Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Principles and guidelines for understanding and applying the Bible -- Preface -- Introduction -- Part 1 : Presuppositions and principles. Presuppositions of biblical interpretation -- Supernaturalistic approaches -- Naturalistic approaches -- Dogmatic approaches -- Basic principles for understanding the Bible -- Part 2 : Guidelines and skills. Understanding human language -- Historical, physical, cultural setting -- A method for word study -- Analyzing thought structure -- Examining the context -- Figurative language -- Understanding parables -- Hebrew poetry -- Unity of scripture -- Coherence of truth -- Approach to alleged discrepancies -- Biblical prophecy -- Identifying the audience God intended -- Identifying the response God desires -- Conclusion.

Because most preachers prepare their sermons from English-text Bibles, J. Robertson McQuilken felt a great need for an English-based textbook with guidelines to help the serious student of the Bible understand and apply scripture with confidence. Designed to enable Bible students to create their own commentaries, this book teaches principles of interpretation that are both "simple" (not dependent on prior knowledge of biblical exegesis) and scholarly, built directly upon the way Bible authors viewed scripture. Because practical application is crucial to complete learning, the major portion of the study examines the practical skills necessary to put those principles to work. - Back cover.