TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION: The Nature of Language Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallels between working a puzzle and interpreting the Bible
Nature of language
Nature of Communication
THE BIBLE: GOD AND MAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Relation of divine and human in writing the Bible (inscripturation)
Resultant nature of scripture (bibliology)
Consequent nature of appropriating scripture (illumination)
SELECTED LINGUISTIC PHENOMENA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Streamlining causal distinctions
Interchange of nature, state, and action terms
General rule and absolute uniformity
Category vs. continuum
Semitic tendency to use the concrete for the non-concrete (abstract and spiritual)
Amount and number for degree
Effect for process
GENERAL MECHANICS BEHIND INTERPRETATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Law of harmony (analogy)
Law of negation (dialectic)
Nature of the case
INTERPRETATION OF VARIOUS CLASSES OF LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prime concerns
General concepts for interpreting prophecy
Parables
History
PITFALLS IN INTERPRETATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allegorizing the comparison
Misidentifying the genre
Confusing precedent and example
Adopting an inappropriate model
Misidentifying the intended reference (frame of reference)
Confusing language and reality
Misreading restrictive/non-restrictive
Technicalizing terminology
Setting the conclusion and then working toward it
Confusing advice and commandment
TESTING THE INTERPRETATION OF OTHER PEOPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The burden of proof rests on the affirmative.
Illustrations do not prove.
Check to see whether the right model is being used.
Do not decide the correctness of an interpretation by whether it fits with what you
already believe.
Check to see about the intended reference.
Do not accept someone else's explanation simply because you cannot think of
another one.
Just because you cannot explain a difficulty between scriptures does not mean they
contradict.
Understanding another person does not mean agreeing with him.
Evaluating the interpretation is largely the same process as coming to a person's own
conclusion.
Do not try to refute an idea as you are trying to understand it.
Distinguish between truth and getting it from this passage.
Distinguish between what makes sense and what scripture teaches.
Do not overadjust your own interpretation of a passage in order to eliminate another
person's unacceptable view.
Do not get the practical problem ahead of the exegetical one.
Do not accept a view because of the people who hold it.
Make a certain amount of allowance for people mis-expressing themselves.
Be willing to listen to people who have previously been wrong on other points.
Do not demand a specific verse for every item of Christian understanding.
HERMENEUTICS AND LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The total process of hermeneutics and life
The structure of the Bible and the nature of Christianity
The structure of truth
AIDS TO INTERPRETATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ADDENDA
Concept Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introductory Considerations on Jonah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jewish Expectations of the Kingdom of God and Some Implications for New Testament
Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpretation in Hebrews Contrasted to the Allegorical Method of Philo . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Implications of Divine Self-Consistency: Exegetical Impasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Topical Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scripture Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Question/Statement Passages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Testament Hermeneutics on Old Testament Texts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Formats for Scripture References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Biblical Brain Teasers
Values of Biblical Languages for Bible Interpretation
Comments on “Fulfill”
Resolving Apparent Contradictions
Systematic Interpretation
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