As applied to the interpretation of Scripture, the idea of the hermeneutical circle asserts that we all approach any passage of Scripture with certain presuppositions. As we begin to exegete the text carefully, however, the text begins to modify our presuppositions, so that, as we continue with the rest of the text, we bring to it a new set of presuppositions (the ones modified by the first cycle of exegesis), the exegesis of this next part of the text will also modify our new set of presuppositions. Our thoughts and understanding of the text is thus continuously clarified as we go through each circle of our exegesis.
Some scholars prefer to think in terms of "spirals" rather than circles, because each circle brings us "higher" into the development of understanding.
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