by Louis Berkhof
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
The classic introduction to Biblical hermeneutics
Much of the present day confusion in the realm of religion, and in the application of Biblical principles, stems from distorted interpretation and misinterpretation of God's Word. That is true even in those circles which adhere unwaveringly to the infallibility of Holy Scriptures.
We are convinced that the adoption and use of sound principles of interpretation in the study of the Bible will prove surprisingly fruitful. We believe that this is one means which "the Spirit of truth" is pleased to use in leading His people "into all truth." It is with this in mind that we offer this book for individual guidance in the study of Scriptures, and particularly for use in seminaries and Bible schools. The early adoption of valid procedure in Biblical interpretation will lead the devoted kingdom worker to a life of useful service for the advancement of God's kingdom.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
I. INTRODUCTION
II. HISTORY OF HERMENEUTICAL PRINCIPLES AMONG THE JEWS
-- A. Definition of History of Hermeneutics
-- B. Principles of Interpretation among the Jews
III. HISTORY OF HERMENEUTICAL PRINCIPLES IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
-- A. The Patristic Period
-- B. The Period of the Middle Ages
-- C. The Period of the Reformation
-- D. The Period of Confessionalism
-- E. The Historico-Critical Period
IV. THE PROPER CONCEPTION OF THE BIBLE, THE OBJECT OF HERMENEUTICA SACRA
-- A. The Inspiration of the Bible
-- B. Unity and Diversity in the Bible
-- C. The Unity of the Sense of Scripture
-- D. The Style of Scripture: General Characteristics
-- E. The Exegetical Standpoint of the Interpreter
V. GRAMMATICAL INTERPRETATION
-- A. Meaning of the Separate Words
-- B. The Meaning of the Words in their Connection
-- C. Internal Helps for the Explanation of Words
-- D. The Figurative Use of Words
-- E. Interpretation of the Thought
-- F. Internal Helps for the Interpretation of the Thought
-- G. External Helps for the Grammatical Interpretation
VI. HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION
-- A. Definition and Explanation
-- B. Personal Characteristics of the Author or Speaker
-- C. Social Circumstances of the Author
-- D. Circumstances Peculiar to the Writings
-- E. Helps of the Historical Interpretation
VII. THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION
-- A. Name
-- B. The Bible as a Unity
-- C. The Mystical Sense of Scripture
-- D. The Symbolical and Typical Interpretation of Scripture
-- E. The Interpretation of Prophecy
-- F. The Interpretation of the Psalms
-- G. The Implied Sense of Scripture
-- H. Helps for the Theological Interpretation