The New Cambridge Companion to Biblical Interpretation

This volume provides an up-to-date introduction to the diverse ways the Bible is being interpreted by scholars in the field.

Ian Boxall (Edited by), Bradley C. Gregory (Edited by)

9781108490924, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 December 2022

410 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.7 cm, 0.75 kg

'All in all, this [Companion] is a fascinating document of the times that shows how biblical scholarship has developed over the past 25 years and how great the diversity of approaches has become. The editors rightly state in their introduction that the method an interpreter chooses in practice mainly shows why he or she concerns himself with the texts of the Bible. Logically, one approach will appeal more than another, but this collection has at least succeeded in highlighting the uniqueness of each approach and the value of different reading perspectives.' J. Dekker, Theologia Reformata

This Cambridge Companion offers an up-to-date and accessible guide to the fast-changing discipline of biblical studies. Written by scholars from diverse backgrounds and religious commitments – many of whom are pioneers in their respective fields – the volume covers a range of contemporary scholarly methods and interpretive frameworks. The volume reflects the diversity and globalized character of biblical interpretation in which neat boundaries between author-focused, text-focused, and reader-focused approaches are blurred. The significant space devoted to the reception of the Bible – in art, literature, liturgy, and religious practice – also blurs the distinction between professional and popular biblical interpretation. The volume provides an ideal introduction to the various ways that scholars are currently interpreting the Bible. It offers both beginning and advanced students an understanding of the state of biblical interpretation, and how to explore each topic in greater depth.

Introduction Ian Boxall and Bradley C. Gregory
Part I. Methods
1. A Historical, Critical Retrospective on Historical Criticism Paul Michael Kurtz
2. Historical Criticism: Methods Shively Smith
3. Philosophical Hermeneutics Craig Bartholomew
4. Literary Criticism Francisco Lozada, Jr.
5. Rhetorical Criticism Greg Carey
6. Intertextuality Stefan Alkier
7. Social-Scientific Criticism Philip F. Esler
Part II. Frameworks/Stances
8. Jewish Interpretation Karin Hedner Zetterholm
9. Christian Theological Interpretation Stephen Fowl
10. Liberationist Interpretation Gerald O. West
11. Postcolonial Interpretation Jin Young Choi
12. Feminist Interpretation Mary Ann Beavis
13. LGBTI/Queer Interpretation Ken Stone
14. Ecological Interpretation Deryn Guest
Part III. Reception
15. The Relevance of Textual Criticism for Biblical Interpretation Bradley C. Gregory
16. Premodern Interpretation and Contemporary Exegesis Richard S. Briggs
17. The Bible and Literature Alison Jack
18. The Bible and Visual Exegesis Ben Quash
19. Uses of the Bible in Communities of Faith Ian Boxall.

Subject Areas: New Testaments [HRCF2], Old Testaments [HRCF1], Religion: general [HRA]