DICTIONARY OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

The Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation (Volumes A–J and K–Z), edited by John H. Hayes, is a comprehensive reference tool that explores the history, theory, and practice of interpreting the Bible across centuries and theological traditions. Here’s a detailed summary:

Purpose and Audience

• Designed for scholars, theologians, and serious students of the Bible.
• Offers both introductory and advanced insights into biblical hermeneutics.

Structure and Features

• Alphabetical entries cover a wide range of topics including:
• Theological terms
• Historical figures in biblical interpretation
• Key hermeneutical methods (e.g., allegorical, historical-critical, feminist, liberationist)
• Biblical books and themes
• Each article is written by a specialist, often including bibliographies for further research.
• The work is interdisciplinary, drawing from theology, history, linguistics, literary theory, and cultural studies.

Key Themes and Contributions

• Traces how interpretation has evolved from early Jewish and Christian traditions through the Reformation and modern scholarly movements.
• Highlights denominational and cultural diversity in interpretation practices.
• Provides critical assessments of methods like source criticism, form criticism, narrative criticism, and reader-response.

This dictionary is a rich academic resource for exploring how meaning has been drawn from the biblical text in different historical and theological contexts.