Interpretation of the Scriptures

by Arthur W. Pink

Interpretation of the Scriptures

Genres: Theology, Scripture

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Arthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.

Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.

In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.

In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.

After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.

Reviews

[Jerry Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would rate this a 3.5, but this rating doesn’t allow for half’s. I think there are other books that do a somewhat better job. Pink however points out some things that others do not point out. Pink says, “in not a few instances the Scriptures possess both a literal and a mystical force”. I agree slightly with him on this but I think some of his examples stretch the interpretation. Over all it is a worthwhile book.

[Benjamin Lowery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to basic hermeneutical principles. Not sure about the 'law of first mention', but mostly helpful.

[Allen Haynie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guide to biblical hermeneutics, offering principles for accurately understanding and applying Scripture. The book emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible literally, contextually, and with reliance on the Holy Spirit. Pink outlines rules such as considering the historical and cultural context, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and discerning the intended meaning of texts.

[Vaclav · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was my first book i read on the interpretation of the Scriptures. i remember how fascinated i was in how much i didn't know, and feeling so blessed in how much i was learning! very readable, and a real blessing!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. It was so practical and gave numerous examples for every principle of interpretation it had. I highly recommend it for people who desire to better interpret God's Word.