In this accessible textbook, Henry Virkler and Karelynne Ayayo combine hermeneutical theory with practical steps for exegesis. The authors outline a five-step hermeneutical procedure that includes: (1) historical-cultural and contextual analysis, (2) lexical-syntactical analysis, (3) theological analysis, (4) genre identification and analysis, and (5) application. The key distinctive of the book is its emphasis on practical steps of Bible study. Instead of giving readers long lists of rules they need to memorize, this book walks them through a simple step-by-step process that they can integrate into all future study of the Bible.

The popular first edition has been translated into eight languages and has been used in a variety of settings. The second edition adds co-author Karelynne Ayayo and includes updated material covering developments in hermeneutics over the past twenty years. In addition, an Instructor's Resource CD containing teaching suggestions, PowerPoint slides, suggested answers to exercises, and supplementary handouts is available to instructors.

Praise for the first edition

"A useful introduction to the field. . . . [The] emphasis on practical application is a noteworthy goal which the author consistently addresses throughout the book. . . . The author addresses the major topics which a textbook in a hermeneutics course must cover. . . . His sensitivity to the fundamental hermeneutical problems of continuity-discontinuity . . . and cultural dynamics . . . is especially noteworthy. The chosen format is well suited to classroom use. It offers explicit goals stated at the head of each chapter, clear definitions, 'brain teasers, ' summaries, practical 'exercises' (questions for discussion), and resource lists."
--Timothy S. Laniak, Bulletin for Biblical Research

"[A] helpful and accessible volume. . . . Virkler deals with most of the key issues in hermeneutics. . . . He does so in language that is understandable to non-specialists. . . . His explication of the various hermeneutical approaches is evenhanded and readable. This would be an excellent text to teach hermeneutics in a church setting. Its accessibility, fairmindedness, quality, and price make it a work with wide appeal. Recommended as an introduction to biblical study for any non-specialist."
--Steve W. Lemke, Southwestern Journal of Theology