Since its publication in 1994, An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics has become a standard text for a generation of students, pastors, and serious lay readers. This second edition has been substantially updated and expanded, allowing the authors to fine-tune and enrich their discussions on fundamental interpretive topics. In addition, four new chapters have been included that address more recent controversial issues:• The role of biblical theology in interpretation• How to deal with contemporary questions not directly addressed in the Bible• The New Testament’s use of the Old Testament• The role of history in interpretationThe book retains the unique aspect of being written by two scholars who hold differing viewpoints on many issues, making for vibrant, thought-provoking dialogue. What they do agree on, however, is the authority of Scripture, the relevance of personal Bible study to life, and why these things matter. Since its publication in 1994, An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics has become a standard text for a generation of students, pastors, and serious lay readers. This second edition has been substantially updated and expanded, allowing the authors to fine-tune and enrich their discussions on fundamental interpretive topics. In addition, four new chapters have been included that address more recent controversial issues:• The role of biblical theology in interpretation• How to deal with contemporary questions not directly addressed in the Bible• The New Testament's use of the Old Testament• The role of history in interpretationThe book retains the unique aspect of being written by two scholars who hold differing viewpoints on many issues, making for vibrant, thought-provoking dialogue. What they do agree on, however, is the authority of Scripture, the relevance of personal Bible study to life, and why these things matter. Walter C. Kaiser Jr. (PhD, Brandeis University) is distinguished professor emeritus of Old Testament and president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Dr. Kaiser has written over 40 books, including Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching; The Messiah in the Old Testament; and The Promise-Plan of God; and coauthored An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning. Dr. Kaiser and his wife, Marge, currently reside at Kerith Farm in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Dr. Kaiser’s website is www.walterckaiserjr.com. Moisés Silva taught biblical studies at Westmont College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of eight books and the revising editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible. Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics The Search for Meaning By Walter C. Kaiser Jr. Moiss Silva Zondervan Copyright © 2007 Walter C. Kaiser Jr. and Moiss Silva All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-27951-8 Contents Preface to the First Edition......................................................................9Preface to the Second Edition.....................................................................12Abbreviations.....................................................................................14Part 1. The Search for Meaning: Initial Directions1. Who Needs Hermeneutics Anyway?.................................................................172. The Meaning of Meaning.........................................................................293. Let's Be Logical: Using and Abusing Language...................................................494. How Do the Parts Fit the Whole? The Tool of Biblical Theology..................................675. Must We Go "Beyond" the Bible? The Theological Use of the Bible................................836. Does the New Testament Accurately Use the Old Testament?.......................................957. Why Get Entangled with Historical Interpretation? The Role of History..........................107Part 2. Understanding the Text: Meaning in Literary Genres8. "I Will Remember the Deeds of the Lord": The Meaning of Narrative..............................1239. "My Heart Is Stirred by a Noble Theme": The Meaning of Poetry and Wisdom.......................13910. "But These Are Written That You May Believe": The Meaning of the Gospels......................15711. How to Read a Letter: The Meaning of the Epistles.............................................17312. What about the Future? The Meaning of Prophecy................................................191Part 3. Responding to the Text: Meaning and Application13. "As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water": The Devotional Use of the Bible.....................21314. Obeying the Word: The Cultural Use of the Bible...............................................22315. Putting It All Together: The Theological Use of the Bible.....................................241Part 4. The Search for Meaning: Further Challenges16. A Short History of Interpre