Expository Hermeneutics: An Introduction

Without question, this was the most significant, yet most overlooked work written on Biblical hermeneutics in the last century! Following the work of E. D. Hirsch (Validity, 1967), Johnson makes an argument for author-centered meaning that solidly addresses the criticisms of such an approach made by both those of naturalist and spiritualist interpretive schools. In his argument, Johnson both clarifies and demonstrates a "literal" approach to Scripture -- an approach that separates him from previous Fundamentalist approaches, but does not give in to a post-foundationalism understanding of meaning, literature, philosophy, theology or Scripture. Further, Johnson clarifies Hirsch's terms, "meaning" and "significance," distinguishing them from "application" and "contextualization." (To do such, Johnson clarifies the definitions of "exegesis" and "application" as understood by Biblical scholars.) Finally, Johnson, like Hirsch, argues for validating interpretation -- a conversation that is absent in almost every significant text on Biblical hermeneutics written in the last 100 years. The work is intellectually stimulating, the writing style and formatting are challenging (two columns per page), the "how to's" are not so obvious, and the book lacks a discussion on the history of hermeneutics typically found in such works. (Bray's work on the history of hermeneutics would be an excellent companion volume, Biblical Interpretation: Past and Present, 2000.) But Expository is a necessary companion for all interpreters of Scripture, preachers and teachers. Those in the fields of biblical theology and homiletics will find this work to be especially enlightening as Johnson demonstrates the unity of all of Scripture-revealed history. Good examples of the application of the author's method on several passages of Scripture abound throughout the work; (Johnson's explanation of John 4 justifies the price and depth of the book). He interacts with major scholars, but writes with the simple student of Scripture in mind. This is not a book for cowards, but it is recommended for all. This reviewer has found ease in using Johnson's theory to teach his own children how to analyze arguments of classical and modern works, as well as the Scriptures. Demonstrating the importance of genre criticism is a strength of this book. Johnson puts legs and feet on Aristotle (Poetics), Hirsch (Validity), Adler (How to Read), and the "four senses" carried over from pre-Reformation and Reformation times.

This is the most important book written on biblical interpretation. Because of its comprehensive nature, it is a tough read, not recommended for the undisciplined in heart. But it is a necessary read for anyone determined to learn how to study the Bible. Dr. Johnson is committed to a dispensational understanding of the Bible, and consequently, to a consitent literal interpretation of the scriptures. He contributes so much to the field of literary analysis and of theological study. Dr. Johnson contends that the meanings of scripture are found by understanding the message (subject+complement in one sentence), theological themes, and textual design of the book. This forms the context, which is the basis for the author's intended meaning. His chapters on application are very much important, also. This volume is steeped in a commitment to the author's (divine and human) intended meaning. He does so by including chapters on validation. He finds most of his principles in E.D. Hirsch's book, VALIDITY IN INTERPRETATION. This book should be read and studied, also. On a practical level, the book falls short in not giving enough examples on how the hermeneutical theory works in the study of a passage. There are many examples, but the book is intensely focused on the theory of interpretation. An illustration would be going to college to major in music, and spending the first few semesters in music theory classes. A book showing how the theory "sounds in the concert hall" is much needed. That aside, this is a hugely important book for any student of the Bible to read and study, and prayerfully, to apply to his/her understanding of the Word of God.