Interpreting the Parables (Second Edition)

by Craig Blomberg

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2012

Overview

In the last century, more studies of the parables were produced than for any other section of comparable length in the Bible. The problem is that most Bible readers are unlikely ever to know of most of them.

In this substantially new and expanded edition, Craig Blomberg surveys and evaluates contemporary critical approaches to the parables, challenging the prevailing consensus and making his own important new contribution to parable studies. Within proper definitions and boundaries, the author defends a limited allegorical approach. In support of this view of parable interpretation, Blomberg not only sets forth theoretical considerations but devotes attention to all the major parables, providing brief interpretations that highlight the insights to be gained from his distinctive method.

Interpreting the Parables can be read with profit by scholars, students, pastors and educated laypeople.

Key Features

• Provides a helpful introduction for pastors, scholars, students, and laypeople
• Surveys and evaluates contemporary critical approaches to the parables
• Applies conclusions to a brief discussion of each of the principal parables of the Gospels

Contents

Part One: Methods Controversies in Interpreting the Parables

• Introduction
• Parable Allegory
• Form Criticism the Parables
• Redaction Criticism of the Parables
• New Literary Hermeneutical Methods

Part Two: The Meaning Significance of Individual Parables

• Simple Three-Point Parables
• Complex Three-Point Parables
• Two-Point One-Point Parables
• The Theology of the Parables: The Kingdom the Christ

Top Highlights

“3. Many parables probably make more than one main point.” (Page 25)

“One of the major theses to be defended in this book is that most of the parables make exactly three main points.” (Page 25)

“2. The allegorical method ignores the realism, clarity and simplicity of the parables.” (Page 36)

“. Allegory is an inferior form of rhetoric, unworthy of Jesus, who instead was master of the metaphor.” (Page 38)

“Allegorizing one detail does not commit an interpreter to allegorizing all of the details.” (Page 24)

Endorsements

Craig Blomberg continues to swim strongly against the tide with his ‘minority position’ in parables studies. I think he makes as good a case as possible for his position that Jesus’ parables are allegories, and in the course of his exposition of the individual parables usually ensures that there are some new insights even for interpreters who disagree with him. His updated discussion of the history of parable research, and his attention to recent developments in parable theory, will be welcomed by everyone.

—Stanley E. Porter, president, dean and professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

It is good news when a good book on an important topic gets a new lease of life. Blomberg’s book is lucid, well-informed and reliable, and I warmly welcome this new updated edition.

—David Wenham, Trinity College, Bristol

This book is highly recommended. . . . All serious teachers and expositors of the parables should profit from this book.

—David L. Turner, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Interpreting the Parables, Second Edition
• Author: Craig L. Blomberg
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 463
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Parables

About Craig Blomberg

Craig Blomberg is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, where he has been teaching since 1986. Blomberg earned degrees from Augustana College, Trinity Divinity School, and Aberdeen University in Scotland. He previously taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and spent one year in Cambridge as a research fellow with Tyndale House. He has been on translation committees for the New Living Translation, English Standard Version, and the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

Blomberg is the author, coauthor, or co-editor of numerous books and more than 80 articles in journals or multi-author works. A recurring topic of interest in his writings is the historical reliability of the Scriptures, and he has also covered such diverse issues as wealth and poverty, hermeneutics, and women in ministry. His books include Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, 2nd ed., Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: James, A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis, Making Sense of the New Testament, Preaching the Parables, and The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Corinthians.