Grasping God’s Word is a large-format hardback that offers a thorough guide to studying the Bible. It’s designed to be used as a first year textbook in Bible colleges, but remember that most first-year Bible college students know little more than the ‘average’ serious Christian – that’s why they’re going to college after all! The book is in five parts. The first three parts deal with the basic tools of interpretation, understanding the context of biblical passages at various levels, and with application and meaning. The chapter on the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding the Bible is particularly helpful. The final two parts then deal with the various genre of both the Old and New Testaments. Every time a new concept is introduced it is accompanied by scriptural examples, and there’s even an optional workbook which contains exercises and questions to ensure that the lessons are really remembered. As a result It’s a good book to work through on your own, but even better in part of a small study group, or as a one-to-one with your pastor or elder. If you have the time and energy to devote at least an hour or two each week to serious Bible study, this book would be a wonderful aid.

This review is part of an article called Better Bible Study at the 4-14 christian theology website. ( )

A good starting point for high school and college level hermeneutics. Clear and Concise, very practical. ( )

A wonderful introduction to the art of biblical hermeneutics. I would have no problem in recommending this book to the high school student or even a seminarian. Duvall and Hays walks the reader from basic principles of exegesis to exegeting passages from each type of genre in Scripture. Duvall and Hays provides samples of what the teach at the end of chapter. I can not praise Duvall and Hays enough for this masterpiece they have accomplished. ( )