Getting the Message, Revised and Expanded: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible

by Daniel M. Doriani

In this serious but nontechnical introduction to interpreting and applying Scripture, Daniel M. Doriani equips Bible teachers to observe and analyze texts, solve problems, and develop themes. Since its original publication in 1996, Getting the Message has been used by teenagers, college students, and seminarians as well as by Christian leaders on six continents. This new edition has been revised with a global audience in mind.

Endorsements“Doriani’s rewritten version of his helpful book provides the coaching that Bible students need. I particularly appreciated the new chapter on applying genres of Scripture.”

—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“This is a fine book—a much-needed book—and those who give themselves to following its guidance can expect to grow in both interpretive confidence and ability.”

—Mark P. Ryan, Director, Francis A. Schaeffer Institute

“Even without seminary or Bible-college training, a layperson can become a competent student by performing Dan’s exercises at the end of each chapter.”

—George Robertson, Senior Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis

“With his usual clarity and skill, Doriani shows us how to move from studying a passage to teaching it with integrity, power, conviction, and, most of all, with a heart for the glory of God. . . . An invaluable tool!”

—Courtney Doctor, Coordinator of Women’s Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition

“For those who believe that preaching really matters, here’s the help they need to do it confidently, accurately, and joyously.”

—Ray Cortese, Senior Pastor, Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, Lecanto, Florida

“The better you understand the contents of this book, the better equipped you will be to understand every part of the Book.”

—Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville

Genres: Theology

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

After a decade as senior pastor of Central Presbyterian church in Clayton, Missouri, Dr. Doriani returned to Covenant Seminary full time in October 2013 to serve as vice president of strategic academic projects and professor of theology.

In this role, he teaches two core courses for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program—Christian Ethics and Reformation and Modern Church History—as well as some elective courses on exegesis and church life. He also speaks in churches and conferences on behalf of the Seminary in ways that advance the mission of Covenant.

Dr. Doriani previously served in various roles at the Seminary from 1991 to 2003, including professor of New Testament, dean of faculty, and vice president of academics. While pastoring at Central, he continued teaching as adjunct professor of systematic theology. He has extensive teaching and pastoral experience as an interim, assistant, associate, and solo pastor, and has been involved in several planning and study committees at the presbytery level in both the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). He was chair of the PCA’s Theological Examining Committee from 1999 to 2000. Among his many books are Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible (P&R, 1996); Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application (P&R, 2001); The Life of a God-Made Man (Crossway, 2001); and commentaries on Matthew, James, and 1 Peter in P&R’s Reformed Expository Commentaries series. He is also a contributing blogger for The Gospel Coalition.

Dr. Doriani and his wife, Debbie, live in Chesterfield, Missouri, and have three grown daughters.

Reviews

[Kevin Thumpston]

Going through this book with future leaders was a great investment into their ability to maneuver through the Scriptures. The CAPTOR plan gives you handles to exegete, interpret, and teach the Word of God.

[Brent]

Extremely helpful. The ‘exegesis for laymen’ one-stop shop

[Gina Mcandrew]

This is an excellent book, full of practical tips that make hermeneutics manageable and comprehensible. I highly recommend this book; your Bible reading and understanding will never be the same!

[Nathan Fisher]

Good intro to hermeneutics, some chapters were more helpful than others. It’s a very easy read, and would recommend to anyone new to the subject.

[Mathew Dodge]

It’s pretty dry and boring, but it doesn’t help I had to do an assignment on this book. He often goes through portions of scripture using his methods, which is quite helpful. It works well.

[Renée Dusseau]

Wow. This book is like a crash course in biblical hermeneutics. It feels like drinking from a fire hose, but it’s so worth it! The author writes conversationally as he guides readers step-by-step through best practices for interpreting and applying Scripture. He provides clear definitions and practical tips throughout for Christian pastors, counselors, leaders—really, anyone with a Bible who seeks to rightly study and teach what it says. It also includes practice questions at the end of each chapter, which I really appreciated to make the theoretical concepts tangible. A must-read!

[Nickolas Wingholt]

Doriani's method for picking a text apart is really good, and I will likely even teach from this material in the future. I will say that while he pitches CAPTOR as a (sort of) one-size-fits-all approach, it definitely lends itself more to New Testament epistles. Other genres don't mesh quite as well, but it's still a great hermeneutical tool. Just remember that the tool serves the exegete, not the other way around. 1st time read. 3/5.

[Shanyl Philip]

Simple guide to help you develop the skills needed to study and teach the bible. The exercises in the text allow you to put those skills to the test, which make this book an extremely valuable resource to revisit

[Parker James Lipetska]

4.4 Very easy book to read if you just want some very practical help in reading your Bible! You definitely can get a lot out of this book. Would recommend this to those who want to grow in reading and teaching the Bible.

[Nick Prodromou]

This book is great. I would go as far as saying it's superior to Fee/Stuart.

[Zachary Hall]

Great, informative, and practical tools for proper study or Scripture

[Ryan Oakes]

3.5 stars really.

A clear and helpful “textbook” on studying Scripture. Easy to read, practical in application.

[Asher D Barnes]

This book offers a simple way to apply hermeneutical principles. I suggest anyone without (or with I suppose) basic hermeneutical principles to read this as it is a good introduction.

[Chloe Shearer]

Very helpful for this hermeneutics class! Easy to read and understand!

[Aaron Clark]

Great, simple, not too difficult book for growing in interpretive skill.

[Matthew Rawlings]

A lot of good insights for those learning exegesis. Recommended.

[Madi Laudick]

Good for studying hermeneutics. Heavy in content

[Josiah W]

Hermeneutics with Vickers. Found this book very insightful and helpful, though I would have to read it again to more thoroughly apply what it teaches into my Bible study habits.

[Moses Each]

A helpful and accessible book. I walked away with several helpful tools and illustrations. I will use this when teaching students about how to interpret and apply the Bible.

[ECORN]

Read this for seminary. Loved the process that was outlined in the book and how accessible it was. I think I could recommend this to anyone looking to grow in their hermeneutical skills.