Biblical Interpretation Research Articles

A Postcolonial Biblical Interpretation of Israel’s Conflicts and Wars with Benjamin in Judges 20 in African Contex

In Judges 20, Israel overacts, revenges against injustices of Gibeah’s crime (Judges 19). Doing so, plunges Israel into civil-religious war and conflicts with Benjamin, indicating the tragedy of confederacy without visionary leaders, who fear the Lord. This phenomenon of war is common, outside the bible and world over today, especially in Africa. Past exegetes and commentators of non-African origins have interpreted Judges 19–20 historically, using diverse approaches or interpretative models. This work newly examines Judges 20 contextually for Africa which is plagued today with wars and violence. It adapts a postcolonial biblical interpretative (PCBI) approach within the overall context of the theology and ethics of Deuteronomistic History (Joshua- Kings). It argues for dialogue and against incessant tragic phenomena of civil wars, conflicts, and domestic violence in African faith communities.

Miroslav Volf’s public theology in national healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe

Several individuals use Miroslav Volf’s theology to understand the unity of systematic theology and biblical interpretation, as well as the relationship between church theology and political theology. As a result, his work is associated with politically engaged and well-known theologians such as David Tracy, Reinhold Niebuhr and Jurgen Moltmann. It would be more beneficial to interpret Miroslav Volf’s critical work as an attempt to clarify terms such as ‘common good’, ‘embracing’ and ‘justice’. In addition to examining the political and socioeconomic environment and social exclusion in Zimbabwe, this study encourages a ‘historical-theological’ critique of social justice and social injustice.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article will provide Miroslav Volf’s public theology framework as a point of comparison and critique.

Bede on Jude

The Venerable Bede is known today as the first English historian. Yet he considered himself to be an exegete above all else, and was received as such in the medieval church. Among his various works of biblical interpretation is the first extant Latin commentary on the Catholic Epistles. Dating from the early stage of Bede’s writing, the commentary is generally characterized as concerned with the plain or literal sense of the text. This article offers a reading of the final book of Bede’s commentary, on the Epistle of Jude. Here we find evidence of Bede’s learning and his interest in a range of canonical and doctrinal questions. Significantly, the article demonstrates that Bede also develops early and brief figural readings of the text, and thus disproves the contention that he is concerned only with its literal sense.

Antisemitic Charisma: A Critique of Max Weber’s Interpretations of Paul, Jews, and Charisma and Their Enduring Legacy in Religious Studies

Abstract Celebrated for developing objective, secular methods for social analysis of religion, Max Weber has come under increasing scrutiny for his nationalist politics, Protestant assumptions, racism, and antisemitism. Building on this critical scholarship, the present article exposes Weber’s theory of charisma as shaped by his German liberal nationalism, especially his assimilationist resolution to the Jewish Question. Through close analysis of Weber’s publications in light of his private letters, political associations, and intellectual debates, it demonstrates that Weber’s conceptualization of charisma as a quality of leadership that advances a release from tradition reinscribes the antisemitic logic of Protestant biblical interpretation – namely, the exaltation of Pauline Christianity as emancipation from Jewish law, ritual, and self-segregation. Further metacritical investigation of influential social-scientific studies of early Christianity demonstrates that the Weberian theory of charisma continues to prime scholars toward Christian triumphalism. A historically untenable vehicle for Weber’s nationalism, charisma should be retired as a sociological tool.

Interpreting Historical Books in the Old Testament: Case Study on the Book of Ruth

Biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) is essential for understanding God’s revelation. In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus emphasizes both the written text and its meaning, demonstrating the necessity of proper interpretation. Since the Bible consists of various literary genres—especially historical books—interpreting these texts requires a sound hermeneutical approach. Despite the importance of historical books in Scripture, there is often a lack of clarity on how to interpret them accurately. Many readers either view them as mere historical records or impose allegorical meanings, leading to misinterpretation. This raises the question: What hermeneutical principles should guide the interpretation of biblical historical books to ensure faithfulness to the text and its theological message? This study aims to establish a hermeneutical framework for interpreting historical books in the Bible. It provides general principles of biblical interpretation and applies them specifically to Old Testament historical books. The book of Ruth serves as a case study to demonstrate how these principles function in practice. A proper hermeneutical approach ensures that historical books are interpreted within their literary, historical, and theological contexts. By following sound principles, readers can better understand and apply biblical narratives, preserving their theological integrity.

운보 김기창의 〈최후의 만찬〉과 누가복음 22장 14-23절의 미학적성서해석 - 구약의 유월절 전승과 신약의 성례전 전승과 운보의 성화에 관한 ‘미학적-성서신학적 접근’

운보 김기창의 〈최후의 만찬〉과 누가복음 22장 14-23절의 미학적성서해석 - 구약의 유월절 전승과 신약의 성례전 전승과 운보의 성화에 관한 ‘미학적-성서신학적 접근’

PARABOLA GRĂUNTELUI DE MUȘTAR CA FIGURĂ A ISTORIEI MÂNTUIRII. EXERCIȚIU EXEGETIC

The Parable of the Mustard Seed as a Figure of Salvation History. Exegetical exercise. This article takes the parable of the mustard seed as a case study for exposing some exegetical difficulties of New Testament scholarship. The first part evaluates the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the major methods of biblical interpretation of the patristic and the modern eras, claiming that one always needs to critically evaluate the underlying philosophical and theological assumptions behind each method. In the second part, I analyze the passage itself in its synoptic morphology, while proposing some views which would help at solving the historical-critical dilemmas of New Testament scholarship.

Putting on Sarah’s Skin: Victim Identity in the Abrahamic Stories and Beyond

Abstract This article explores the complex identities of Sarah and Hagar within the Abrahamic narratives, focusing on themes of victimhood and perpetration. It challenges feminist biblical interpretations that portray Sarah solely as a victim of patriarchal structures or postcolonial interpretations that see Sarah solely as a perpetrator, arguing instead for a nuanced understanding that recognizes her role as both a victim and an oppressor. The article highlights the unique as well as shared struggles of Sarah and Hagar against patriarchy, suggesting that their relationship is emblematic of broader issues of race, class, and gender dynamics. The analysis incorporates illustrations from the literature, urging a re-evaluation of Sarah's character in the light of contemporary discussions on oppression and complicity. By examining the narratives through the lens of cohabiting women, the article illustrates the complexities of their interactions and the implications for modern feminist discourse. Ultimately, it aims to liberate Sarah from her archetypal role, presenting her as a figure whose experiences resonate with the struggles of diverse individuals today, fostering a deeper understanding of victimhood, and promoting a non-violent response to systemic oppression.

Challenging Distance: Reframing the Subtle Violence of Biblical Interpretations

Challenging Distance: Reframing the Subtle Violence of Biblical Interpretations

Semantic Variability of the Word ‘Creature’ in Elizabethan Prose Fiction

The present research focuses on the exploration of the meaning of the word ‘creature’ in the context of Elizabethan prose fiction. The inherent vagueness and ambiguity of the lexeme ‘creature’, comprising diverse meanings, yields its multiple readings and interpretations.The aim of this study is to determine who or what this word denotes in narrative contexts, thereby elucidating its varied meanings and delineating the scope of its referents within the framework of denotational semantics.Through a comprehensive analysis of the compiled corpus of Renaissance narratives, employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this investigation establishes a range of meanings of the word ‘creature’ and identifies its referents in the corpus texts.The referential domain of this word encompasses humans, nonhuman beings, and unspecified entities. The findings reveal a distinct preference among Elizabethan authors to perceive “creature” as a human being, aligning with the biblical interpretation of this word.This research highlights the impact of biblical motifs on Elizabethan fiction, contributing to our better understanding of this literary era within its historical, cultural, and religious background.

Gregory Goswell. Text and Paratext: Book Order, Title, and Division as Keys to Biblical Interpretation

Gregory Goswell. <i>Text and Paratext: Book Order, Title, and Division as Keys to Biblical Interpretation</i>

Parting the Waters: the Anagogical Sense in Maximus’ Ambiguum 10

Abstract Those who wish to see an example of anagogical interpretation of the Bible will find abundant examples of it in the tenth of Maximus the Confessor’s Ambigua to John. This article explores Maximus’ approach to the spiritual sense of Scripture as exemplified in Ambiguum 10, particularly as it adumbrates a biblical basis for the elements of his theological anthropology. It begins with an overview of Maximus’ approach to biblical interpretation and pertinent elements of his anthropology. After presenting examples of Maximus’ anagogical exegesis, the article concludes by evaluating these interpretations by the inner logic of the spiritual senses (called here “formal continuity”) to show how an anagogical interpretation can be authentically understood to reveal a major element of that anthropology, namely the fall of man.

"Locating Meister Eckhart's Interpretation in Indonesia": A Dialogue between Modern Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Interpretation of Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

This article presents a compelling case for the transformative potential of Meister Eckhart's spiritual interpretation in the context of Indonesian biblical studies. It sets out to accomplish two primary objectives. First, the article conducts a thorough analysis of Eckhart's distinct spiritual interpretation, positioning it in dialogue with contemporary biblical methodologies. Second, it leverages Hans Georg Gadamer's concept of 'fusion of horizons' alongside Paul Ricoeur's 'phenomenological interpretation' framework to appropriate Eckhart's insights in the Indonesian context. Methodologically, the article examines Eccl 10:5-7 through the lens of modern biblical interpretative approaches including historical-critical and literary-critical perspectives. It then contrasts these with Eckhart's spiritual interpretation via a dialogical analysis. The culmination of this study is the application of Eckhart's interpretive strategies to Indonesian biblical interpretation, guided by the theoretical underpinnings of Gadamer and Ricoeur. The ultimate goal is to enrich Indonesian biblical studies, emphasising spiritual formation grounded in Eckhart's teachings.

Backlighting Jeroboam: Form, Content, and Paronomasia in 1 Kings

The book of Kings portrays the period from Solomon’s death to the death of Ahab as signally consequential for Israel’s history as a people. The period began with the permanent partition of the nation. From the Kings perspective, however, the impact of Jeroboam I’s cultic innovations was even more catastrophic. The book’s preoccupation is to demonstrate a causal relationship between infidelity to YHWH and deleterious change manifested in societal and political instability and misfortune. This study applies two current trajectories of biblical interpretation, namely, ‘form follows function/content’ analysis and close reading of the text’s orthographic features to probe what 1 Kings 11–22 is saying about this dynamic and how it says it. The study concludes that, whether the medium be orthographic manipulation, graphic polysemous constructions, or onomastic paronomasia, form and content are closely coordinated in this text. This symbiosis between paronyms and content subtly reinforces the composition’s unity.

The Bible and the Mission: Mission of Japanese Missionaries in Korea under Japanese Imperialism, 1896–1921

This article examines the contrasting ways in which Korean Christians and Japanese missionaries interpreted the Bible during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1896–1921). Drawing on primary sources from both Japanese and Korean perspectives, the article highlights how biblical interpretation became a site of both ideological struggle and resistance. While Japanese missionaries often employed biblical narratives to legitimize Japanese imperialism and discourage Korean nationalism, Korean Christians found solace and inspiration in the Old Testament’s themes of liberation, drawing parallels between their own situation and the Israelites’ struggle for freedom. The Japanese government's prohibition on reading the Old Testament further exacerbated these contrasting interpretations, with Japanese missionaries generally supporting the ban and Korean Christians finding ways to resist it. By analysing these divergent interpretations, the article illuminates the complex interplay between mission, Bible, and imperialism in early twentieth-century colonial context of Korea. The article argues that the Korean case study offers a powerful historical example of how important it is that missionaries not only defend their own use of the Bible, but also remain open to the contextual interpretations of others.

Anglican Biblical Interpretation in the Nineteenth Century: A Critical Evaluation, written by Cole William Hartin

Anglican Biblical Interpretation in the Nineteenth Century: A Critical Evaluation, written by Cole William Hartin

Genesis 15:1–6 and child adoption in Awkunanaw, Enugu state, Nigeria

Adoption is a global phenomenon, and many childless couples choose adoption because they cannot have children biologically. Over the years, legally approved orphanages have been a beacon of hope for prospective adoptive parents. However, in contemporary times, many childless couples have employed both legal and illegal means to have children. As a result, baby-making industries have become a lucrative business because it is a fast means for childless couples to have children. In the contemporary Awkunanaw, this practice has devalued socio-cultural practices and made the Awkunanaw society and her dwellers vulnerable to social vices. This study investigates the importance of adopting a child from a known background other than a strange one. Genesis 15: 1–6 tells of God’s covenant with Abram in which God promised him a great reward. Amid the divine promises of greatness and protection, Abram was worried about his state of childlessness. The part of the pericope which relates to this study is that Abram adopted an heir from a known background. The exegetical research methods employed in studying Genesis 15:1–6 include a narrative method and sociological approach to the study of the Old Testament. The data obtained through interviews and secondary sources were analysed using the phenomenological method. The study aims to advocate that Awkunanaw parents who patronise baby-making industries should desist from such practice as it contributes to the prevalence of social vices in the community.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article studies adoption in Awkunanaw, Enugu state, Nigeria, in the light of Abraham’s narrative in Genesis 15:1–6. In Awkunanaw culture, adoption from an unknown background is abhorred. The article submits that adopting children from unknown backgrounds is precarious for the social development and peace of the Awkunanaw community. Hence, the study is a contribution to Old Testament discourses on religion and society. Its related disciplines are sociology, biblical interpretation and practical theology.

Presenting the Issue: The History, Use, and Effects of Biblical Interpretation

Presenting the Issue: The History, Use, and Effects of Biblical Interpretation

Lovely tents: a Jewish ecospiritual perspective on urban homeless encampments

ABSTRACT Engaging with Jewish texts through a lens of ecospiritual social work provides a framework to incorporate housing rights and homelessness into ecospirituality. This article deploys a Jewish Ecospirituality perspective to consider the issue of urban homeless encampments as a spiritual and environmental justice issue. This article incorporates biblical interpretation and ecospiritual perspectives to situate a Jewish understanding of ecospirituality. It draws connections between the diasporic history of the Jewish people and the displacement found in urban park encampments utilizing Jewish environmental ethics and ecospiritual social work theory to deconstruct the rightful use of public space in the context of urban citizenship.

Distinctions: Uses of the Bible in Immigration Debates

This article considers and responds to some of the ways the Bible is used in US immigration debates, focusing on restrictive interpretations by conservative scholars. It highlights how biblical texts are often applied to support modern distinctions, such as legal versus illegal immigrants, by selectively interpreting passages like those referring to the “least of these” or the treatment of sojourners versus foreigners. The discussion draws on some complexities of theological history, including how Western Christianity’s colonial mindset distorted biblical teachings, leading to exclusionary practices. The article contrasts these views with more inclusive biblical interpretations that emphasize hospitality and justice.