This comprehensive exploration of the interpretive process, now available in paperback, has served as a successful textbook. It focuses on the three "worlds" of biblical interpretation--the world of the author, the world of the text, and the world of the reader--to help students develop an integrated hermeneutical strategy. The book offers clear explanations of interpretive approaches, which are supported by helpful biblical examples, and succinct synopses of various interpretive methods. Pedagogical aids include end-of-chapter review and study sections with key terms, study questions, and suggestions for further reading. Introduction: A Journey into Three Worlds Unit I: The World Behind the Text 1 Why Study Backgrounds? An Apology for Historical Research 2 The Importance of Language: The Grammatical Background 3 Reading and the World Behind the Text: The Historical and Ideological Backgrounds Supplement I: Illustrative Methods That Focus on the World Behind the Text Unit II: The World Within the Text 4 The Bible as Literature and Literary Forms 5 How the Hebrew Bible Communicates as Literature 6 How the New Testament Communicates as Literature Supplement II: Illustrative Methods That Focus on the World Within the Text Unit III: The World in Front of the Text 7 What Happens When We Read? 8 What the Reader Brings to the Text: The Role of Reader Presuppositions Supplement III: Illustrative Methods That Focus on the World in Front of the Text Unit IV: Integrating the Three Worlds 9 Mark’s Gospel and the Merging of Three Worlds Conclusion: The Never-Ending Story Appendixes: Synopses of Additional Interpretive Methods Employed by Scholars Overview: How Methods Affect Interpretation Appendix I: Methods That Focus on the World Behind the Text Appendix II: Methods That Focus on the World Within the Text Appendix III: Methods That Focus on the World in Front of the Text Appendix IV: Methods Involving More than One World The third edition of Biblical Interpretation focuses on the three "worlds" of biblical interpretation--the world behind the text, the world of the text, and the world in front of the text. A fourth section helps readers combine the three worlds into an integrated hermeneutical strategy. Clear explanations of the various interpretive approaches are supported by helpful biblical examples. Key terms and study questions at the end of each chapter make this book ideal for classroom use. Succinct synopses highlight a host of distinct approaches to understanding the Bible. The third edition includes new synopses and an updated bibliography to help readers keep pace with the most recent developments in biblical interpretation--from publisher's website This comprehensive exploration of the interpretive process helps students develop an integrated hermeneutical strategy.
