Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics

by Bernard Ramm

Since its publication in 1950, Protestant Biblical Interpretation has been a standard introduction to hermeneutics in evangelical colleges and seminaries. Twice revised, this textbook has sold well over 100,000 copies. Now this venerable resource is available in a paperback edition.

"Hermeneutics," writes the author, "is the science and art of Biblical interpretation. . . . As such it forms one of the most important members of the theological sciences. This is especially true for conservative Protestantism, which looks on the Bible as . . . the only authoritative voice of God to man."

After surveying the history of biblical interpretation, the author devotes seventy pages to explicating "the Protestant system of hermeneutics." He then discusses the doctrinal, devotional, and practical uses of the Bible. Following a chapter on the hermeneutical dimension of the problem of biblical inerrancy and secular science, he concludes with chapters on the interpretation of types, prophecy, and parables.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Reference, Christianity, Christian, Religion, Philosophy

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Anthony Edridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernard Ramm reviews the history of Biblical interpretation at great length, revealing that without guidelines, the Bible can be interpreted to mean whatever anyone chooses. He then examines how the Protestant movement brought reason into the picture, but with reasonable assumptions such as the original texts were inspired by God and without error.

This book provides numerous and comprehensive rules for interpreting scripture. Some are more important than others in normal use, but they are buried in a wealth of technical considerations. But the effort of reading the whole book is worthwhile, because it lays the foundations for these rules within the frameworks of the Bible, philosophy, history, and culture.

I would recommend taking notes and making a list of the more important rules. Specific rules for prophecy and typology, for example, may be referred to if needed.

The topic of Biblical interpretation is quite important today, especially because everyone has a Bible, and few have discovered that rules for interpretation exist. Many pastors are also unaware of such rules, so that poor teaching occurs from time to time. By God's mercy, however, the gospel has not been corrupted among most evangelical churches and some of the larger denominational churches.

[Blue Morse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of Golden information in this book that will come in handy for future reference. However, would not recommend Ramm’s book for 2 reasons:
1. His teaching on science and exegesis
2. His writing style and organization

1. While he builds a solid argument for the inerrancy of scripture and “steering a straight course” in our hermeneutics, this all crumbles when dealing with “scientific progress.” He literally says “We should be ready to accommodate our exegesis to the progress of historians and scientists.”
Ramm is basically saying when it comes to “matters of salvation and faith” we can be sure of Gods word, but in “matters of science” Gods word falls short. Scary considering how the apostle Paul connected creation to salvation in 2 Cor 4:6 - “The God who spoke light into existence, saying, “Let light shine from the darkness,”[a] is the very One who sets our hearts ablaze to shed light on the knowledge of God’s glory revealed in the face of Jesus, the Anointed One.” If we can’t be sure God actually “spoke light” into the world in the beginning, how can we be sure He speaks the light of the gospel into men’s hearts?

2. Ramms writing style and organization is difficult to get through. While there is a lot of good info (especially historical background), it is far from clear or concise and in many cases hard to track where he’s going on various subjects. For example, he’ll begin a chapter by diving into a deep discussion regarding a definition or term that he won’t even define until half way through the chapter. I also don’t think he’s ever heard of a conclusion or summary, as nearly every chapter (including the final chapter) ends as abruptly as it begins.

[Ken Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is designed to be a textbook so its not easy reading. There are numerous references that will likely be lost on any who are not very serious students of biblical hermeneutics. Still, this is an important work. It shows the development over time of an approach to the Bible that takes seriously what the original author's intended. It shows that interpretation is difficult and requires knowledge of the time period of those who originally authored the texts. It therefore does a good job of showing how interpretation grows and changes over time as more knowledge of those earlier times is gained. Hard read but worth the effort for any who take seriously the task of reading and studying the Word of God.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ramm does an excellent job on the first part of this book of breaking down historical understandings of the Bible. The first part reminds me much more of a historical theology than a book on hermeneutics. In this section he presents a few verses and how they have been interpreted throughout the years of the church. After defending a Protestant hermeneutic by pointing it back to a Pauline foundation he the proceeds to give practical tips on how to study and teach the Bible.

I’m giving this only 4 stars cause it does seem to be a bit out dated. Nonetheless, a great book and resource to have.

[Ryan Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this work to be outdated, easily preoccupied with minutae, and generally poor at organizing the key important differences olin interpretive thought.

He did cover a lot of ground in briefly mentioning this or that method for a very large swath of Christendom both of his contemporaries and historically, but the depth was not there.

Very little space was given to actual argumentation. This was more of a bland survey of thought, simply stated as such without any "why" given to support different views.

I don't recommend it, even for research. There have to be better volumes out there.

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. There are some very interesting cultural truths thrown in throughout the book, which shed light on some Scriptures. Great survey of hermeneutical history and break down of principles.

"Hermeneutics is the science and art of Biblical interpretation. It is a science because it is guided by rules within a system; and it is an art because the application of the rules is by skill, and not buy mechanical imitation."

[Josh Dockter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me explain my rating system. I give 5 of 5 stars to versions of the Bible alone. There may be some reviews that did not follow this rule so forgive those and ignore them. This means that a four star review is actually a "five star review".
So, this book was excellent. I recommend that every Bible reader grab a copy and work through it slowly. I am going to chip away at it again a few pages at a time because it was just that good.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it’s titled “a textbook,” this was a very enjoyable read. It was certainly informative but not overwhelming. I would recommend it to any Christian who wants a better understanding of how to interpret the great gift of God’s own words.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on introducing Hermeneutics. Ramm gives a great church history overview of hermeneutical interpretations, different philosophies, and Protestant views of interpretations. Very minor things I disagreed with but overall a helpful book in studying the science of Hermeneutics.

[Simeon Brazzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult read, but we'll worth it if you need an in depth book on proper Bible study

[MA Ma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Biblical Interpreta
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[CJ Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful rulebook for interpretation. Ramm is measured and thoughtful in his prescriptions. His occasional examples are very helpful, but sadly very occasional; assigning a class to find examples of his rules being broken in modern commentaries would be a fantastic exercise, and probably worthy of publication. It would also reassure the timid interpreter that he isn't actually violating a number of rules, and give pause to the incredulous soul who can't imagine how such commonsense rules might be broken by a literate man.

A bit dated now, but overall a solid starting place and overview.

[Connor Longaphie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't decide if I wanted to give this a 2 or a 3. In comparison to other hermeneutics books it's definitely a 3. But they're usually not that good. I've benefited more by reading hermeneutics sections in the prolegomena of systematics than I have reading actual hermeneutics texts. I'd recommend grabbing a systematic instead and saving yourself the time and effort you'll spend reading fluffy words that make the truths more accessible. Good work none the less

[Ben Zornes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramm presents here a masterful work outlining how the Protestant tradition of hermeneutics is the most biblically faithful method. Furthermore, he details what that means, namely, taking the text literally in the context of its history and grammar. Just a wonderful book!

[Chris Comis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very much a scientific historico-grammatical take on hermeneutics. Very little here on biblical typology/symbolism. His survery on the history of hermeneutics was pretty good though.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction, though a bit dated.

[Brenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old but still helpful.

[Seth Channell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of conservative biblical interpretation. Was helped most by discussion on typology.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still the best book on Biblical hermeneutics I've read to date.