The Pesher Hermeneutic
Statement of Textual Methodology

The Pesher Hermeneutic
Statement of Textual Methodology

At University of Torah, we affirm the study of Yahweh’s Word is a spiritual discipline of instruction (pesher), not a secular exercise in history or linguistics.

We ground our study in the manuscript evidence of the BHS (First Testament) and NA28 (New Testament). We do not approach these texts as constructs of men but as the perfect holy oracles of God.

The Masoretic Tradition (MT)

We uphold the MT as the authoritative record, acknowledging the unprecedented preservation of the consonantal text, vocalization, and cantillation represents the faithful stewardship of the Raz (the secret/hidden thing).

The Alexandrian Tradition (NA28)
We prioritize the Alexandrian witnesses for their lectio antiquior, seeking the earliest textual form as the most accurate witness honoring the apostolic autographs.

We maintain the text — in its original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek — is our living eternal sustenance.

Our methodology is governed by the Biblical requirement of moving from the elementary “milk” of the Word, to the “solid food” (or “meat”) of the Word, and then on to the “strong meat" of the Word, vital for spiritual maturity.

We operate on the conviction the Torah contains "hidden" spiritual realities that remain sealed until the Holy Spirit provides the Pesher (interpretation).

The Raz (Secret)
We recognize Scripture often conceals truth behind layers of mystery. The Raz is the initial stage of divine revelation that requires diligent seeking.

The Pesher (Interpretation)
We rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal the Pesher, which turns the mystery into intelligible truth. This is not "private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20), but rather the comparing of "spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Cor 2:13).

The Derash (Exegesis)
We employ Derash — an active, seeking inquiry — to rightly divide the word of truth. This requires a study method Biblically defined by "precept upon precept, line upon line" (Isaiah 28:10). We do not fully accept rabbinic or other man made hermenuetics

We hold God has commanded specific requirements for the student of His Word.

The Principle of Repetition
Following the pattern of "stammering lips" (Isaiah 28), we recognize God speaks "once, yea twice" (Job 33:14). We, therefore, conduct our studies by comparing verse with verse, precept upon precept, allowing Torah to interpret Torah, or itself through repetition and the doubling or even thrice of the truth.

Typological Continuity
We study history as a "type" (1 Cor 10:11), recognizing the events of the First Testament are typologically repeated in our day. We seek to understand the seter (hidden things) of history in order to discern the eschatological purposes of Yahweh.

The Requirement of Character
Torah is acquired through 48 qualities. We affirm that intellectual rigor or skill is insufficient without the first spiritual prerequisites: Fear of the Lord, Love, awe, humility, trembling, prayer, and the "fleeing from honor."

Our twenty Biblical commands of how to approach the word is one of disciple initiation, knowing we know not yet as we ought to know and we are not "wise in our own eyes" (Prov 3:7), but rather "workmen that needeth not to be ashamed" (2 Tim 2:15). We reject the "filthy vomit" (Isaiah 28:8) and deceptive traditions or commandments of men (Titus 1:14), holding fast only to what is in harmony with the Tanakh and the Brit Hadasha.

By integrating the rigor of modern textual criticism with the ancient method of pesher, the University of Torah serves as a conduit for the "deep things of God." We do not merely translate text; we seek the pesher that leads to the sovereign truth of Yeshua, the Living Bread, whose Spirit with the Holy Spirit searches all things, even the deep top secret and secret things of Yahweh. Amen.

The Hermeneutic of Raz, Pesher, and Derash

The Textual Foundation:
Ad Fontes ("to the fountainhead,"
or source)

Methodology:
the Discipline of Study

Exegetical Commitment