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READING THE WORD OF GOD IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD: A Handbook for Biblical Interpretation
VERN S. POYTHRESS
Every time we read the Bible, we’re reading in the presence of God. How should this incredible truth shape how we read?
Moving quickly from principle to practice, Vern Poythress helps us rethink how we interpret the Bible by showing us the implications of entering into God’s presence as we study. This handbook outlines distinct steps for practicing faithful biblical interpretation by focusing on our fellowship with the God who speaks to us through his Word.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Introductory Principles for Interpretation
Foundations for Interpretation
Principles for Interpreting the Bible
Complementary Starting Points for Interpretation
Part 2: Simple Steps for Interpretation
Three Simple Steps in Interpretation
The Three Steps as Perspectives
Correlation: Comparing Passages
Part 3: Issues with Time
Transmission
Original Contexts
Original Communication
Part 4: Issues with Authorship
Dual Authorship
Difficulties with Authorship
Part 5: Issues with Language
Basic Linguistic Structures
Understanding Linguistic Subsystems
Units in Contrast, Variation, and Distribution
Meaning
Figurative Language
Words and Concepts
Discourse
Genre
Using Commentaries
Part 6: Redemptive-Historical Interpretation
The History of Redemption
Christocentric Interpretation
Typology
Additional Stages Reflecting on Typology
Varieties of Analogies
Varieties of Types
Antitypes
Themes
Part 7: Assessment
Hermeneutics Outline in Detail
Alternate Paths of Interpretation
The Fulfillment Approach
Boundaries for Interpretation
Part 8: Examples
Proverbs 10:1
Psalm 4:8
Amos 1:3
Conclusion
Appendices
Appendix A: Redeeming How We Interpret
Appendix B: Secular Views of Meaning
Appendix C: Interpreting Human Texts
Appendix D: Redeemed Analogues to Critical Methods
Appendix E: Philosophical Hermeneutics
ENDORSEMENTS
“While many sincere Christians read the Scriptures as personal communiques from God, biblical scholars often treat them as little more than human documents written for people living long ago. Vern Poythress insists neither of these paths reflects how Christ calls his followers to approach the Bible. Everyone familiar with Poythress's theological reflections knows that he is one of the brightest minds of our day. Everyone familiar with his life knows the depth of his piety. In this book, Poythress offers a glimpse into how he employs both of these gifts from the Holy Spirit as he handles the Bible. His reflections will challenge and inspire everyone who seeks to read the Scriptures in the presence of God.” -Richard L. Pratt Jr., President, Third Millennium Ministries
“Vern Poythress has given the church a truly comprehensive guide to reading and appropriating Scripture. This unique resource explains both the first steps for beginners and the theological, philosophical, and linguistic foundations for sophisticated interpretation.” -Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary
“Providing both theological foundations and practical strategies for interpretation, Dr. Poythress explains the simple yet astounding truth that God is present in his Word and speaks to us as we read. With pastoral sensitivity, he combines linguistic theory, hermeneutics, systematic theology, and expert biblical knowledge into a compelling work both instructive for advanced students of the Bible and accessible for beginners. I highly commend this book and look forward to sharing it with my congregation.” -Camden Bucey, Pastor, Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Grayslake, Illinois; President, Reformed Forum
“Reading the Word of God in the Presence of God does two very hard things very well. First, it guides a spectrum of readers from an introductory listening to God speaking in Scripture into deeper explorations of the Word’s multifaceted witness to Christ. Second, this book exemplifies a radical, refreshing alternative to mainstream methods of biblical interpretation—an approach controlled at every point by the Bible’s claim to be the very Word of the ever-living, ever-present God.” -Dennis E. Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California; author, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption; Let’s Study Acts; and Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims
“Vern Poythress has done readers a great service by providing an easy to understand guide to the complexities of biblical interpretation. Readers will benefit from his knowledge of the way language works, his emphasis on the divine inspiration of Scripture, and the ways in which every passage relates to God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Here is a trustworthy and practical guide for anyone interested in reading the Bible faithfully.” --Brandon D. Crowe, Professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary
Vern S. Poythress (PhD, Harvard University; ThD, University of Stellenbosch) is Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has taught for four decades. In addition to earning six academic degrees, he is the author of numerous books and articles on biblical interpretation, language, and science.
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