Contextual Theological Interpretation: An Integrated Model for Reading the Bible

by Bo H. Lim

Today's theological students, an increasingly diverse population, face the task of reading and interpreting the Bible in multicultural contexts, which leads them to ask somewhat different questions than students of previous generations. Students recognize that theology, exegesis, and sociocultural context are all important elements of biblical interpretation, and they often seek guidance in negotiating these fields in a constructive manner. This is especially true of students with evangelical and Trinitarian convictions and commitments.

Contextual Theological Interpretation by respected teacher and Old Testament scholar Bo Lim provides sustained, thoughtful engagement among the three disciplines of biblical studies, theology, and contextual interpretation. In this big-picture text, Lim argues for the need to bring together the strengths of each of these fields and provides a model for doing so for the sake of effective multicultural ministry. At the same time, he clarifies the field of contextual biblical interpretation, offering evaluation and critique to guide students through the vast diversity of available literature.

168 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The future of the church is “increasingly nonwhite, non-Western, and Pentecostal or charismatic” (9), which means that the church needs ways of interpreting the Bible that both acknowledge it as an undertaking for the church and acknowledge it as a contextual (or, multicultural) undertaking. Bo Lim makes a strong case for contextual theological interpretation, showing why both adjectives in the phrase (“contextual” and “theological”) are necessary.

“What will be the future of biblical scholarship when biblical scholars live far removed from the contexts of those who actually read the Bible?” (83)

“If theological interpretation is to equip ministers of the gospel, then its hermeneutical and theological foci must broaden … I am in no way suggesting that TIS scholarship be displaced by contextual interpretation. Rather, I am arguing for more reflexive discourse between the two so that they might mutually benefit and be transformed through the interchange.” (55)

[Michael Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books offers a window into current discussions, debates, and arguments within Academia. The majority of the book reflects those conversations. I did enjoy reading about this though some parts were boring and irrelevant for me as a “ordinary reader” of scripture. It was not until the last chapter and preface that something constructive was offered. His proposal felt underwhelming. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m already doing what he advocated for and I was expecting more. I wish he offered some robust examples of what he’s suggesting. The book is largely abstract and theoretical. It would benefit if examples were added later. I want to give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars but the app won’t let me.