History of Biblical Interpretation: A Reader

by William Yarchin

What questions do interpreters ask of Scripture and how have those questions changed over time? History of Biblical Interpretation starts at 150 BCE and moves to the present in exploring the major developments and principal approaches to interpreting the Bible. Thirty-four chapters survey the most significant methods and provide introductions to the prominent people who exemplify them. Each chapter also presents an original document that demonstrates this person’s interpretational approach and includes a reference bibliography for further reading. Whether used as a textbook or in individual study, this excellent introduction to the history of biblical interpretation will open new doors for students of the Bible, theology, and church history.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, History, Religion, Church History, Nonfiction, Reference

412 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful introduction to the history of Biblical interpretation, sketching Christian and (to a lesser degree) Jewish interpretation of the Bible since 150 BC! Yarchin gives helpful introductory blurbs on over 30 influential interpreters of the Bible and then lets you read their thoughts on Biblical interpretation for yourself by giving primary sources (journal articles and book excerpts). It was really helpful to read such influential figures as Origen, Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Gunkel, Bultmann, Childs, Trible and Schussler Fiorenza for myself. Also cool to understand the basics of Jewish Rabbinic interpretation. My professor thinks this textbook is not strong on the 19th century nor on giving fair share to women interpreters, and supplemented this book with Handbook of Women Biblical Interpreters: A Historical and Biographical Guide.

A valuable book but not always fun. This is an academic and often dry book.

[Jamey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book four stars not because I was highly interested in it, but because I think it accomplished its purpose. In order to accurately depict the history of Biblical Interpretation, Yarchin gathered works from scholars throughout history as direct examples of how they interpreted the Bible. Each chapter is a separate essay from one of these scholars, and each begins with a foreword by Yarchin that introduces the featured author to the reader.
Although frequently difficult to understand, this is an effective tool for those who are studying biblical interpretation, and contains a rich abundance of information for study.

[Brandi]

if you love religion, theory, or literature on a painfully academic level, and i mean are really into the stuff, check this out. otherwise, your mind may glaze over by paragraph three on any said chapter. some really smart people and a huge scope of history are covered. not bad, just dry.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand what they're actually reading during Bible study...