The Rules of the Road
How do you determine the meaning of a text? When doing biblical interpretation, there are four rules to keep in mind.
How do you determine the meaning of a text? When doing biblical interpretation, there are four rules to keep in mind.
This article identifies some of the most influential ways in which biblical interpretation was formed in the context of modern academic sciences. The author argues that most of the exegetical programmes of interpretation were apologetic. This apologetic goal was achieved by using neo-Kantian ideas to separate historical exegesis from theological interpretation.
Vanhoozer writes about the use of the Bible in systematic theology. He focuses on doctrine as the linchpin between biblical interpretation and theological truth. Vanhoozer reflects on truth and interpretation in the current theological climate and the task of interpretation.
What are our cultural presuppositions with which we approach biblical interpretation? The concern of the article is that not enough acknowledgment is given to the oral character of the first-century culture. This article considers what kind of literary culture the first century was and its significance for understanding the nature of the New Testament documents.
Knowing the meanings of words is important for Bible reading. How do you determine what words mean? This article argues that the meaning of words lies in how they are used. It gives eight steps for doing word studies for biblical interpretation.
What are the various schools of interpretation from the twentieth century? The essay surveys the different schools of interpretation and puts forward its own approach of biblical interpretation: realgeschichte.
This article discusses the historical-critical method of biblical interpretation. It notes the historical development of the method and how, if at all, a faithful biblical interpreter, can make use of the method.
What is redaction criticism? Osborne argues that it is a very positive tool for biblical interpretation. The aim of this article is to apply redaction criticism to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, to work towards a better understanding of the passage. Osborne then wants to apply it for a better understanding of inerrancy.
How should a typological interpretation or exposition of Scripture function? This essay reflects on the validity and use of typology as a means of biblical interpretation. It notes the shift from typology to allegorism.
Kaiser explores the crisis of hermeneutics in evangelicalism. He explains who he sees as the evangelicals. He reflects on significant Reformation principles affecting biblical interpretation—sola scriptura, single meaning of a text, and the analogy of faith.