Principles of Biblical Interpretation for Everyone

by James W. Voelz

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2023

Reviews

[Kendall Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voelz offers a clear and fine introduction to the careful reading of scripture. Voelz is to be commended for making a short and fairly accessible volume that is full of specific examples and generally free from jargon. The book is still a bit dry and informational for a book that is allegedly aimed at a general audience. My impression is that Voelz has done a commendable job in simplifying and distilling some of his prior work for this volume, but he has not decided to include many elements that make a book aimed at the general public particularly accessible and engaging such as illustrative anecdotes and practical advice.

In terms of the content, the presentation is clear and helpful. Voelz is particularly good at dealing with the nuances and complexity of language itself. Throughout, Voelz succeeds in emphasizing that normal people can be competent readers of scripture.

I have a few relatively minor quibbles:

-There is a concerted effort to deal with scripture as both a human and divine book. This is good. However, this book does not exhibit a clear understanding of what exactly it means for scripture to be a divine book. Does it merely meant that scripture has certain divine "characteristics"? Does it mean that God is the author of scripture? What difference does it make for our interpretation that God is the author of scripture and not merely the biblical authors? There was also disappointingly little reflection on whether the analogy to the incarnation is appropriate or helpful.

-Some sections get a bit too bogged down in details whose relevance for the intended readership is unclear, e.g. the sections on textual criticism.

-The discussion of reading in light of the rule of faith is a good beginning, but it is unclear what he thinks the rule of faith is or what it means to read scripture in light of it.

-His discussion of allegorical readings was disappointingly underdeveloped and contradictory. Likewise with the section on the distinction between interpretation and application.

-His assertion that each book that begins a section of the canon should be the chief books that the rest of scripture is read in light of was bizarre. Why these books? What difference does it make for interpretation?

I have no doubt that this volume will be of great benefit to many readers even with its deficiencies.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to sit in a class and listen to the author go through this book on doing Biblical interpretation. In the book, he discusses languages, various English Bible translations, Biblical manuscripts, and the difficult problems that sometimes arise in translating ideas from one language and time period to another. Although the book is not large, it is deep and not a quick read. But, it's well worth one's time.

[Joel Ripke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful introduction to the task of Biblical interpretation. Voelz walks through the challenges that make interpretation a tricky task while using language and examples that don't require a post-graduate education to understand.