Product Description

In this newly revised and expanded edition, Grant Osborne provides seminary students and working pastors with the full set of tools they need to move from sound exegesis to the development of biblical and systematic theologies and to the preparation of sound, biblical sermons.

Osborne contends that hermeneutics is a spiral from text to context--a movement between the horizon of the text and the horizon of the reader that spirals nearer and nearer toward the intended meaning of the text and its significance for today.

Well-established as the standard evangelical work in the field since its first publication in 1991, has been updated to meet the needs of a new generation of students and pastors. General revisions have been made throughout, new chapters have been added on Old Testament law and the use of the Old Testament in the New, and the bibliography has been thoroughly updated.

A 1993 Critics' Choice Award winner in theology and biblical studies.

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Not as an introduction        Rating:

Not as an introduction. I can't leave without suggesting some other tools: (1) Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation by Henry Virkler and Karelynne Ayayo; (2) How To Read A Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren; (3) New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors by Gordon Fee; and (4) Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors by Douglas Stuart. Although book #3 and 4 deals with Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), you can learn a lot from them even if you do not know the languages. (5) "Basics of Biblical Greek" Grammar by William D. Mounce [plus "Biblical Greek Survival Kit" and "Sing and Learn New Testament Greek" audio CD by Kenneth Berding]; (6) "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy (Third Edition with Cd-Rom).

The Hermeneutical Spiral        Rating:

Grant Osborne is an excellent writer and scholar. His desire that the book help people study the biblical text correctly comes through well. Readers can use this textbook regardless of depth of biblical languages. Osborne provides information on the kinds of criticisms under which many study and how those should be incorporated appropriately.

Provides a Solid Foundation for Biblical Interpretation        Rating:

The size of the book may seem daunting to many (500+ pages), but the knowledge contained within will be worth your time if you are considering to properly study the Bible. This book pretty much covers the wide range of subjects necessary to properly interpret the biblical texts. It doesn't address each of these subjects in extensive details, but it does provide a solid foundation for further investigation. Most of the material contained within the book can be very dry - like any other textbook or instruction manual, but it is invaluable for properly studying the Bible. I would recommend reading the book straight through the first time, and then put it on your shelf as a handy reference tool.

Sink Your Teeth Into This....        Rating:

This book by Dr. Grant Osborne is an excellent resource, particularly for the scholar or the pastor. Osborne shows the consequential relationships between the various types of theology, forms, genres, and styles that make the New Testament similar to other books despite being totally unlike any other book in terms of the fact it is God-breathed.

The most valuable part of the book in my opinion was the brief discussion of exegetical fallacies that permeate the teaching and preaching ministries of so many. Adopted from DA Carson, the fallacies demonstrated both human frailty and the necessity of learning. The reader would do well to get Carson's book as well, but this is a must-have resource for all concerned about New Testament truth.

The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation        Rating:

As of 9-5-08, I have not had time to do any reading in this book. This book is actually one of the text books I will be using for a Masters level course that I am currently enrolled in.

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