Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation

by Henry A. Virkler, Karelynne Gerber Ayayo

This textbook provides students and general readers with clear, accessible guidance for interpreting the Bible. With nearly 120,000 copies sold, it has become a trusted resource for serious students of the Bible. The authors' successful approach shows how proper theory leads to sound practice.

This book gives readers not only an understanding of the principles of proper biblical interpretation but also the ability to apply those principles in sermon preparation, personal Bible study, or writing. The authors outline a seven-step hermeneutical process that includes (1) historical-cultural analysis, (2) written contextual analysis, (3) lexical-syntactical analysis, (4) literary analysis, (5) theological analysis, (6) comparison with other interpreters, and (7) application.

The third edition has been updated throughout to account for new developments in the field and to incorporate feedback from professors and students. Exercises have also been updated and streamlined. Resources for instructors are available through Textbook eSources.

Genres: Theology, Reference

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1981

Reviews

[John Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Outlines clear principles that I can take with me in my devotional time in Scripture as well as in developing sermons. Fitly given in the last chapter are reminders about the whole reason for studying God’s word, which is of course to DO it. Application is heavily emphasized not only in one’s own reading but described for the preacher to deliver to his congregation effectively as well.

[Djidymus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technical for the casual Biblically Curious. Not for a simple gloss. However for the Scholar who burns through books as an Ash limb might rend a pile of dusty or Ashen tomes…"Ashes to Ashes"… Provides a good template to apply to Yearn and Learn reading.

[jacob van sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best pound for pound Hermeneutics book I’ve read. Maybe it caught me at the right stage of growth, but each section helped me progress in my understanding.

[Dan Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction into how to read and interpret the Bible, taking seriously the text, as though it is of and from God. I recommend to anyone that has an open-mind.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Virkler’s book is formulaic and entirely enmeshed in a modernist enlightenment worldview. He trumpets a scientism in biblical interpretation that implies a surefire method for understanding the text. He dismisses the spiritual and multivalent aspects of the Bible throughout his step-by-step instructions. Thus, the book is of limited use. Virkler does promote an author-centered interpretation which is essential if we are to accept the Bible as authoritative scripture. And he supplies many valuable tools for interpreting scripture. However, the overall scope of the book has serious flaws.

[S. Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Hermeneutics 101 for the beginner. It was written by a Sunday School teacher who was urged (because of the quality of the booklet) to turn this "teaching guide" into a published book. It's geared toward the beginning student and does an excellent job of explaining every detail and definition. It describes steps to engaging in interpretation in ways that have remained with me and agrees with what any orthodox scholar would call sound understanding of Biblical principles of interpretation. If you're looking for a book to begin your understanding of Biblical interpretation, this is the book you should read. Even if you're an educated scholar, this book will serve as an excellent refresher.

[Ryan Rench · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro but I haven't read it since college. I'm in a series on Bible study in our church right now, so I pulled it back out to review it. I like Klein's better.