Berkhof, principles of biblical interpretation 19 history of interpretation poythress, godcentered biblical interpretation foundations optional. To follow berkhof here is to do systematic teaches the grammaticalhistorical approach clearly, with a great section on interpreting, types, metaphors, allegory, etc. This is the meaning god intended when he breathed his word into the human authors, and the passage was written. 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 gods word. Principles and processes of biblical interpretation.
While the bible records several names of god, it also speaks of the name of god in the singular as, for instance in the following statements. The bible is unique among literature, becauseunlike other written worksthe bible contains the principles which determine and govern its own interpretation. The spiritual process is crucial but difficult to define. Muenscher, manual of biblical interpre tation, chap. Louis berkhof has 35 books on goodreads with 9974 ratings. Question on berkhofs principles of biblical interpretation. Paul lee tan, in his book literal interpretation of the bible says, apparently the bible can be made to prove almost anything. Principles of biblical interpretation media sabda org. Free online bible library systematic theology, by louis berkhof. Biblical interpretation ultimately is about discerning the meaning of what the bible says. Visit the presidents page to see his availability to speak at your church or ministry 523 ne everett st camas, wa 98607 888 3589998. Principles of biblical interpretation berkhof westminster. He taught for almost four decades at calvin theological seminary and served as its president from 19311944.
Berkhof on theological interpretation the sovereign logos. His systematic theology was his magnum opus, being revised and enlarged during his lifetime until it reached its present final form. Bachin hermeneutics from the greek her menetlo, to interpret is the science of interpretation. His works on biblical interpretation have become classics in reformed. It may be applied to both sacred and secular literature, so that its study in application to holy scripture is further defined as. This textbook covers the history of hermeneutical principles, the proper conception of the bible, grammatical interpretation, and historical and theological. After spending a chapter each on the grammatical and historical interpretation of scripture, louis berkhof, in his principles of biblical interpretation, begins his chapter on what he calls the theological interpretation. The dogmas of the church are simply the intellectual formulations of its. Systematic theology, by louis berkhof biblical training. Principles of biblical interpretation pdf free download epdf.
His works on biblical interpretation have become classics in reformed hermeneutics. The relationship between form and meaning in the interpretation of the bible in determining what any biblical passage means, we must consider three. Louis berkhof louis berkhof was an americandutch reformed theologian who served as a pastor in. Berkhof shows the bible student ways in which the differences or the. If the bible is the word of god and gods revelation to man, then surely god would give us a way to discern accurately what he meant. The principles will also show that much of the variety is caused by a failure to follow sound methodology in interpretation. They believe that god has spoken to us clearly, and that there is only one correct interpretation of any bible passage. These principles are embedded in the scripture itself.
Berkhofs systematic theology, included in this collection, is one of the most widely cited theological works in recent decades. Louis berkhof october, 1873 may 18, 1957 was an americandutch reformed theologian whose works on systematic theology have been influential in seminaries and bible colleges in the united states, canada, korea and with individual christians in general throughout the 20th century. For god not to give us a way to interpret the bible is to leave the interpretation of scripture to human wisdom that is at best faulty. Principles of biblical interpretation sacred hermeneutics. Berkhof wrote twentytwo books during his career, including systematic theology and history of christian doctrines.
Principles and processes of biblical interpretation, 2nd ed. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. The bible interprets itself scripture interprets scripture. The 15volume louis berkhof collection contains important works on theology, social issues, education, and politics from one of the twentieth centurys leading reformed thinkers. Berkhof affirms the inspiration of scripture, affirming and expanding upon b. Louis berkhof october, 1873 may 18, 1957 was an americandutch reformed theologian whose works on systematic theology have been influential in seminaries and bible colleges in the united states, canada, korea and with individual christians in general throughout the. Emerging from scripture are four presuppositions that serve as fundamental principles for interpreting scripture, and six specific guidelines or procedures for interpretation. Principles of biblical interpretation by louis berkhof goodreads. Richard muller calls it the best modern englishlanguage introduction to doctrinal theology of the reformed tradition. To be without an understanding of these principles is. Principles of biblical interpretation sacred hermeneutics currently unavailable. Irenaeus, modernity, and vatican ii 1 robert barron 2 mundelein seminary there is a growing consensus that a onesidedly historicalcritical approach to the interpretation of sacred scriptures is inadequate. The bible informs us that man was created in the image of god.
Introduction to bible interpretation christians agree that the bible is the word of god. This means we must get into the authors context, historically, grammatically, culturally and the literary forms and conventions the author was working in. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone. Underlying hermeneutical assumptions biblical interpretation is always based on some set of assumptions, and the following is a. Technical terms and detailed explanations have been avoided, and important scripture passages are printed in full. The christian accepts the truth of the existence of god by faith. Buy a cheap copy of principles of biblical interpretation book by louis berkhof. Berkhof claims that the strict grammaticohistorical method of interpreting scripture fails to take into account the. Books by louis berkhof author of systematic theology. Sound hermeneutics will improve your effectiveness as a bible teacher.
Thou shalt not take the name of the lord thy god in vain, ex. A textbook covering the history of hermeneutical principles, the proper conception of the bible, grammatical interpretation, and historical and theological interpretation. There are several things which are conducive to an understanding of gods word. Summary of christian doctrine 97808028152 by louis berkhof. Buy principles of biblical interpretation by louis berkhof online at alibris. Mar 22, 2011 after spending a chapter each on the grammatical and historical interpretation of scripture, louis berkhof, in his principles of biblical interpretation, begins his chapter on what he calls the theological interpretation. He served as president of the seminary from 19311944.
Wayne grudem has said berkhofs systematic theology is a great treasurehouse of information and analysis. Apr 01, 2003 principles of biblical interpretation covers the history of hermeneutical principles, the proper conception of the bible, grammatical interpretation, and historical and theological interpretation, offering guidance to all who study scripture. The principles found in this book will help the reader to understand that much of the variety in interpretation is good and that it representsa creativity for which the christian church may be grateful. Pantheism merges the natural and supernatural, the finite and infinite, into one substance. Louis berkhof was a reformed systematic theologian whose written works have been influential in seminaries and bible colleges in the united states and canada and with individual christians in general throughout the 20th century. For the first 20 years he taught biblical studies until in 1926 he moved into the systematic theology department. Bill mounce blogs on spiritual formation and on greek at. This primer introduces the reader to grammatical, historical, and theological interpretation. These are simply a few of the basic, practical principles of biblical interpretation that i set forth years ago in my book knowing scripture. Biblical theology biblical theology is the study of divine revelation as it was given throughout the old and new testament. It may be applied to both sacred and secular literature, so that its study in application to holy scripture is further defined as biblical hermeneutics or hermen eutica sacra. Principles of basic biblical interpretation biblical. Principles of interpretation as recognized generally by biblical scholars, treated as a science, derived inductively from an exegesis of many passages of scripture. The literal interpretation principle we take the bible at face value.
Berkhofs loyalty to the welldefined lines of the reformed faith, his concise and compact style and his uptodate treatment have made this work the most important twentieth century compendium of reformed theology. I mention that book here because so many people have expressed to me how helpful it has been to guide them into a responsible practice of biblical interpretation. Berkhofs intent in those pages is to address people who might say, well, you understand the scripture to mean one thing but i understand it to mean something else, and both are equally valid. Louis berkhof 18731957 was an americandutch reformed theologian who served as a pastor in michigan and taught at calvin theological seminary for almost four decades. From the back cover louis berkhof had established himself as one of the finest evangelical theologians of the century when he published this textbook in 1950. That is to say that hermeneutics provides the guiding principles that underlie the entire process of biblical interpretation. Interpretation must be based on the authors intention of meaning and not the reader. In his work on systematic theology berkhof followed in the line of john calvin and embraced the development of reformed theology by the dutch. The seed of religion is still present in all men, though their sinful nature constantly. Berkhof was born in 1873 in emmen in the netherlands and. Berkhof, principles 4060 inspiration van til, an introduction to systematic theology 62158, especially 110145.
This gives the reader not only an understanding of the principles of proper biblical interpretation but also the ability to apply those principles in sermon preparation, personal bible study, or writing. Application is an integral partne r to interpretation, but prope r interpretation must always precede application. The necessity of the study of hermeneutics follows from several considerations. Similar to the authors manual of christian doctrine, this volume offers a simpler and briefer presentation of christian doctrine geared especially to high school students. Principles of biblical interpretation, by louis berkhof. Visit the presidents page to see his availability to speak at your church or ministry 523 ne everett st. Principles of biblical interpretation by louis berkhof alibris. Pantheism merges the natural and supernatural, the finite and infinite, into. Principles of biblical interpretation sacred hermeneutics by l.
No, he says, there is a single right way to understand what a passage is saying. Louis berkhof 1873 1957 was a reformed theologian best known for his systematic theology 1932. It is arranged in an orderly, easy to understand manner. Chapter 2 general principles of hermeneutics inspiration of the autographs for an excellent survey of the doctrine of inspiration and its relation to hermeneutics, see berkhof, pbi, ch.
This landmark work on reformed hermeneutics introduces readers to a method of interpreting scripture as the uniquely inspired word of god. In many instances even they whose fundamental principles would seem to require. The 10 principles of biblical interpretation there are certain principles that will help us to accurately handle the word of truth. Principles of biblical interpretation by louis berkhof. Exegesis is the actual interpretation of the bible, and hermeneutics consists of the principles by which the meaning is determined zuck, pp. It is our purpose to lay bare the essential features of the literal system. It is easy to see that the many different sects of christendom use the bible to prove contradictory teachings. Berkhof, principles of biblical interpretation 3166. Waltke, a canonical process approach to the psalms, in tradition and testament.
Greek hebrew hebrew language herm hermeneutical principles. If we commence defending specific doctrines, we confuse hermeneutics with exegesis. Berkhof s intent in those pages is to address people who might say, well, you understand the scripture to mean one thing but i understand it to mean something else, and both are equally valid. It must be reiterated that every biblical text has one and only one meaning. Principles of biblical interpretation the surprising god. This paper explores the biblical principles for interpreting scripture, as these arise out of scripture itself. This meaning is what the original biblical author intende d through the spirits leadership to communicate to his day. When he fell in sin, he did not entirely cease to be the imagebearer of the most high. All fundamentalists and biblical christian churches strongly disagree. Principles of biblical interpretation book by louis berkhof. There are a few sections where berkhofs paedobaptisthermeneutic shows however, like when berkhof writes the old testament offers the key to the right interpretation of the. Gibbs and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. He also delivered princeton theological seminarys stone.
Biblical interpretation is a rationa l and spiritual process that attempts to understand an ancient inspired writer in such a way that the message from god may be understood and applied in our day. Unconditional obedience to god despite his many contradictions and complexities. Oct, 2014 these are simply a few of the basic, practical principles of biblical interpretation that i set forth years ago in my book knowing scripture. Hermeneutics principles and processes of biblical interpretation second edition henry a.
43 590 1312 706 1378 316 1306 650 954 390 789 1311 194 583 1217 1437 114 1242 45 920 35 1453 346 336 91 940 261 80 890 183 464 1281 278 826 301