How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: Fourth Edition

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Hermeneutics: the study of the methodological principles of interpretation. It is used in the narrower sense of seeking the contemporary relevance of ancient texts. The reason one needs to learn -how- to interpret is that, whether one likes it or not, every reader is at the same time an interpreter. That is, most of us assume as we read that we also understand what we read. … We also tend to think that -our understanding- is the same thing as the Holy Spirit's or human author's -intent-. However, we invariably bring to the text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. Sometimes what we bring to the text, unintentionally to be sure, leads us astray, or else causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the text." More than half a million people have turned to How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth to inform their reading of the Bible. This third edition features substantial revisions that keep pace with current scholarship, resources, and culture. Changes include: Considering how much has been written on any given book of the Bible, can such a short book cover the subject of biblical study fairly? The authors actually do a superb job of covering the “basics” of reading the Bible. Their explanations are concise, provide examples and is, usually, easy to follow. The fact that the book is so comprehensive while so pithy is certainly a testament to the writers’ expertise.

Solid exegesis must precede hermeneutics because the original intent of the biblical text is the only proper control for hermeneutics. Otherwise readers can take a text to mean whatever they want. The Mormons' baptising of the dead and the Jehovah's Witnesses' rejection of the deity of Christ are due to improper interpretation. In these cases, hermeneutics have not been controlled by solid exegesis.

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Given that the authors of this book violate their own rule in a few chapters (i.e. those on prophecy, the psalms, and Revelation), and how they try to accommodate Paul's use of the OT in 1 Co. 10, they would probably answer, "Yes, well Jesus can do that because He is inspired but you cannot," which is basically what they said about Paul. Yet, that is not an acceptable answer. I agree Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit and Jesus is God Himself, so they know what I do not, but that does not change the simple fact that the meaning IS THERE in the passage, even though the OT human author and audience did not know it. That shows their rule is too restrictive. First, we must read well (pg. 30). In our reading we must gain understanding of the historical and literary context, as well as the actual content of the passage (pg. 62). We cannot merely seek to “get around” verses that are challenging to our theological presuppositions or traditions, but instead get into the text for all it is worth (pg. 76-77). Simply put, the most important question we will ever ask is: “what’s the point? (pg. 31-32, 67, 120). This strikes at authorial intent or the development of a book’s overall argument (pg. 265). Fee and Stuart providing numerous examples of developing such an argument in both Old Testament and New Testament passages. Furthermore, Fee & Stuart clearly point out the flaws of the KJV/NKJV by exposing translation errors that essentially change the meaning of the original text by encouraging what is known as "proof-texting" which simply means taking verses out of context to suit ones own meaning, i.e. "name it and claim it" theology, so-called end-times "the sky is falling" rescue-ism of Dispensational theology, taking Revelation literally rather than as the figurative narrative from Genesis to the ascension of Christ, the egoism of Calvinism, etc., etc. Regarding the authors of the book, Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart both write in an easy to follow manner. Though the use of many specialized terms might scare the layperson reader, both authors make sure to explain the meaning of said terms in a manner for all readers to comprehend.

Evangelical Christians often get very nervous about this type of book. They see much that has served to diminish the Bible over the years as coming from the "liberal" religious, academic camps as seeking to diminish what the Bible plainly says. Even the appendix is so thorough that its commentary recommendations take into consideration what may be better for the general reader in comparison to the advanced student, which is so helpful when trying to figure out which books may be over my head, or just right for me. The book offers a brief and comprehensible set of guidelines that can help any willing person to interpret the Bible at a beginners level whilst also suggesting additional materials, such as commentaries or handbooks to understand the historical context or the context in which a certain book of the Bible was written. Being a layperson myself, this book has helped me understand the necessity of interpreting the Bible and has offered clear advices towards this endeavour. Terms such as exegesis and hermeneutics were foreign to me but as i continued reading I gradually understood their meaning and most of all their importance. New Testament Abstracts This is a book about hermeneutics, without jargon or footnotes. It is very readable and makes good sense. . . . Carefully thought out and written.It helps our understanding of the Gospels to know the messianic expectations of Israel when Jesus appeared. The fact that Haggai prophesied after the exile is important. A Bible dictionary can answer many of these questions. For example, a denarius was offered to the workers in Matthew 20:1-16, yet this equivalent of a whole day's wage is translated as a penny in the KJV. Gordon Fee currently serves as the general editor of the New International Commentary series, as well as on the NIV revision committee that produced the TNIV. Besides his ability as a biblical scholar, he is a noted teacher and conference speaker. He has given the Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar lectures on fifteen college campuses as well as the annual NT lectures at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, North Park Seminary, the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, the Canadian Theological Seminary, Duke Divinity School, Golden Gate Baptist, Anderson School of Theology, Asbury Seminary, and Chrichton College. An ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, Gordon Fee is well known for his manifest concern for the renewal of the church. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stewart examines the exegetical and hermeneutical issues related to the various genres of biblical literature. It provides a comprehensive introduction that should truly enhance a believer’s ability to read the Scriptures profitably while avoiding many common pitfalls. Although written by two distinguished biblical scholars, the authors do try to make this accessible to the laity.