Overview
In this accessible guide to interpreting the Bible, senior New Testament scholar Robert Stein helps readers identify various biblical genres, understand the meaning of biblical texts, and apply that meaning to contemporary life. This edition has been completely revised throughout to reflect Stein's current thinking and changes to the discipline over the past decade. Students of the Bible will find the book effective in group settings.
Praise for the first edition
"Stein's work is both a fine introduction to the task of biblical hermeneutics for the novice and an innovative refresher for the veteran teacher or pastor."--Faith & Mission
Praise for the first edition
"Stein's work is both a fine introduction to the task of biblical hermeneutics for the novice and an innovative refresher for the veteran teacher or pastor."--Faith & Mission
Table of Contents
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Introduction
Part 1: The General Rules of Interpretation
1. Who Makes Up the Rules? An Introduction to Hermeneutics
2. Defining the Rules: A Vocabulary for Interpretation
3. Can Anyone Play This Game? The Spirit and Biblical Interpretation
4. Different Games in the Same Book: Different Forms of Scripture
Part 2: The Specific Rules for the Individual Games
5. The Game of Stories: Biblical Narrative
6. The Game of Rules: Covenants and Laws
7. The Game of Rhythm: Poetry
8. The Game of Songs: Psalms
9. The Game of Wisdom: Proverbs
10. The Game of Prediction: Prophecy
11. The Game of Jargon: Idioms
12. The Game of Comparison: Parables
13. The Game of Exaggeration: Overstatement and Hyperbole
14. The Game of Correspondence: Epistles and Letters
Appendixes
Glossary
Indexes
Preface to the First Edition
Introduction
Part 1: The General Rules of Interpretation
1. Who Makes Up the Rules? An Introduction to Hermeneutics
2. Defining the Rules: A Vocabulary for Interpretation
3. Can Anyone Play This Game? The Spirit and Biblical Interpretation
4. Different Games in the Same Book: Different Forms of Scripture
Part 2: The Specific Rules for the Individual Games
5. The Game of Stories: Biblical Narrative
6. The Game of Rules: Covenants and Laws
7. The Game of Rhythm: Poetry
8. The Game of Songs: Psalms
9. The Game of Wisdom: Proverbs
10. The Game of Prediction: Prophecy
11. The Game of Jargon: Idioms
12. The Game of Comparison: Parables
13. The Game of Exaggeration: Overstatement and Hyperbole
14. The Game of Correspondence: Epistles and Letters
Appendixes
Glossary
Indexes
Endorsements
“Bob Stein is a wise and seasoned interpreter of Scripture, and these qualities are on full display in this wonderfully practical book on how to interpret the Bible. Readers will find here a sound hermeneutical approach that is applied to a variety of genres in the Scriptures. This is an ideal book both for university and seminary courses and for laypersons who desire a guide to understanding the Scriptures.”
Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of Biblical Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“In lucid and engaging style, Robert Stein explores an author-centered hermeneutic for biblical interpretation. The reader benefits from clear definitions of key concepts and creative examples of these concepts in action, as well as exercises that can be used to augment the learning process. An accessible introduction to a complex topic.”
Jeannine K. Brown, professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary
Author
Robert H. Stein
Robert H. Stein (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary), now retired, most recently served as senior professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously taught at Bethel Seminary. A world-renowned scholar of the Synoptic Gospels, he is the author of several books, including Mark in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Studying the Synoptic Gospels, Luke, and Jesus the Messiah.