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Interpreting the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John has become so familiar and seems so simple that it is easy to overlook its special challenges, says the author of this helpful guide.
Interpreting the Gospel of John presents an easy-to-follow, step-by-step plan for exegeting the Fourth Gospel. It leads beginners through the maze of academic discussion concerning origins, authorship, and interpretation. Textual, cultural, and literary considerations are explained, and leading commentaries on the Gospel of John are rated according to scholarship and reliability. The final section of the volume focuses on preaching and teaching from John.
Interpreting the Gospel of John is part of the Guides to New Testament Exegesis series, covering various genres of New Testament literature.
Interpreting the Gospel of John presents an easy-to-follow, step-by-step plan for exegeting the Fourth Gospel. It leads beginners through the maze of academic discussion concerning origins, authorship, and interpretation. Textual, cultural, and literary considerations are explained, and leading commentaries on the Gospel of John are rated according to scholarship and reliability. The final section of the volume focuses on preaching and teaching from John.
Interpreting the Gospel of John is part of the Guides to New Testament Exegesis series, covering various genres of New Testament literature.
188 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1992
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91 people want to read
About the author
Gary M. Burge
64 books28 followersGary M. Burge (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is dean of the faculty and professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. He previously taught for twenty-five years at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Among his many published books are The New Testament in Seven Sentences, Theology Questions Everyone Asks (with coeditor David Lauber), A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion, Mapping Your Academic Career, The New Testament in Antiquity (coauthored with Gene Green), and the award-winning Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 16, 2021
A great resource on [particularly] how to study and interpret the Gospel of John from a great expert in Johannine literature. The book is comprised of three very helpful parts.
Part one discusses the academic landscape and scholarly commentary surrounding John and the history of how that landscape developed. Burge addresses in very helpful ways some “big ideas” and how the thought developed behind them. He also addresses some unique characteristics of John. This first part was by far my favorite and I would have loved another two parts that kept going deeper.
The second part was essentially a treatise for the work of interpretation and how to do it appropriately. It serves as a guide to students to understand how to research and compile a bibliography, and the order in which their interpretative thought process should work. This part was full of great recommendations which will grow more and more dated as time passes, but I was surprised at the thoroughness; if only I had been handed this book at the beginning of Bible college!
The third part was a section on how to teach and preach out of John and was full of some helpful nuggets for any Bible teacher to consider when teaching out of John.
This book was designed to be a helpful guide to any graduate student who is beginning their study in this area, but would be helpful for anybody wanting to engage serious study on the Gospel of John. It was not drowning in textual criticism, yet it did not shy away from engaging that gospel of John as literature.
Part one discusses the academic landscape and scholarly commentary surrounding John and the history of how that landscape developed. Burge addresses in very helpful ways some “big ideas” and how the thought developed behind them. He also addresses some unique characteristics of John. This first part was by far my favorite and I would have loved another two parts that kept going deeper.
The second part was essentially a treatise for the work of interpretation and how to do it appropriately. It serves as a guide to students to understand how to research and compile a bibliography, and the order in which their interpretative thought process should work. This part was full of great recommendations which will grow more and more dated as time passes, but I was surprised at the thoroughness; if only I had been handed this book at the beginning of Bible college!
The third part was a section on how to teach and preach out of John and was full of some helpful nuggets for any Bible teacher to consider when teaching out of John.
This book was designed to be a helpful guide to any graduate student who is beginning their study in this area, but would be helpful for anybody wanting to engage serious study on the Gospel of John. It was not drowning in textual criticism, yet it did not shy away from engaging that gospel of John as literature.
August 27, 2024
Some very useful sections with excellent Johannine insight, but there are several chapters that cover general principles of hermeneutics/exegesis that, in my view, are wasted space in a book ostensibly devoted to a study of John.
February 7, 2022
I get the impression that this book was written as a textbook for a hermeneutics class or, more likely, a Greek exegesis class and used the gospel of John as the text to be studied. That makes sense, as the Greek of John is remarkably easy to read while the theology is exceedingly deep. This would allow a student with a year of beginner’s Greek to learn exegetical methods without being distracted by more complex Greek grammar, such as that in the gospel of Luke.
For the record, I am not a theologian, but a layman, an engineer. I taught myself Greek while I was a senior in college and have since worked on improving my Greek skills. My purpose in acquiring this book was not related to developing exegetical skill. Rather, I have gotten in the habit of doing some commentary reading in parallel with expository sermon series at church. The current series is on 1 John, and one of the two commentaries I chose was the NIIV Application Commentary on the Epistles of John, by Dr. Burge. In the introductory material of this commentary, Dr. Burge noted the close relationship between the gospel and epistles of John. So, I decided to read this book, among others, to better understand the gospel of John to better understand the epistles of John. What I actually found was a treasure trove of information regarding how to go about exegeting any book of the New Testament, not just the gospel of John. Topics covered include:
• Review of the text. I remember years ago, when I first learned about textual variants, I realized that if there are verses in which it is questionable which of two or more variants is likely to be original, it is probably not a good idea to base theology on those verses. The relevant chapter goes into a lot of detail regarding the choice of a base text for exegesis and provides guidance both to those who know Greek and those who don’t.
• Literary context. When I think of context, I think of the context within the book of the Bible under consideration. In other words, when interpreting a verse, I cannot ignore the rest of the passage or even the entire book. However, in this book, literary context is a lot more involved. Three aspects are discussed. Because the gospel of John is under consideration, Dr. Burge discusses synoptic parallels. Some passages in John have parallels in the synoptic gospels, and proper interpretation of these passages should include an evaluation of similarities and differences relative to the parallels. A second aspect is the macro-context, how a passage fits within the larger literary structure of the gospel. The third and final aspect is the micro-context, how the passage fits within a subsection. I couldn’t help noticing that macro- and micro-context looked a lot like different levels of an outline.
• Building a bibliography. This is really about identifying potential sources of information, and the book discusses the use of various resources, mostly on-line databases that are available for a fee, of course, unless you have access to a library that maintains such subscriptions. So, I can see this guidance being useful for academics but am less sure about how pastors and Bible-study leaders might apply it.
• Cultural context. This chapter provides exhaustive lists of possible resources for better understanding the cultures of Bible times. As a wise elder once said, a text can never mean what it never meant. In other words, determine what a text originally meant and then use that original meaning as the foundation for contemporary application. So, resources for determining cultural context are invaluable. I remember reading New Manners and Customs of Bible Times years ago. Because it only cited Bible passages, I could never figure out if it was just summarizing the Bible regarding culture or if it was drawing from other sources that could help me to better understand the Bible. I don’t think I will have that problem with the works cited in this chapter.
• Word studies. This topic is discussed over two separate chapters, one covering word searches and another covering the meanings of words. At the start, Dr. Burge provides three rules for word study:
1. Attempt to uncover the meaning of words based on the meaning intended by the author.
2. Take care to study a word’s full range of meaning.
3. Words derive their meaning from their context.
Furthermore, Dr. Burge provides guidance regarding methodology and resources for doing word searches and determining their meanings. Finally, he describes a several common word study errors. I would recommend supplementing this chapter with D.A. Carson’s Exegetical Fallacies, which has a more comprehensive list and includes a number of logical fallacies, as well.
A good book inspires further interest in its subject matter. Mission accomplished. I am currently in the process of reading a collection of books cited in this book. Dr. Burge definitely whetted my appetite for better understanding the gospel of John.
For the record, I am not a theologian, but a layman, an engineer. I taught myself Greek while I was a senior in college and have since worked on improving my Greek skills. My purpose in acquiring this book was not related to developing exegetical skill. Rather, I have gotten in the habit of doing some commentary reading in parallel with expository sermon series at church. The current series is on 1 John, and one of the two commentaries I chose was the NIIV Application Commentary on the Epistles of John, by Dr. Burge. In the introductory material of this commentary, Dr. Burge noted the close relationship between the gospel and epistles of John. So, I decided to read this book, among others, to better understand the gospel of John to better understand the epistles of John. What I actually found was a treasure trove of information regarding how to go about exegeting any book of the New Testament, not just the gospel of John. Topics covered include:
• Review of the text. I remember years ago, when I first learned about textual variants, I realized that if there are verses in which it is questionable which of two or more variants is likely to be original, it is probably not a good idea to base theology on those verses. The relevant chapter goes into a lot of detail regarding the choice of a base text for exegesis and provides guidance both to those who know Greek and those who don’t.
• Literary context. When I think of context, I think of the context within the book of the Bible under consideration. In other words, when interpreting a verse, I cannot ignore the rest of the passage or even the entire book. However, in this book, literary context is a lot more involved. Three aspects are discussed. Because the gospel of John is under consideration, Dr. Burge discusses synoptic parallels. Some passages in John have parallels in the synoptic gospels, and proper interpretation of these passages should include an evaluation of similarities and differences relative to the parallels. A second aspect is the macro-context, how a passage fits within the larger literary structure of the gospel. The third and final aspect is the micro-context, how the passage fits within a subsection. I couldn’t help noticing that macro- and micro-context looked a lot like different levels of an outline.
• Building a bibliography. This is really about identifying potential sources of information, and the book discusses the use of various resources, mostly on-line databases that are available for a fee, of course, unless you have access to a library that maintains such subscriptions. So, I can see this guidance being useful for academics but am less sure about how pastors and Bible-study leaders might apply it.
• Cultural context. This chapter provides exhaustive lists of possible resources for better understanding the cultures of Bible times. As a wise elder once said, a text can never mean what it never meant. In other words, determine what a text originally meant and then use that original meaning as the foundation for contemporary application. So, resources for determining cultural context are invaluable. I remember reading New Manners and Customs of Bible Times years ago. Because it only cited Bible passages, I could never figure out if it was just summarizing the Bible regarding culture or if it was drawing from other sources that could help me to better understand the Bible. I don’t think I will have that problem with the works cited in this chapter.
• Word studies. This topic is discussed over two separate chapters, one covering word searches and another covering the meanings of words. At the start, Dr. Burge provides three rules for word study:
1. Attempt to uncover the meaning of words based on the meaning intended by the author.
2. Take care to study a word’s full range of meaning.
3. Words derive their meaning from their context.
Furthermore, Dr. Burge provides guidance regarding methodology and resources for doing word searches and determining their meanings. Finally, he describes a several common word study errors. I would recommend supplementing this chapter with D.A. Carson’s Exegetical Fallacies, which has a more comprehensive list and includes a number of logical fallacies, as well.
A good book inspires further interest in its subject matter. Mission accomplished. I am currently in the process of reading a collection of books cited in this book. Dr. Burge definitely whetted my appetite for better understanding the gospel of John.
November 2, 2025
Burge’s book is excellent, and I enjoyed reading it. However, prospective readers must understand what the book “is” and what it “is not.”
To the latter issue: The title is more than a bit deceptive, especially for beginners looking for an inroad to understanding the so-called “meaning” of the Gospel of John. There is little in the way of hermeneutic revelation into the Gospel’s meaning – historical, spiritual, religious, or otherwise. In short, despite the title, Burge does not set out to offer “interpretations” of passages and events (pericopes) comprising John’s narrative.
To the former issue: The book serves as a detailed guidebook or “how-to” manual for those interested in New Testament interpretation – which is nothing other than textual hermeneutics – and it offers an abundance of what I’ll call issues and techniques (method!) for learning how to begin to properly (in a scholarly manner!) “read” and “analyze” an ancient text – in this case it just happens to be the Gospel of John (so, it’s focused on issues that relate to that particular Gospel).
Those intimately familiar with the “ins-and-outs” of hermeneutic reading, especially those steeped in systematic philosophy or theology, will easily follow along with the preparatory stages and phases the author takes readers through. But beginners will (I think) find this text somewhat difficult and even overwhelmingly challenging; for they are asked to plod through the minutiae of the hermeneutic process – especially those unfamiliar with Greek – here we encounter koine Greek (common Greek/New Testament Greek). This book would best be employed as a supplementary text within seminary courses on New Testament interpretation.
The book contains two excellent chapters on language analysis! The book ends with what I’ll term an experience of “religious-spiritual-praxis” that is devoted to bringing the interpretation (that the reader herself eventually brings to light!) to life as it might be expressed in service of the church – the Word lives in and through ministering to others! For me, this was an interesting conclusion to the book Part Four: “Preaching and Exegesis”.
One final comment: The author often speaks of “original” meaning, but this must be properly understood, for the so-called “reading response” he embraces is one where text and reader merge, and wherein from out of this intimate context and relationship, “meaning” is born, it emerges – without, and this is crucial, producing or offering a “definitive reading.” This occurs, however, only when the reader is well-schooled in the method the book so carefully and meticulously lays out. For the seasoned hermeneuts out there, what I’m about to state will be redundant, but for beginners, this means focusing on the text’s history, its living cultural milieu and moment, the original and ancient language of the writing, its relation to other ancient texts, e.g., the Torah, and so on and on…
Burge writes: "[While] there is a subjective element to all interpretations...revelation takes place only as the interpreter engages the text and listens" (p. 167).
With all that stated, I highly recommend the book, with the caveat that readers are aware of what they are in for when approaching Burge’s book. I have already ordered another book in the series, “Guides to New Testament Exegesis.”
Dr. James M. Magrini
Former: Philosophy/College of DuPage
To the latter issue: The title is more than a bit deceptive, especially for beginners looking for an inroad to understanding the so-called “meaning” of the Gospel of John. There is little in the way of hermeneutic revelation into the Gospel’s meaning – historical, spiritual, religious, or otherwise. In short, despite the title, Burge does not set out to offer “interpretations” of passages and events (pericopes) comprising John’s narrative.
To the former issue: The book serves as a detailed guidebook or “how-to” manual for those interested in New Testament interpretation – which is nothing other than textual hermeneutics – and it offers an abundance of what I’ll call issues and techniques (method!) for learning how to begin to properly (in a scholarly manner!) “read” and “analyze” an ancient text – in this case it just happens to be the Gospel of John (so, it’s focused on issues that relate to that particular Gospel).
Those intimately familiar with the “ins-and-outs” of hermeneutic reading, especially those steeped in systematic philosophy or theology, will easily follow along with the preparatory stages and phases the author takes readers through. But beginners will (I think) find this text somewhat difficult and even overwhelmingly challenging; for they are asked to plod through the minutiae of the hermeneutic process – especially those unfamiliar with Greek – here we encounter koine Greek (common Greek/New Testament Greek). This book would best be employed as a supplementary text within seminary courses on New Testament interpretation.
The book contains two excellent chapters on language analysis! The book ends with what I’ll term an experience of “religious-spiritual-praxis” that is devoted to bringing the interpretation (that the reader herself eventually brings to light!) to life as it might be expressed in service of the church – the Word lives in and through ministering to others! For me, this was an interesting conclusion to the book Part Four: “Preaching and Exegesis”.
One final comment: The author often speaks of “original” meaning, but this must be properly understood, for the so-called “reading response” he embraces is one where text and reader merge, and wherein from out of this intimate context and relationship, “meaning” is born, it emerges – without, and this is crucial, producing or offering a “definitive reading.” This occurs, however, only when the reader is well-schooled in the method the book so carefully and meticulously lays out. For the seasoned hermeneuts out there, what I’m about to state will be redundant, but for beginners, this means focusing on the text’s history, its living cultural milieu and moment, the original and ancient language of the writing, its relation to other ancient texts, e.g., the Torah, and so on and on…
Burge writes: "[While] there is a subjective element to all interpretations...revelation takes place only as the interpreter engages the text and listens" (p. 167).
With all that stated, I highly recommend the book, with the caveat that readers are aware of what they are in for when approaching Burge’s book. I have already ordered another book in the series, “Guides to New Testament Exegesis.”
Dr. James M. Magrini
Former: Philosophy/College of DuPage
January 10, 2020
Helpful and insightful
This is a great book for any person searching to study scripture. The author shows the reader different angles of getting to the “meat” of the word.
This is a great book for any person searching to study scripture. The author shows the reader different angles of getting to the “meat” of the word.
August 1, 2008
I like this book as well, even though not as much as Carson's. What I like most so far is the discussion of the aporias - the apparent contradictions that seem to be involved in the Fourth Gospel due to the manner in which it is constructed. His discussion of splitting John into the book of signs (John 1-12) and the book of glory (13-21) is also interesting. Overall a good read.
December 31, 2015
Helpful introduction to the Fourth Gospel. Also a good review of important points of exegesis and hermeneutics. I also appreciated the concrete tips for more resources on John. I read the Second Edition (2013) and it's quite up to date on commentaries, etc.
January 10, 2008
Another outstanding volume in this series
Currently reading
August 5, 2012i watched the movie that's why i really likes it
May 10, 2015
A necessary book for new seminary students.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews