Anybody who wants to study the Bible, either at a personal level or a more scholarly level needs to understand that there are certain principles that guide and govern the process. The technical word used to refer to the principles of biblical interpretation is hermeneutics , which is of immense importance in Biblical Studies and Theology. How to Interpret the Bible takes into consideration the cultural context, historical background and geographical location in which the text was originally set. This enables us to obtain clarity about the original author’s intended meaning. Linguistic and literary factors are analyzed so that the various genres of Scripture are examined for their true meaning. The importance of having sound principles of interpretation cannot be overstated as to ignore them will result in all manner of erroneous assumptions. Beville presents the Historical-Grammatical approach as a sound and objective method of interpretation. This, in turn, provides a foundation not only for understanding but also for teaching Scripture. The approach outlined by the author helps avoid contradiction, inconsistency, arbitrariness, and subjectivity. This work is intended for those who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the Bible. It will be particularly useful for those who want to prepare teaching material grounded in safe hermeneutics. “In, How to Interpret the Bible , Kieran Beville explores how an understanding of hermeneutics enables a deeper engagement with the Scriptures. This well-written and thoughtful introduction will be a great asset to anyone wishing to see with greater clarity the revelation of God’s heart and mind within the Bible. I warmly commend it.” (Dr. Roger Standing, Principal, Spurgeon’s College, London).

Misinterpretation of Scripture is one of the major problems that faces the Church. We are living in an image centred world that demands short cuts to answers, and has a limited attention span for study. This book discusses the many obstacles that can keep us from a truly biblical interpretation of scripture. Mayhue's grasp of the methods of biblical interpretation enables him to provide our modern generation a simple way to understand what the Bible says and avoid the errors that are commonly made. It should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in finding out what scripture says. Both scholar and new believer can be impacted by these studies. They cover a wide range of subjects and purposes including: Teaching a basic Bible study method Warning about interpretation mistakes Exposing current theological error Providing right steps to avoid wrong doctrine Emphasizing truthfulness and trustworthiness of Scripture.

James Efird examines various methods of biblical interpretation, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of each. His insights result in a presentation that enables ministers, students, and lay readers to grasp the meaning of the books of the Bible. He focuses on the Òoriginal meaning of Scripture,Ó i.e., who wrote it, when, where, and for whom. Approaching the Bible from its original context is a very helpful method for understanding and relating Scripture to contemporary issues and applying biblical teachings to modern times. Faith is based on the Word of God. It is imperative that the best available means to read, study, and understand the Word are employed. Efird demonstrates how to study the Bible so that Scripture may be understood and experienced in all its fullness. This useful introduction is a practical resource ideal for group and individual Bible study. It is recommended as a companion volume to Efird's These Things Are Written: An Introduction to the Religious Ideas of the Bible. These two books, when used in conjunction, provide a general overview and basic resource for biblical interpretation.

An authoritative guide to accurately interpreting and applying God's Word In this second edition of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, Andreas Kostenberger leads the reader step-by-step through the process of interpreting and applying God's Word. The primary principle is the hermeneutical triad, which consists of history, literature, and theology. Readers are equipped to explore the historical background of a biblical passage, analyze its literary genre and features, and derive its theological meaning in light of the biblical canon. Numerous examples are provided throughout to illustrate the concepts. A concluding chapter provides direction on practical application, preaching, and helpful tools for Bible study. Additional features include key words and definitions at the end of each chapter, study questions, and practical exercises for applying the material. An appendix lists numerous resources for Bible study, including recommended commentaries for every book of the Bible. The second edition updates these resources, as well as the sources cited throughout, and includes a revised chapter on the Old Testament canon. Instructors, students, pastors, and anyone who desires to interpret Scripture accurately will find this volume to be an indispensable addition to their library.

In this accessible guide to interpreting the Bible, senior New Testament scholar Robert Stein helps readers identify various biblical genres, understand the meaning of biblical texts, and apply that meaning to contemporary life. This edition has been completely revised throughout to reflect Stein's current thinking and changes to the discipline over the past decade. Students of the Bible will find the book effective in group settings. Praise for the first edition "Stein's work is both a fine introduction to the task of biblical hermeneutics for the novice and an innovative refresher for the veteran teacher or pastor."--Faith & Mission

In this revised edition of his classic, R. C. Sproul helps us dig out the meaning of Scripture for ourselves. He presents a commonsense approach to studying Scripture and gives eleven practical guidelines for biblical interpretation and applying what we learn. He lays the groundwork by discussing why we should study the Bible and how our own personal study relates to interpretation.

Both the Bible and the Constitution have the status of “Great Code,” but each of these important texts is controversial as well as enigmatic. They are asked to speak to situations that their authors could not have anticipated on their own. In this book, one of our greatest religious historians brings his vast knowledge of the history of biblical interpretation to bear on the question of constitutional interpretation. Jaroslav Pelikan compares the methods by which the official interpreters of the Bible and the Constitution—the Christian Church and the Supreme Court, respectively—have approached the necessity of interpreting, and reinterpreting, their important texts. In spite of obvious differences, both texts require close, word-by-word exegesis, an awareness of opinions that have gone before, and a willingness to ask new questions of old codes, Pelikan observes. He probes for answers to the question of what makes something authentically “constitutional” or “biblical,” and he demonstrates how an understanding of either biblical interpretation or constitutional interpretation can illuminate the other in important ways.

The second in the series organized around common FAQs, 40Questions about Interpreting the Bible tackles the major questions thatstudents, pastors and professors ask about the hermeneutics of reading thebible (i.e. understanding the bible).

Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, now in its third edition, is a classic hermeneutics textbook that sets forth concise, logical, and practical guidelines for discovering the truth in God’s Word. With updates and revisions throughout that keep pace with current scholarship, this book offers students the best and most up-to-date information needed to interpret Scripture. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation: Defines and describes hermeneutics, the science of biblical interpretation Suggests effective methods to understand the meaning of the biblical text Surveys the literary, cultural, social, and historical issues that impact any text Evaluates both traditional and modern approaches to Bible interpretation Examines the reader’s role as an interpreter of the text and helps identify what the reader brings to the text that could distort its message Tackles the problem of how to apply the Bible in valid and significant ways today Provides an extensive and revised annotated list of books that readers will find helpful in the practice of biblical interpretation Used in college and seminary classrooms around the world, this volume is a trusted and valuable tool for students and other readers who desire to understand and apply the Bible.