An introduction to biblical hermeneutics

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 interpretationThe 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.

Publisher: Zondervan
Type: Hardback
ISBN: 9780310279518

______________

Walter C. Kaiser Jr. (PhD, Brandeis University) is distinguished professor emeritus of Old Testament and president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Dr. Kaiser has written over 40 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. Dr. Kaiser and his wife, Marge, currently reside at Kerith Farm in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Dr. Kaiser’s website is www.walterckaiserjr.com. 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.

______________

[This book] has been a fun and illuminating read. As opposed to a dry textbook this work opens with engaging examples in Chapter 1 from Shakespeare's Othello and in Chapter 2 from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, illustrating how confusing language can be without even requiring translation. The text is broken into four parts including Searching for Meaning, Understanding the Text, Responding to the Text, and The Search for Meaning. While drawing the student in through great examples, the lessons challenge them to think in newer ways such as Hans-Georg Gadamer’s concept of "The meaning of a text always goes beyond its author;” and Paul Ricoeur’s idea that "A text is semantically independent of the intention of its author.” The result forces the student to consider the manner in which we read, understand and apply the text. Each chapter offers a strong conclusion sub section, followed by endnotes. The work also offers a glossary and annotated bibliography to accompany the endnotes from each chapter. The authors come together from different hermeneutical views and collaborate to create this single work unifying the approach. This second edition has been updated to answer questions regarding analysis of Scripture regarding subjects such as gender roles, worship styles and other contemporary issues. In the final part, author Silva, while historically a not a strong proponent of Calvinism, offers a chapter on Calvinistic Hermeneutics, focusing on the methods of interpretation which lead to that distinctive theology. The book establishes itself as a great read for both the “expert” and the lay person. C. Fugee