodenly at the sacrifice of its potential messianic meaning. Major Reformers including Calvin advocated “the plain meaning of Scripture” to fend off allegorical interpretation. Calvin’s problem seems to originate from his flat or wooden application of this principle. Scripture is not always so clear and plain to us. Calvin’s principle of clarity needs to be adjusted as defined by the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647).
Calvin’s third principle of interpretation is his concern for theological and applicable interpretation. Calvin did not allow a historical distance in his exegesis of Isa 4:2. Calvin was careful not to neglect the final goal of biblical interpretation for the transformation of the community of faith at his time.
Keywords: Calvin’s Exegesis, Isaiah 4:2, Branch, Principle of Clarity, Literary and Historical Context
