Biblical Hermeneutics: A Treatise on the Interpretation of the Old and New Testaments

by Milton Spenser Terry

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Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Christianity

518 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Neil]

A huge feat of scholarship, which can be quite intricate to read at points. Terry adheres to the grammatico-historical sense of interpretation, along with an emphasis on ascertaining the context, scope and plan of an inspired author, before determining he meaning of a given passage. Having no qualifications in biblical exegesis, languages or textual criticism, I can hardly undertake to write a review. However, I note two interpretations Terry makes, one in limiting the prophecy of Matthew 24 to the destruction of Jerusalem rather than the final judgment, and also in viewing the Creation account, and the Flood, as being local rather than global events. These interpretations, particularly of the destruction of Jerusalem, have made me question what the true interpretation of these passages are.

[Sifra Niwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book for students of Theology and Scripture! The book is divided into three parts and each of them has comprehensive and detailed explanation, a very helpful source indeed.
The author is soo briliant!

[John Waldrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was a serious student of the art/science of Biblical hermeneutics and this book is appropriate for any serious student of Scripture.

[CJ Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exhaustive treatment in three parts - intro to hermeneutics, principles of hermeneutics, and history of interpretation. Earlier decades expected a much higher competence of biblical interpreters, and reading through chapters detailing the 6-8 languages that proficiency is expected in, and the number of ANE religions to be aware of is intimidating.

Terry is solid and skilled, defending the historical-grammatical method throughout, with an appreciation of typology that could use a little more nuance. He is strongest in prophecy and apocalyptics,but his chapters on science and scripture (where he argues for a local flood and a local creation) are so thunderously bad that I start to be suspicious of the apparently wonderful principles that he articulates earlier. His confidence in a rational system of interpretation wouldn't seem to make it unscathed through either a presuppositional or postmodern filter, and this is the direction I would push to find out how he muffed Genesis so badly.

His third section is very helpful for evaluating centuries of commentary, identifying key figures and their contributions, whether he agrees with their methodology or not.

Took this fairly fast reader forever to read, for whatever that's worth.

[S. Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an advanced Hermeneutics book that covers all the norms of Hermeneutical topics and processes, but in greater detail and complexity than you'll find in most modern books. I did enjoy it but it was challenging to read -just as a book on general interpretive practices of the Bible ought to be. Terry's points and teachings are accurate and well thought out. It's an obvious culmination of a lifetime of learning.

[Timothy Fluegge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great resource on bible interpretation. Ironically enough, though the author articulates well the historical-grammatical method of interpretation, he is way off on prophecy, pre-millinialism, and the imminent return of Christ. I would give the book four stars, but this digital reproduction is horrid and nearly unbearable to read.

[Cimuchowski]

Referred to by Reese in his "little book" on Acts.

[Chris Comis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat tedious with some liberal higher-critical stuff thrown in. His preterist take on the book of Revelation was pretty good. Some good stuff on typology and symbolism too.

[gfguildjr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource to have, & study.