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The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
In this newly revised and expanded edition, Grant Osborne provides seminary students and working pastors with the full set of tools they need to move from sound exegesis to the development of biblical and systematic theologies and to the preparation of sound, biblical sermons.
Osborne contends that hermeneutics is a spiral from text to context--a movement between the horizon of the text and the horizon of the reader that spirals nearer and nearer toward the intended meaning of the text and its significance for today.
Well-established as the standard evangelical work in the field since its first publication in 1991, The Hermeneutical Spiral has been updated to meet the needs of a new generation of students and pastors. General revisions have been made throughout, new chapters have been added on Old Testament law and the use of the Old Testament in the New, and the bibliography has been thoroughly updated.
A 1993 Christianity Today Critics' Choice Award winner in theology and biblical studies.
Osborne contends that hermeneutics is a spiral from text to context--a movement between the horizon of the text and the horizon of the reader that spirals nearer and nearer toward the intended meaning of the text and its significance for today.
Well-established as the standard evangelical work in the field since its first publication in 1991, The Hermeneutical Spiral has been updated to meet the needs of a new generation of students and pastors. General revisions have been made throughout, new chapters have been added on Old Testament law and the use of the Old Testament in the New, and the bibliography has been thoroughly updated.
A 1993 Christianity Today Critics' Choice Award winner in theology and biblical studies.
624 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1991
189 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Grant R. Osborne
77 books20 followersGrant R. Osborne was an American theologian and New Testament scholar. He was Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
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March 23, 2017
This massive book lives up to its subtitle of “a comprehensive introduction to Biblical interpretation”. It’s the fullest volume I have seen on the subject and it brings the word encyclopedic to mind. There’s no way that you could find any subject in the field of hermeneutics not mentioned in this book. Its greatest strength may also be its greatest weakness as it may be simply to prolix for some people. Still, Grant Osborne has had as much direction in the scholarly world for hermeneutics study as anyone in the last 30 years. Additionally, this busy scholar has written a few important commentaries along the way.
His conception of hermeneutics as a spiral form from text to context has become the preeminent academic theory of biblical interpretation today. In this book, he breaks down the hermeneutical spiral in great detail. In his lengthy introduction, he explains the issues of interpretation, the difficulty of acquiring meaning, how to view the Scriptures, the place of the reader in interpretation, and how the goal of hermeneutics is expository preaching.
Part 1 is on general hermeneutics and covers five chapters. He takes in turn context, grammar, semantics, syntax, and historical and cultural backgrounds. In each case, he describes the range of things that has been believed in the subjects and strongly argues for his own perspective. Again, the detail is incredible and covers main issues as well as esoteric ones.
Part 2 covers genre analysis, or what we might call special cases in hermeneutics, in nine chapters. In my opinion, he shined even more in this part. The special sections of the Bible can be difficult in biblical interpretation and he gives much food for thought in every category. Even where I could not agree with him, I found him both exhaustive and interesting.
Part 3 is special. He calls it applied hermeneutics and he covers biblical theology, systematic theology, homiletics– contextualization, and homiletics– the sermon. This section continues past where most hermeneutics books end. In making the natural progression to homiletics, he provides almost a second book on that needed subject for preachers all within the same covers of this book. There’s two appendices at the end on some fairly-narrow scholarly issues too.
There’s no doubt that this is a five-star book. The only question is if it’s too much for some readers. For those who want THE book on hermeneutics, this is it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
His conception of hermeneutics as a spiral form from text to context has become the preeminent academic theory of biblical interpretation today. In this book, he breaks down the hermeneutical spiral in great detail. In his lengthy introduction, he explains the issues of interpretation, the difficulty of acquiring meaning, how to view the Scriptures, the place of the reader in interpretation, and how the goal of hermeneutics is expository preaching.
Part 1 is on general hermeneutics and covers five chapters. He takes in turn context, grammar, semantics, syntax, and historical and cultural backgrounds. In each case, he describes the range of things that has been believed in the subjects and strongly argues for his own perspective. Again, the detail is incredible and covers main issues as well as esoteric ones.
Part 2 covers genre analysis, or what we might call special cases in hermeneutics, in nine chapters. In my opinion, he shined even more in this part. The special sections of the Bible can be difficult in biblical interpretation and he gives much food for thought in every category. Even where I could not agree with him, I found him both exhaustive and interesting.
Part 3 is special. He calls it applied hermeneutics and he covers biblical theology, systematic theology, homiletics– contextualization, and homiletics– the sermon. This section continues past where most hermeneutics books end. In making the natural progression to homiletics, he provides almost a second book on that needed subject for preachers all within the same covers of this book. There’s two appendices at the end on some fairly-narrow scholarly issues too.
There’s no doubt that this is a five-star book. The only question is if it’s too much for some readers. For those who want THE book on hermeneutics, this is it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 5, 2019
This book is extremely long and extremely complicated. Is not for the average reader, but instead it is highly academic and scholarly framed. If what you want is a practical handbook on hermeneutics (biblical interpretation) then do not start with this but rather use Stuart&Fee's "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth". Almost the same material, but much more accessible.
December 15, 2022
Osborne's textbook on hermeneutics, characterised by balanced scholarship, comes as advertised. It is as technical as it is comprehensive but remains helpful given the sheer scope of topics related to interpretation and exegesis it addresses.
November 21, 2017
I timely guide for contemporary preaching. It left me feeling hopeful that the quest for honest interpretation of the Scriptures is possible. The phrase, "hermeneutics of humility" will stay with me. We are never done learning!
March 21, 2022
Extremely thorough, well-researched, and comprehensive. I appreciated the extensive interaction with scholarly literature, though I might feel like overkill for some readers. Further, Osborne maintains both a rigorous commitment to the authority of Scripture as God’s Word and a rigorous commitment to careful scholarship.
The chapters on Applied Hermeneutics went where most hermeneutics texts end. I was helped by this book, and would readily recommend it to other pastors/students wishing to more carefully interpret and apply God’s Word.
The chapters on Applied Hermeneutics went where most hermeneutics texts end. I was helped by this book, and would readily recommend it to other pastors/students wishing to more carefully interpret and apply God’s Word.
August 3, 2022
Challenging book. Very academic but helpful (especially the chapters on Homiletics and the appendices).
Wouldn’t recommend this as a first read on the topic. There is some prerequisite knowledge needed. I also think a key to getting the fullest out of this book is a reliance on the spirit and not simply “slid rule” exegesis.
Wouldn’t recommend this as a first read on the topic. There is some prerequisite knowledge needed. I also think a key to getting the fullest out of this book is a reliance on the spirit and not simply “slid rule” exegesis.
August 4, 2021
This volume is essential for every Bible Teacher. Although it is a little bit lengthy, it worth the time and effort.
January 28, 2021
Good but would not recommend for the laymen.
August 4, 2021
3 stars [Literary]
(W: 2.63, U: 3.5, T: 3.25)
Exact rating: 3.13
#8 of 11 on Exegesis
Osborne's textbook on Exegesis and Hermeneutics started out well, but in the end it did not surpass Fee and Stuart's accessible (yet flawed) How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. I say the following as a qualified Exegete who has done years of post-graduate exegetical research: Osborne's The Hermeneutical Spiral is a fairly good exegetical textbook, but the reader ought to be wary.
The Good
Osborne exhibited an uncommon grasp of Linguistics in an era when Linguistics was just beginning its struggle to attain its proper and crucial place within Biblical Exegesis. That struggle continues in 2021, and any exegetical textbook inculcating it is one to hold higher than those which do not.
Osborne rightly denounced proof-texting (p.23), a priori theological schema producing a "canon within a canon" (pp.28-29), and formulaism (p.74, 79). He affirmed a nuanced view of Hebrew stem semantics (p.67) and presented errors in homiletic application (pp.441-442). He included extended discussion on Figures of Speech (pp.121-130), the hermeneutics of Parable (pp.302-308), the interrelationship of theological sub-disciplines (throughout Part III), and an excursus on classical rhetorical patters (pp.145-147).
His diagrams were usually helpful, such as reproducing Silva’s degrees of reference (Fig. 3.1), Nida’s three types of synonyms (Fig. 3.5), and Osborne's first three diagrams about the process of biblical theology (Fig 15.1, 15:2, and 15:3).
The Bad
Osborne was systematically overcautious, and often did not explain his overcautious conclusions. Caution is actually a virtue in exegesis, but not to the degree Osborne evinced. He professed the impossibility of completely objective exegesis, and that is an unfortunate and confused belief which ought not be held by those with a high view of the intercession of the Holy Spirit.
In Part III, he 'kept in' high-register, extended, philosophical discourses as if it had first been a dissertation. This is the sort of thing one ought to edit out when compiling textbooks or popular books.
Another too-academic element was the dry prose which introduces scholars without preamble or commentary like, "John Smith sees five elements to this particular thing...." Even though I am used to this sort of academic prose, I often said to myself, "Why should I care about what this particular scholar said?" I thought perhaps only 30-40% of such material was worthwhile.
Osborne was egregiously naïve concerning the aims and axioms of postmodernism and liberation worldviews. Osborne was gracious and somewhat discerning about their faults, but did not seem to understand that postmodernism's aim is conquering the academic world with its idiocy, not merely provide another approach to biblical studies. Thankfully this methodological ecumenism was rare.
Osborne had a good section on "Issues in Theological Construction" (pp.386-406), but as soon as he tried to apply it, he misapplied it; he contravened his own principles by appealing to Conciliarism concerning the extra-biblical Hypostatic Union.
Takeaway
The utility of the book earned a notable 3.5 stars because, despite its demerits, it still could be used as an Exegesis textbook at the graduate or undergraduate level. Its unsolidity did not begin until Part III, so Parts I-II could be used as a sequestered part.
If Osborne was a little naive, Fee and Stuart strayed into minor error in several places of their book; if Osborne had only cut out 100 pages of the dissertation material and livened up his prose a little, he might have outshone Fee and Stuart.
(W: 2.63, U: 3.5, T: 3.25)
Exact rating: 3.13
#8 of 11 on Exegesis
Osborne's textbook on Exegesis and Hermeneutics started out well, but in the end it did not surpass Fee and Stuart's accessible (yet flawed) How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. I say the following as a qualified Exegete who has done years of post-graduate exegetical research: Osborne's The Hermeneutical Spiral is a fairly good exegetical textbook, but the reader ought to be wary.
The Good
Osborne exhibited an uncommon grasp of Linguistics in an era when Linguistics was just beginning its struggle to attain its proper and crucial place within Biblical Exegesis. That struggle continues in 2021, and any exegetical textbook inculcating it is one to hold higher than those which do not.
Osborne rightly denounced proof-texting (p.23), a priori theological schema producing a "canon within a canon" (pp.28-29), and formulaism (p.74, 79). He affirmed a nuanced view of Hebrew stem semantics (p.67) and presented errors in homiletic application (pp.441-442). He included extended discussion on Figures of Speech (pp.121-130), the hermeneutics of Parable (pp.302-308), the interrelationship of theological sub-disciplines (throughout Part III), and an excursus on classical rhetorical patters (pp.145-147).
His diagrams were usually helpful, such as reproducing Silva’s degrees of reference (Fig. 3.1), Nida’s three types of synonyms (Fig. 3.5), and Osborne's first three diagrams about the process of biblical theology (Fig 15.1, 15:2, and 15:3).
The Bad
Osborne was systematically overcautious, and often did not explain his overcautious conclusions. Caution is actually a virtue in exegesis, but not to the degree Osborne evinced. He professed the impossibility of completely objective exegesis, and that is an unfortunate and confused belief which ought not be held by those with a high view of the intercession of the Holy Spirit.
In Part III, he 'kept in' high-register, extended, philosophical discourses as if it had first been a dissertation. This is the sort of thing one ought to edit out when compiling textbooks or popular books.
Another too-academic element was the dry prose which introduces scholars without preamble or commentary like, "John Smith sees five elements to this particular thing...." Even though I am used to this sort of academic prose, I often said to myself, "Why should I care about what this particular scholar said?" I thought perhaps only 30-40% of such material was worthwhile.
Osborne was egregiously naïve concerning the aims and axioms of postmodernism and liberation worldviews. Osborne was gracious and somewhat discerning about their faults, but did not seem to understand that postmodernism's aim is conquering the academic world with its idiocy, not merely provide another approach to biblical studies. Thankfully this methodological ecumenism was rare.
Osborne had a good section on "Issues in Theological Construction" (pp.386-406), but as soon as he tried to apply it, he misapplied it; he contravened his own principles by appealing to Conciliarism concerning the extra-biblical Hypostatic Union.
Takeaway
The utility of the book earned a notable 3.5 stars because, despite its demerits, it still could be used as an Exegesis textbook at the graduate or undergraduate level. Its unsolidity did not begin until Part III, so Parts I-II could be used as a sequestered part.
If Osborne was a little naive, Fee and Stuart strayed into minor error in several places of their book; if Osborne had only cut out 100 pages of the dissertation material and livened up his prose a little, he might have outshone Fee and Stuart.
June 21, 2017
This book is very academic, and I compare this to Fee and Stuart's book "How to Read The Bible For All Its Worth". Fee and Stuart have a much more accessible work geared towards scholar and layperson alike. Osborne on the other hand goes into far greater depth regarding hermeneutics and exegesis. He takes different hermeneutical topics and attempts to give multiple views on how to approach these topics. In that way if is far more comprehensive that Fee and Stuart’s work. What is interesting is that Osborne uses Fee and Stuart as a prime resource, quoting and referencing their work over 40 times. Osborne’s work is a great resource to have and use. This definitely should have a place in the library of any student of the Bible. Fee and Stuart’s book is a great book to read and then use as a further resource. That book should be on every believer’s bookshelf next to the Bible.
March 2, 2020
Anyone who can write scholarly material without sounding like a pompous windbag is probably amazing. ;)
Osborne takes the scariness out of Biblical Interpretation and shows you how to do it well while shedding light on the many exegetical fallacies. But he doesn't stop there––he puts it in normal words and a 'you can do it, too!' tone.
This is an undergrad/seminary read, but is accessible for anyone interested in Biblical Interpretation. If I were wanting to learn 'more' about this area, this book and Fee's book on exegesis are great places to start!
I want to meet him before he dies.
(ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: met, did not fangirl and die, and am currently good friends with his daughter!)
Osborne takes the scariness out of Biblical Interpretation and shows you how to do it well while shedding light on the many exegetical fallacies. But he doesn't stop there––he puts it in normal words and a 'you can do it, too!' tone.
This is an undergrad/seminary read, but is accessible for anyone interested in Biblical Interpretation. If I were wanting to learn 'more' about this area, this book and Fee's book on exegesis are great places to start!
I want to meet him before he dies.
(ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: met, did not fangirl and die, and am currently good friends with his daughter!)
November 5, 2020
This book was not an easy one to get through. As I was reading it I realized just how technical it is. This is much more academic and rigorous compared to other hermeneutic books I have read. Osborne gives very broad overviews of different styles, and breaks down specific ones. This book is not for everyone, and I would argue that there may be others that are more beneficial for those in ministry. However, the final chapter that bring preaching and study of the Bible together were very practical and helpful in ways many hermeneutic books are not.
August 14, 2019
In The Hermeneutical Spiral, Osborne argues that biblical interpretation entails a “spiral” from text to context, from original meaning to significance for today’s church (p. 22). As one wrestles with biblical interpretation, he is spiraling nearer and nearer to the text’s intended meaning for contemporary significance.
For more, see: https://leejaredgarcia.com/2019/08/13...
For more, see: https://leejaredgarcia.com/2019/08/13...
February 19, 2020
Osborne lays out a very detailed approach to hermeneutics. It is all in the title. It is often used as a textbook and reads as such. Hermeneutics is multilayered. It takes from other disciplines. Much like a snowball effect, one cannot lightly enter hermeneutics. Osborne gives lessons that would help with scripture, philosophy, classic works, and just reading in general. The language is quite scholarly though. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’re buying this book because you have to for a class.
April 28, 2018
A good book, arguing that through an inductive approach the interpreter can arrive at understanding of a text. The hermeneutical spiral is the upward movement between text and reader, part and whole, that allows understanding to deepen through repeated close reading. However, not the most clear writing, and at times it seemed to reduce interpretation to the following of steps in proper order.
February 13, 2020
This is an absolutely necessary reference book for anyone who needs to properly interpret the Bible. This means scholars and preachers, alike. Osborne does a masterful job connecting the disciplines of exegesis to biblical theology, to systematic theology, to homiletical theology, all while describing each in depth.
July 3, 2021
I just finished "The Hermeneutical Spiral" by Grant Osborne. Was that a thick textbook or what? 365 pages of mouseprint.
It was very thorough, going from exegesis to homiletic delivery. I was a bit lost on the semantics and syntax but it was very good and written in a way that is accessible to all.
It was very thorough, going from exegesis to homiletic delivery. I was a bit lost on the semantics and syntax but it was very good and written in a way that is accessible to all.
June 16, 2020
Obra muito completa e indispensável para uma análise hermenêutica bíblica mais séria.
personal-library
October 1, 2020An excellent and accessible introductory overview of an important and (in my opinion) fascinating subject.
September 19, 2022
Excellent book
This book is a heavy read but is extremely well written and thoughtfully presented. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to strengthen their Hermeneutics.
This book is a heavy read but is extremely well written and thoughtfully presented. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to strengthen their Hermeneutics.
December 27, 2022
Amazing book
November 23, 2024
Excellent hermeneutical principles offered in this book!
March 22, 2025
Foundational, thorough, encyclopedic.
January 23, 2016
Well-established as the standard evangelical work in the field of biblical hermeneutics since first being published in 1991, The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by Grant R. Osborne has been revised and expanded to meet the changing needs of the next generation. New chapters on the Old Testament law and use of the Old Testament in the New have been added, and general revisions have been undertaken throughout the volume. While the original work was well-situated to provide the reader with a longstanding example of usefulness in its presentation, this revised and expanded edition proves itself to be a much more refined demonstration of scholarly and practical engagement with the biblical text.
The Hermeneutical Spiral is a massive volume boasting over 600-pages. Osborne appropriately begins the investigation with an introduction to situate the reader for the task ahead. It is here that Osborne rightly understands the task of hermeneutics as the means of accomplishing an ecclesiastical end. For Osborne, “the final goal of hermeneutics is not systematic theology but the sermon. The actual purpose of Scripture is not explanation but exposition, not description but proclamation” (p. 29). This proves to be more than a mere statement of conviction for Osborne, as the outline of the book will effectively bring the reader from the examination of the biblical text in their original languages to the homiletical execution of a Sunday morning sermon.
As The Hermeneutical Spiral unfolds, Osborne helpfully directs the attention of the reader to the biblical text. It is here that the reader is introduced to the importance of context, grammar, semantics, syntax, and historical and cultural backgrounds. This section is imperative to the task of biblical hermeneutics and Osborne does an excellent job at guiding the reader through each. A high point from this section was Osborne’s discussion on semantic fallacies, including the root fallacy, misuse of etymology, the one-meaning fallacy, and much more. The careful reader will know and understand the importance of this section well, as most modern pulpit crimes are the result of semantic negligence and the proclamation of semantic fallacies.
Next, Osborne directs the attention of the reader towards an analysis of the various biblical genres. For Osborne, “Genre functions as a valuable link between the text and the reader” (p. 182). It is here that the hermeneutical groundwork that was laid in the prior section is applied to specific types of literature—Old Testament Law, Narrative, Poetry, Wisdom, Prophecy, Apocalyptic, Parable, and Epistle. This section also concludes with a helpful chapter on the use of the Old Testament in the New. A high point in this section was Osborne’s discussion surrounding the genre of biblical narrative. Specifically, the various aspects use to study biblical narrative—source, form, redaction, and narrative criticism. The latter being among the most helpful.
Lastly, Osborne appropriately closes the volume with a section dedicated to the application of the hermeneutical investigation undertaken in the previous sections. It is here that the reader is able to identify and interact with three applicationary aspects of biblical exegesis—biblical theology, systematic theology, and homiletics. Each of the three applications are discussed in detail, and the connection to the previous sections is unmistakable. However, the clear high point of this section was Osborne’s interaction and application of hermeneutics to the task of homiletics—both contextualization and sermon delivery. Osborne effectively lands the plane after a 600-page round trip flight from biblical text to target audience.
The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by Grant R. Osborne is a massive volume that leaves no hermeneutical-stone unturned. Osborne recognizes the task of hermeneutics as the primary means of a homiletical end and rightly equips the reader to function out of this recognition. In other words, as the reader continues to move between text and context on the hermeneutical spiral, sound exegesis brings the reader closer and closer to the intended meaning of the text and its significance for today. While The Hermeneutical Spiral is likely more detailed than the average reader is looking to digest, Osborne has provided a volume that cannot be overlooked by any serious Student of the Bible, especially that of the Pastor or Teacher.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The Hermeneutical Spiral is a massive volume boasting over 600-pages. Osborne appropriately begins the investigation with an introduction to situate the reader for the task ahead. It is here that Osborne rightly understands the task of hermeneutics as the means of accomplishing an ecclesiastical end. For Osborne, “the final goal of hermeneutics is not systematic theology but the sermon. The actual purpose of Scripture is not explanation but exposition, not description but proclamation” (p. 29). This proves to be more than a mere statement of conviction for Osborne, as the outline of the book will effectively bring the reader from the examination of the biblical text in their original languages to the homiletical execution of a Sunday morning sermon.
As The Hermeneutical Spiral unfolds, Osborne helpfully directs the attention of the reader to the biblical text. It is here that the reader is introduced to the importance of context, grammar, semantics, syntax, and historical and cultural backgrounds. This section is imperative to the task of biblical hermeneutics and Osborne does an excellent job at guiding the reader through each. A high point from this section was Osborne’s discussion on semantic fallacies, including the root fallacy, misuse of etymology, the one-meaning fallacy, and much more. The careful reader will know and understand the importance of this section well, as most modern pulpit crimes are the result of semantic negligence and the proclamation of semantic fallacies.
Next, Osborne directs the attention of the reader towards an analysis of the various biblical genres. For Osborne, “Genre functions as a valuable link between the text and the reader” (p. 182). It is here that the hermeneutical groundwork that was laid in the prior section is applied to specific types of literature—Old Testament Law, Narrative, Poetry, Wisdom, Prophecy, Apocalyptic, Parable, and Epistle. This section also concludes with a helpful chapter on the use of the Old Testament in the New. A high point in this section was Osborne’s discussion surrounding the genre of biblical narrative. Specifically, the various aspects use to study biblical narrative—source, form, redaction, and narrative criticism. The latter being among the most helpful.
Lastly, Osborne appropriately closes the volume with a section dedicated to the application of the hermeneutical investigation undertaken in the previous sections. It is here that the reader is able to identify and interact with three applicationary aspects of biblical exegesis—biblical theology, systematic theology, and homiletics. Each of the three applications are discussed in detail, and the connection to the previous sections is unmistakable. However, the clear high point of this section was Osborne’s interaction and application of hermeneutics to the task of homiletics—both contextualization and sermon delivery. Osborne effectively lands the plane after a 600-page round trip flight from biblical text to target audience.
The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by Grant R. Osborne is a massive volume that leaves no hermeneutical-stone unturned. Osborne recognizes the task of hermeneutics as the primary means of a homiletical end and rightly equips the reader to function out of this recognition. In other words, as the reader continues to move between text and context on the hermeneutical spiral, sound exegesis brings the reader closer and closer to the intended meaning of the text and its significance for today. While The Hermeneutical Spiral is likely more detailed than the average reader is looking to digest, Osborne has provided a volume that cannot be overlooked by any serious Student of the Bible, especially that of the Pastor or Teacher.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
March 26, 2025
Deep and good
The book was difficult at times to read but applicable for preachers and speakers alike. Some profound thoughts that makes a reader rethink
The book was difficult at times to read but applicable for preachers and speakers alike. Some profound thoughts that makes a reader rethink
August 3, 2015
This is a comprehensive work on the process and philosophy of Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). It is written towards an early seminary level. It is however written favourably towards the common ear.
It is nicely categorized (and sub-categorized). More importantly it is complete in its ground up approach. With a passionate concern to help us see scripture (as a forming process) through the complicated process of language (grammar), culture (contextualization) and history (historical narratives), the book helps us gain a broad and intimate picture of the different components that go in to appropriate (which is his subjective and scholarly concern) study of an ancient context.
He does write from an evangelical concern. However the attention given to all perspectives and challenges is broad. Many will likely find the earlier chapters on grammar and syntax to be tough slugging (myself included), it paves a foundation to approach the broader discussions of historical and cultural concern. This is the point of the spiral that forms the title. The spiral contends that it is indeed possible to get (close) to the (intended) meaning of the text. This happens by moving from "text to context" both within the pages of scripture itself, from within the writers and editors and characters themselves, and ultimately towards our present context (application).
The latter parts of the book (excluding the added appendix 1 and 2) is primarily about how to put all of the learning together towards an appropriate hermeneutic/preaching.
All along the way Osborne represents a refreshing intellectual integrity to his evangelical concern. He consistently guides us towards concern for overstepping our boundaries, whether that be in genre (in understanding the history and formation of poetry, prophetic and apocalyptic literature), or in dealing with the intimate text (of grammar and sentence structure and meaning). We are always reminded, whether we are looking at liberal or conservative approaches, that we must always keep the relevant questions in plain view (something both liberal and conservative camps throughout the history of Biblical study and Hermeneutics have unfortunately neglected at the best of times). He reminds us of the general movement in scholarship away from isolated text and towards (larger) narrative concern. In this sense we are reminded of the dance between art (form) and literal study. He gives us a helpful way in bridging these two worlds (as modern scholarship is increasingly concerned with), and centres much of this way around building a methodology that is willing to see multiple forms (literary, context, history, and application) weaved together so as to illuminate and bring us closer to the clearer picture of the text itself. This is as important for our own personal and spiritual connection as it is for those who are presenting/preaching/studying the scripture for public context.
Again, comprehensive is an understatement here, and this might lead to some portions that are dryer than others. But it is an important and relevant read for anyone interested in just how the Judeo-Christian scripture is put together, in how it has been perceived, and in older and new methods that have guided the trends of Biblical scholarship. And ultimately it can be a tool that you can go and revisit again and again for every time you are intentionally engaged in study for personal or public purpose.
It is nicely categorized (and sub-categorized). More importantly it is complete in its ground up approach. With a passionate concern to help us see scripture (as a forming process) through the complicated process of language (grammar), culture (contextualization) and history (historical narratives), the book helps us gain a broad and intimate picture of the different components that go in to appropriate (which is his subjective and scholarly concern) study of an ancient context.
He does write from an evangelical concern. However the attention given to all perspectives and challenges is broad. Many will likely find the earlier chapters on grammar and syntax to be tough slugging (myself included), it paves a foundation to approach the broader discussions of historical and cultural concern. This is the point of the spiral that forms the title. The spiral contends that it is indeed possible to get (close) to the (intended) meaning of the text. This happens by moving from "text to context" both within the pages of scripture itself, from within the writers and editors and characters themselves, and ultimately towards our present context (application).
The latter parts of the book (excluding the added appendix 1 and 2) is primarily about how to put all of the learning together towards an appropriate hermeneutic/preaching.
All along the way Osborne represents a refreshing intellectual integrity to his evangelical concern. He consistently guides us towards concern for overstepping our boundaries, whether that be in genre (in understanding the history and formation of poetry, prophetic and apocalyptic literature), or in dealing with the intimate text (of grammar and sentence structure and meaning). We are always reminded, whether we are looking at liberal or conservative approaches, that we must always keep the relevant questions in plain view (something both liberal and conservative camps throughout the history of Biblical study and Hermeneutics have unfortunately neglected at the best of times). He reminds us of the general movement in scholarship away from isolated text and towards (larger) narrative concern. In this sense we are reminded of the dance between art (form) and literal study. He gives us a helpful way in bridging these two worlds (as modern scholarship is increasingly concerned with), and centres much of this way around building a methodology that is willing to see multiple forms (literary, context, history, and application) weaved together so as to illuminate and bring us closer to the clearer picture of the text itself. This is as important for our own personal and spiritual connection as it is for those who are presenting/preaching/studying the scripture for public context.
Again, comprehensive is an understatement here, and this might lead to some portions that are dryer than others. But it is an important and relevant read for anyone interested in just how the Judeo-Christian scripture is put together, in how it has been perceived, and in older and new methods that have guided the trends of Biblical scholarship. And ultimately it can be a tool that you can go and revisit again and again for every time you are intentionally engaged in study for personal or public purpose.
December 31, 2020
Heavy Yet Rewarding
Any serious student of the Bible should read this book. 4.5 out of 5 stars
Any serious student of the Bible should read this book. 4.5 out of 5 stars
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August 13, 2015As the title says, Osborne's book is an introduction to Biblical interpretation, or hermeneutics. The key in approaching this book is understanding that it is not designed to provide tools for devotional Bible study. It is geared toward Bible college students, seminarians, and pastors. Its end goal is to assist these people in interpreting the Bible well, in seeing it as both a historical literary library and as a living revelation of God to be proclaimed. For Osborne the Bible can be studied for theoretical or academic purposes, but its primary function to be the revelation of God to the world. Therefore, if properly understood in its historical and literary context, we can then accurately proclaim the Gospel.
This is a technical book and yes, as other reviews have suggested, it can get dry in parts, especially the grammar sections if you have little or no familiarity with the original languages (though even without familiarity, those chapters can introduce a person to the various workings of translation). As a lay person I found The Hermeneutical Spiral to be very useful. My language may not suffice here, but it seemed to me that rather than giving me proper tools for study that I had previously been unaware of (I did graduate from Bible college), it grounded me again in solid interpretive principles that I can use whenever I approach the text. In this sense, it can be useful for devotional study. I may not make a sentence or paragraph diagram of the passages I read, but I think I can use the information somewhat intuitively. The most illuminating sections of the book for me were the two chapters on homiletics. Having never preached a sermon or read anything on homiletics before, I hope that these chapters will give me a better appreciation of what it takes to prepare a sermon and help me a more compassionate and accurate judge of the sermons I hear.
If other lay people do read The Hermeneutical Spiral, hopefully it will do the same. It will also serve to familiarize the reader with the wide ranging debate over hermeneutics and semiotics as they relate to the Bible. If you plan to read it cover to cover, I would recommend reading the appendices first. They outline some of the theoretical aspects of the hermeneutical debate and then present you with Osborne's general approach to the issue of meaning. This should assist the reader as the progress through the main body of the book.
This is a technical book and yes, as other reviews have suggested, it can get dry in parts, especially the grammar sections if you have little or no familiarity with the original languages (though even without familiarity, those chapters can introduce a person to the various workings of translation). As a lay person I found The Hermeneutical Spiral to be very useful. My language may not suffice here, but it seemed to me that rather than giving me proper tools for study that I had previously been unaware of (I did graduate from Bible college), it grounded me again in solid interpretive principles that I can use whenever I approach the text. In this sense, it can be useful for devotional study. I may not make a sentence or paragraph diagram of the passages I read, but I think I can use the information somewhat intuitively. The most illuminating sections of the book for me were the two chapters on homiletics. Having never preached a sermon or read anything on homiletics before, I hope that these chapters will give me a better appreciation of what it takes to prepare a sermon and help me a more compassionate and accurate judge of the sermons I hear.
If other lay people do read The Hermeneutical Spiral, hopefully it will do the same. It will also serve to familiarize the reader with the wide ranging debate over hermeneutics and semiotics as they relate to the Bible. If you plan to read it cover to cover, I would recommend reading the appendices first. They outline some of the theoretical aspects of the hermeneutical debate and then present you with Osborne's general approach to the issue of meaning. This should assist the reader as the progress through the main body of the book.
June 3, 2024
Труд Осборна – чтиво не для юных «бакалавриков» и начинающих «богословиков».
Скорее, это учебник герменевтики для магистрантов и докторантов.
Это работа на стыке классической евангельской герменевтики, современной философской герменевтики и современной же библеистики.
Её главная «фишка» – панорамная прорисовка теории герменевтики.
Дискурс книги строится вокруг концепции единого значения текста, акцента на жанровый контекст и идеи коммуникации значения от текста через толкование/толкователя и проповедь/проповедника к народу Божьему.
Во вступлении и первой части Осборн даёт сбалансированное и достаточно глубокое представление общей герменевтики: принципы толкования, контекст, грамматика, семантика, синтаксис, культурно-исторический фон и т.п.
Вторая часть посвящена жанровому анализу или специальной герменевтике с её повествованием, поэзией, мудростью, притчами, апокалиптикой и другими штуками.
Третьей же большой темой оказывается прикладная герменевтика, которая у Осборна означает связь библейского истолкования с (библейским, историческим, систематическим) богословием и церковной проповедью.
Наконец, два приложения представляют собой критическое осмысление проблем, поднятых философской герменевтикой и её теоретиками: Гадамером, Деррида, Рикёром, Гиршем и другими. Здесь с разных сторон рассматривается проблема смысла текста: существует ли объективное (авторское) значение и, если да, то как его «достать»?
В целом, у Осборна получился очень глубокий и ёмкий учебник.
Весьма ценны его материалы по семантике в целом и грамматике и синтаксису библейских языков в частности. Хороши экскурсы в теорию Чомского-Хомского, понятие метафоры, явление контекстуализации и т.д. Неплох анализ современных герменевтических теорий.
Книга Осборна широка и глубока, как Днепр. Не каждая птица долетит до середины и, тем более, конца))
Малоподготовленному читателю будет трудно «въехать» во все экскурсы и методологические размышления автора. А вот для продвинутых пользователей это будет в самый раз.
Уверен, «Герменевтическая спираль» – лучший учебник библейской герменевтики продвинутого уровня. Весьма рекомендую!
Скорее, это учебник герменевтики для магистрантов и докторантов.
Это работа на стыке классической евангельской герменевтики, современной философской герменевтики и современной же библеистики.
Её главная «фишка» – панорамная прорисовка теории герменевтики.
Дискурс книги строится вокруг концепции единого значения текста, акцента на жанровый контекст и идеи коммуникации значения от текста через толкование/толкователя и проповедь/проповедника к народу Божьему.
Во вступлении и первой части Осборн даёт сбалансированное и достаточно глубокое представление общей герменевтики: принципы толкования, контекст, грамматика, семантика, синтаксис, культурно-исторический фон и т.п.
Вторая часть посвящена жанровому анализу или специальной герменевтике с её повествованием, поэзией, мудростью, притчами, апокалиптикой и другими штуками.
Третьей же большой темой оказывается прикладная герменевтика, которая у Осборна означает связь библейского истолкования с (библейским, историческим, систематическим) богословием и церковной проповедью.
Наконец, два приложения представляют собой критическое осмысление проблем, поднятых философской герменевтикой и её теоретиками: Гадамером, Деррида, Рикёром, Гиршем и другими. Здесь с разных сторон рассматривается проблема смысла текста: существует ли объективное (авторское) значение и, если да, то как его «достать»?
В целом, у Осборна получился очень глубокий и ёмкий учебник.
Весьма ценны его материалы по семантике в целом и грамматике и синтаксису библейских языков в частности. Хороши экскурсы в теорию Чомского-Хомского, понятие метафоры, явление контекстуализации и т.д. Неплох анализ современных герменевтических теорий.
Книга Осборна широка и глубока, как Днепр. Не каждая птица долетит до середины и, тем более, конца))
Малоподготовленному читателю будет трудно «въехать» во все экскурсы и методологические размышления автора. А вот для продвинутых пользователей это будет в самый раз.
Уверен, «Герменевтическая спираль» – лучший учебник библейской герменевтики продвинутого уровня. Весьма рекомендую!
April 8, 2013
This is exactly what the subtitle says. It is very comprehensive, and extremely technical. It is Evangelical and oriented to a grammatical-historical approach to Bible, as opposed to the historical-critical approach popular in liberal Protestant and Catholic seminaries. Being Evangelical, it is outside the mainstream on some points (choosing minority positions over the majority that you would find in the literature, hence 3 stars), but overall a very good introduction (if not the best on the market currently) for teaching a formal, structured approach to biblical interpretation.
It is really for seminary students, not for the average reader, who won't have the background in the relevant literature and skill set to take advantage of it. Holding an MA and trained in 19th century style philology, I even had trouble with the chapter on structuralist linguistics and semiotics. For the average reader, I recommend: Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
It is really for seminary students, not for the average reader, who won't have the background in the relevant literature and skill set to take advantage of it. Holding an MA and trained in 19th century style philology, I even had trouble with the chapter on structuralist linguistics and semiotics. For the average reader, I recommend: Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
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