Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Introduction to Interpreting Scripture (2nd Ed.)

by Bruce Corley; Steve W. Lemke; Grant Lovejoy

Publisher:

B&H

, 2002

Overview

Biblical Hermeneutics is designed for students and ministers who want to grow in their ability to interpret, teach, and preach God’s Word. It requires no understanding of biblical languages or of the technical details of hermeneutics, but it does provide the reader with a working knowledge of the multi-faceted nature of biblical interpretation and with support for the practice of exegesis.

The book is divided into five sections and among the important subjects are: the history of biblical interpretation, philosophical presuppositions, biblical genre, the uniqueness of Scripture, the practice of exegesis, and the use of exegetical insights in preaching and teaching.

This revised edition contains seven new chapters that deal with interpreting the major literary genre of Scripture: law, narrative, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, the Gospels and Acts, the epistles, and apocalyptic literature. It also includes two extensive appendices: a glossary for biblical studies, and an updated and expanded guide to reference books and Biblical commentaries.

Key Features

• a step-by-step approach to interpreting a passage
• hermeneutical principles that apply to both Testaments
• how the history of interpretation and recent developments in the philosophy of language contribute to being able to interpret the biblical text today
• how to move from theoretical understanding to practical application of theory
• how to contextualize biblical teaching in a variety of cultural contexts
• how to prepare a sermon that draws on a whole range of interpretive tools and is sensitive to biblical genre

Contents

Top Highlights

“Protasis. The subordinate or ‘if’ clause that expresses the condition in a conditional sentence (apodosis). Heb: ‘If you fully obey the Lord … [protasis], the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth [apodosis]’ (Deut. 28:1). Gk: ‘If you love me [protasis], you will obey what I command [apodosis]’ (John 14:15).” (Page 464)

“Translation. Transferring thoughts or writings from one language to another, while preserving the original meaning and intent of the author or speaker. Translation has also been used to describe the phenomenon of Enoch’s (Gen. 5:24) and Elijah’s (2 Kings 2:11) departing to be with God without experiencing death. See Dynamic equivalence, Formal equivalence.” (Page 471)

“Formal equivalence. A type of translation in which the form and structure of the original are reproduced as nearly as possible, in contrast to dynamic equivalence. Also called formal correspondence. Example: the NASB emphasizes formal equivalence, the Contemporary English Version dynamic equivalence, while the Living Bible (1971) is a paraphrase.” (Page 448)

“Dynamic equivalence. A type of translation in which the message of the biblical text is conveyed to the reader with effect equivalent to that for the original reader; closer to a paraphrase, and contrasted with formal equivalence. Also called functional equivalence.” (Page 446)

Product Details

• Title: Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Introduction to Interpreting Scripture
• Editors: Bruce Corley, Steve W. Lemke and Grant I. Lovejoy
• Edition: 2nd
• Publisher: Broadman and Holman
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 542

About the Editors

Bruce Corley is president of B.H. Carroll Theological Institute where he is a professor of New Testament and Greek. His professional experience includes memberships in the Society of Biblical Literature, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion where he has held elected offices and worked on the editorial boards of two journals. He received an M.Div. and Th.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Steve W. Lemke is provost and professor of Philosophy and Ethics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned an M.Div. and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Grant I. Lovejoy is professor of Preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.