The first three chapters of the Bible are the cause of much interpretive debate. Speculating over many of the details, scholars and students have considered numerous meanings for the events that took place.
This book highlights 15 hermeneutical principles for a sound interpretation of Genesis 1–3, providing reasons why some interpretations can go astray and giving readers confidence that these chapters are, in fact, able to be understood with a particular perspective. Exploring interpretive implications related to divine authorship, the historical background, genre and structure, chronology, use of language, and more, this book offers clear direction for thoughtfully approaching these fundamentally important opening chapters of the Bible.
400 pages
Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Need
Part I: Basic Interpretive Principles
1. God
2. Interpretive Implications of God's Activity
3. The Status of the Bible
4. Interacting with Scientific Claims
5. Three Modern Myths in Interpreting Genesis 1
6. The Genre of Genesis
7. Summary of Hermeneutical Principles
Part II: Exegetical Concerns
8. Correlations with Providence in Genesis 1
9. The Water Above (Gen. 1:6–8)
10. Correlations with Providence in Genesis 2–3
Part III: Interpreting Genesis 1–3 as a Larger Whole
11. Time in Genesis 1
12. Implications for Modern Views of Genesis 1
13. Attitudes and Expectations
14. The Days of Genesis 1
15. Factuality and Literalism
Conclusion
Appendix A: Genesis 1:1 Is the First Event, Not a Summary
Appendix B: The Meaning of Accommodation
Appendix C: A Misunderstanding of Calvin on Genesis 1:6–8 and 1:5
Appendix D: Multiple Interpretations of Ancient Texts
Interpreting Eden: A Guide to Faithfully Reading and Understanding Genesis 1-3 is in the following collections:
