Understanding the Bible: A Guide to Reading and Enjoying Scripture

by Robert L. Plummer

Understanding the Bible will help anyone learn how to interpret the Bible for themselves. The Bible covers a variety of genres and was written a long time ago, so being aware of solid principles of interpretation is important in order to understand the Bible properly. Plummer walks the reader through improving interpretation skills, using books and tools for interpretation, and determining the meaning of a biblical text.

Genres: Christian

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Robert L. Plummer, Ph.D., is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky. Dr. Plummer is the author or editor of several books, including '40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible' (Kregel, 2010). Dr. Plummer is an elder at Sojourn Community Church (East Campus), Louisville, Ky. He has served on mission assignments in China, India, Malaysia, Ghana, Israel, Turkey, and Trinidad. He and his wife Chandi have three daughters. During his spare time, Dr. Plummer enjoys running mini-marathons and drinking hot tea.

Reviews

[Chaplain2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little paperback is a quick reminder of principles to approach understanding and interpreting the Bible, rather than a verse-by-verse or even book-by-book discussion. That makes it helpful in its own way, equipping readers with basic tools and encouragement to think for ourselves, to understand the Bible for ourselves. It's a reminder that we can rely on God Himself to help us understand His Word.

Each chapter has review/reflection/discussion questions that make it appropriate for group discussions or for daily study.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and GoodReads for this book. It joins our theology shelf and will serve in good stead.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little book. It gave an overview of how to interpret the Bible. He was fair in showing both positives and negatives/limitations of various viewpoints. I did not like the abrupt ending, but this is extracted from his larger work, "40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible."

[Julie Mabus · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a good simple overview of the Bible. I didn’t like how he ended the book as it felt a bit abrupt. For those wondering how to read the Bible it’s a good start.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting but not what i thought it would be