Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

Description

Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, now in its third edition, is a bestselling 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 textbook is a trusted and valuable tool for students and other readers who desire to understand and apply the Bible.

About the Authors

William W. Klein (PhD, Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He is author of The New Chosen People: A Corporate View of Election and a commentary on Ephesians in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Revised Edition and serves as both editor and co-author of Introduction to Biblical Interpretationwith Craig Blomberg and Robert Hubbard. Bill and his wife have two daughters and reside in Littleton, Colorado.

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Craig L. Blomberg (PhD, Aberdeen) is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He is the author, co-author, or co-editor of 26 books and more than 150 articles in journals or multi-author works. A recurring topic of interest in his writings is the historical reliability of the Scriptures. Craig and his wife Fran have two daughters and three grandchildren, and reside in Centennial, Colorado.

Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. (PhD, Claremont Graduate School) is emeritus professor of biblical literature at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He is author of several books, including The Book of Ruth: New International Commentary on the Old Testament and Joshua in the NIV Application Commentary series and co-author of Introduction to Biblical Interpretation with William Klein and Craig Blomberg. He and his wife Pam reside in Denver, CO.

Endorsements

Long a foundational resource for the study of the Scriptures, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation now appears in a third edition. With updated discussions, footnotes, and bibliographies this work constructively engages developments in areas treated in previous editions and interacts with more recent approaches that bring fresh questions to the text. Deeply committed to the Bible as holy writ, the authors present guidelines for its careful study and application to life. Detailed yet practical, this valuable tool proves its worth for a new audience. -- M. Daniel Carroll R., Blanchard Chair of Old Testament, Wheaton College

The appearance of the third edition of Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (much more than a mere introduction!) stands as testimony to the book’s lasting influence and significance. The authors engage ongoing scholarship in biblical studies as they provide readers necessary principles and guidelines that impact the discipline of hermeneutics. Importantly, they also point readers to the fact that we must not be content merely to “master” the biblical text; rather, we must strive to let it master us. The book will greatly benefit those willing to invest the time to wrestle with its insights. -- Bryan E. Beyer, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Columbia International University

Long one of the most thorough, comprehensive, and practical textbooks for biblical interpretation, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation has now been expanded and further improved. -- Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

Retaining the best of the previous two editions, this classic textbook is updated with new material relevant to the interpretive issues of our day. No other work has surpassed the comprehensive study of biblical interpretation Klein, Blomberg, and Hubbard have produced. Tested by time, this new edition deserves a place in the library of every serious student of the Bible. -- Karen H. Jobes, Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor Emerita of New Testament Greek and Exegesis, Wheaton College and Graduat

With this new edition, Klein, Blomberg, and Hubbard demonstrate the excellence of their previous editions while bringing their discussion up to date in light of contemporary hermeneutical theory. Clearly defending the appropriateness of author-centered interpretation, they provide students with a comprehensive set of tools for understanding the Bible in its ancient context and also the means for contextualizing its message today. Written with clarity and an awareness of the needs of students, this will remain an essential work for many years to come. It deserves to have pride of place in courses on hermeneutics, but ought also to be on the shelves of those who faithfully seek to interpret the Bible in a range of settings today. -- David G. Firth, Old Testament Tutor and Academic Dean, Trinity College, Bristol

For over twenty years Introduction to Biblical Interpretation has set the standard for evangelical hermeneutics textbooks. It is remarkably comprehensive, clear, accurate, and balanced. This third edition is most welcome. -- Mark L. Strauss, Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary San Diego

Earlier editions of this title have served a generation of students well, and this third substantially revised and updated edition continues to provide not only a reliable entry point to the art and science of biblical interpretation but also a competent introduction to the contemporary currents in the field of hermeneutics. As a product of three experienced teachers and able interpreters of the ancient texts, it deserves a place on the shelf of serious students of the Bible. -- David W. Pao, Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

The first two editions of this book have become the standard textbook on biblical interpretation among evangelical circles, and this new edition should be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of any student of the Bible. It is the fruit of a model cooperation over several decades by the same authors who specialize in three different areas: doctrine, the NT, and the OT. The revision is thorough and comprehensive and covers current postmodern questions such as reader-response criticism, narrative criticism, and deconstruction. -- David Toshio Tsumura, Professor of Old Testament, Japan Bible Seminary

I have often used Klein, Blomberg, and Hubbard’s excellent Introduction to Biblical Interpretation as a textbook since it originally appeared over twenty years ago. This readable and profound book covers all the important topics of interpretation with great skill. I am very excited about the publication of the third edition that takes into account recent scholarship. I recommend it to all who want to deepen their ability to read Scripture well. -- Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

A third edition of a tried and true book on hermeneutics by wise and veteran scholars is to be warmly welcomed. The new edition considers the latest issues on hermeneutics, and at the same time the authors expertly explain what students need to understand to interpret the Scriptures. -- Tom Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary