4.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews. – Customer review on 23/04/2006

An excellent, easy-to-use introduction to reading the Bible. The whole area of hermeneutics and exegetical studies can be pretty confusing and uninspiring. however, Sterret makes it simple.
The contents include:

I. Basic Considerations

Personal Bible Study Is a Must
Who Can Understand the Bible?
The Importance of Proper Understanding
The Point of Departure
Using the Right Tools
How to Proceed


II. General Principles

Considering the Context
Understanding the Words
Understanding the Grammar
Grasping the Author's Intention
Studying the Background
Interpreting Scripture by Scripture


III. Special Principles

Figures of Speech
Symbols
Types
Parables and Allegories
Hebrew Idioms
Hebrew Poetry
Prophecy
Doctrine
The Relation of the Old and New Testaments
IV. Personal Application

Responding to God's Word

His section on general principles is excellent. Background, author's intention, context - simple principles, but often ignored by Christians today. An excellent resource for pastors, ministers and lay-people. For more technical & in-depth treatment, try Gorman "Elements of Exegesis". For an excellent treatment of literary genre, try Fee & Stuart's "How to Read the Bible For All its Worth" (3rd ed). Another excellent resource is "Introduction To Biblical Interpretation" by William W. Klein, Craig L. Blomberg, Robert L. Hubbard.