Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics

by Walter C. Kaiser Jr.; Moisés Silva

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2007

Overview

Since its publication in 1994, An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics has become a standard text for a generation of students, pastors, and serious lay readers. This second edition has been substantially updated and expanded, allowing the authors to fine-tune and enrich their discussions on fundamental interpretive topics. In addition, four new chapters have been included that address more recent controversial issues:

• The role of biblical theology in interpretation
• How to deal with contemporary questions not directly addressed in the Bible
• The New Testament’s use of the Old Testament
• The role of history in interpretation

The book retains the unique aspect of being written by two scholars who hold differing viewpoints on many issues, making for vibrant, thought-provoking dialogue. What they do agree on, however, is the authority of Scripture, the relevance of personal Bible study to life, and why these things matter.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Exegesis. The analysis and explanation of a text, usually with reference to detailed, scientific (sometimes ‘critical’) interpretation of Scripture in which the meaning is drawn from the text rather than imposed over it. The term is often distinguished from hermeneutics, which refers to principles of interpretation, whereas exegesis has to do with the practice of explaining texts.” (Page 334)

“Biblical theology is that discipline in the theological curriculum that begins with the declaration of God to Eve, Shem, Abraham, and all who were in that subsequent lineal descent, about God’s ‘promise-plan’ that moved through time (diachronically), exhibiting both the unity of his plan and all of the accumulating specifications to that ‘promise’ as time progressed.” (Page 70)

“The referent is the object, event, or process in the world to which a word or a whole expression is directed.” (Page 35)

“Perspicuity. The claim that the Scriptures were ‘plain to the understanding’ of any reader on the matter of one’s need for salvation. It did not mean that learning was not needed to interpret Scripture, not did it mean that all Scripture was equally clear and free of difficulty.” (Page 335)

“ a satisfactory interpretation of the Bible requires a submissive predisposition” (Page 26)

Product Details

• Title: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning
• Authors: Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Moisés Silva
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2007
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 352
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Hermeneutics; Hermeneutics › Religious aspects--Christianity
• ISBNs: 9780310493365, 0310493366
• Resource ID: LLS:INTROBBLHERM
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:45:25Z

About the Authors

Walter C. Kaiser Jr. received his PhD at Brandeis University. He is a distinguished professor emeritus of Old Testament and president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Dr. Kaiser has written over forty books, including Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching; The Messiah in the Old Testament; and The Promise-Plan of God; and coauthored An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning.

Moisés Silva taught biblical studies at Westmont College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of eight books, and the revising editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible.