What doyouthink?
Rate this book
Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible
Presents solid principles and clear examples of biblical interpretation. Doriani summarizes the main principles for interpretation in a single, easily remembered acronym: CAPTOR
255 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1996
About the author
Daniel M. Doriani
27books18followersAfter a decade as senior pastor of Central Presbyterian church in Clayton, Missouri, Dr. Doriani returned to Covenant Seminary full time in October 2013 to serve as vice president of strategic academic projects and professor of theology.
In this role, he teaches two core courses for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program—Christian Ethics and Reformation and Modern Church History—as well as some elective courses on exegesis and church life. He also speaks in churches and conferences on behalf of the Seminary in ways that advance the mission of Covenant.
Dr. Doriani previously served in various roles at the Seminary from 1991 to 2003, including professor of New Testament, dean of faculty, and vice president of academics. While pastoring at Central, he continued teaching as adjunct professor of systematic theology. He has extensive teaching and pastoral experience as an interim, assistant, associate, and solo pastor, and has been involved in several planning and study committees at the presbytery level in both the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). He was chair of the PCA’s Theological Examining Committee from 1999 to 2000. Among his many books are Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible (P&R, 1996); Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application (P&R, 2001); The Life of a God-Made Man (Crossway, 2001); and commentaries on Matthew, James, and 1 Peter in P&R’s Reformed Expository Commentaries series. He is also a contributing blogger for The Gospel Coalition.
Dr. Doriani and his wife, Debbie, live in Chesterfield, Missouri, and have three grown daughters.
In this role, he teaches two core courses for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program—Christian Ethics and Reformation and Modern Church History—as well as some elective courses on exegesis and church life. He also speaks in churches and conferences on behalf of the Seminary in ways that advance the mission of Covenant.
Dr. Doriani previously served in various roles at the Seminary from 1991 to 2003, including professor of New Testament, dean of faculty, and vice president of academics. While pastoring at Central, he continued teaching as adjunct professor of systematic theology. He has extensive teaching and pastoral experience as an interim, assistant, associate, and solo pastor, and has been involved in several planning and study committees at the presbytery level in both the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). He was chair of the PCA’s Theological Examining Committee from 1999 to 2000. Among his many books are Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible (P&R, 1996); Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application (P&R, 2001); The Life of a God-Made Man (Crossway, 2001); and commentaries on Matthew, James, and 1 Peter in P&R’s Reformed Expository Commentaries series. He is also a contributing blogger for The Gospel Coalition.
Dr. Doriani and his wife, Debbie, live in Chesterfield, Missouri, and have three grown daughters.
Ratings&Reviews
Friends&Following
Create a free accountto discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 4, 2021
This book provides helpful structure and details on faithfully interpreting the Bible. I found it to be intensely practical, though too detailed to be easily enjoyed as a read. I am sure it is meant to serve more as a manual than a textbook, which explains its choppy writing style, but I think it's a useful book to reference when thinking about how to interpret and apply the Bible. His acronym: CAPTOR is a helpful and simple way to interpret a passage of Scripture (Context, Analysis, Problems, Themes, Obligations, and Reflection). My favorite part of the book was his section on application. Far too many times I've sat in sermons where the pastor neglects to give any application because they assume that application can be discerned on its own or that the Holy Spirit will bring the application on a silver platter. Doriani admits that indeed the Holy Spirit can and does bring conviction and application, but pastors likewise bear a responsibility to consider what a text says, how it would have been received by the audience it was intended for, and how it will apply today to their own members (and their idols, desires, struggles, etc.) since the Bible and its truths will always be relevant.
October 29, 2020
I really don’t think that I can say enough good things about this book. It’s like a portable hermeneutics class. Doriani presents Such a simple and Christ honoring way to interpret and apply the text of Scripture. Every preacher of the gospel should read this book.
July 12, 2021
2021 reads: 18/52
Rating: 3.5 stars
Rating: 3.5 stars
November 16, 2021
I cannot speak more highly of this book! Doriani provides practical methods to interpreting scripture for all believers. He is clear, concise, and makes his presentation very interesting through analogies. He provides the reader with examples and exercised for each chapter to practice each method. I will recommend this book to many believers!
October 1, 2019
3.5 stars.
A fine introduction to interpreting the Bible that avoids many technical hermeneutical discussions. Overall, the book reads like a "how to prepare a Bible study" manual. I thought it could have been a lot shorter through cutting out a lot of the many examples given.
A fine introduction to interpreting the Bible that avoids many technical hermeneutical discussions. Overall, the book reads like a "how to prepare a Bible study" manual. I thought it could have been a lot shorter through cutting out a lot of the many examples given.
June 7, 2024
Such a helpful book!
May 25, 2022
A theologically sound, well-written, easy to follow guide to grasping the meaning of Bible passages. It clearly presents principles and gives supporting examples. Each chapter ends in helpful conclusions and exercises.
I recommend Doriani's lecture series from Covenant Theological Seminary, such asLife and Teachings of JesusandHebrews to Revelation,which have some content from this book.
Doriani describes the book this way in the preface:
Preface
Steps of interpretation (CAPTOR)
• C = Context (historical, literary)
• A = Analysis (study flow of events or ideas)
• P = Problems (words, customs, phrases, names you don't understand)
• T = Themes (major ideas)
• O = Obligations (what passage requires you to do)
• R = Reflection (discover main point and application)
Observing What Is There
Principles of observation
1. Beware of preconceptions. Observe what texts actually say.
2. Observe text before explaining it. Be sure explanation fits observations.
3. Don't reshape observations to support your theology.
4. Note striking details.
The Literary Context
How to Study Contexts
1. What's the main theme?
2. What are the main divisions?
3. What issues come up repeatedly?
4. Who is the author?
5. What prompted the author to write?
6. Who is the intended audience? Are they believers or not, faithful or not, Jewish, Gentile, mixed? How much do they know?
7. What are the audience's needs and concerns?
Literary Context
Principles of analyzing literary context
1. Interpret single verses based on their context.
2. Interpret paragraphs and episodes based on paragraphs or events around them.
3. Try to determine why text belongs exactly where it is.
4. Look for thematic statements that introduce or interpret an entire section.
5. Look for repeated words or phrases.
6. Locate text in purpose of its section and whole book.
The Historical Context
Horses were rare in Palestine, and ordinarily used for war. By riding on a donkey, Jesus indicated that He came in peace, not for war.
Principles of analyzing historical context
1. The more we know about the world of the Bible, the better we understand the Bible.
2. To evaluate the relationship between writer and readers, look for pointed questions and objections, sharp rebukes, terms of endearment.
3. In historical books, understand cultures of people in stories.
Matthew wrote for Jews, Mark for Romans, John for everyone.
Discover character traits in stories
1. Read entire book. Write down names and who, what, when, where, why, how about them.
2. Read a good introduction to the book, answering same questions.
James and Paul both wanted to teach about proper relationship between faith and works, but audiences needed to learn different things because they opposing errors. Galatians needed to know that we can't earn God’s favor or salvation. James' audience needed to know that faith must be accompanied by works; that works prove that true faith is alive.
Analyzing Narratives
Principles of narrative analysis
1. To discover the point, compare it to other reports or examine several together.
2. In speech stories, main event is the speech, not the story. Main point of speech is usually at beginning or end.
3. Main point is usually at crisis and resolution of story.
Questions to ask at end of narrative
1. What does it show us about the life that God blesses or judges? Is there an activity we should imitate or avoid?
2. What does it reveal about God and His ways with humanity?
Analyzing Discourse
Indicators of main idea in discourse
• Frequently in 1st or last sentence of a section or paragraph (or both).
• Restated or repeated.
• Preceded by address to audience ( "Hear, O Israel," "Brothers," "Dear friends," ).
• Preceded by introductory phrase ( "I want you to know…" "I write these things so that…" ).
• Part of conclusion ( "therefore," "thus," "so" ).
Principles of discourse analysis
1. Look for words and phrases that explicitly connect one idea to another.
2. Look for implicit and understated connections.
Principles of paragraph analysis
1. Locate main thought of each paragraph.
2. Determine relations between paragraphs.
3: Observe signs of emotional atmosphere.
4: Some propositions end a line of thought in one sentence or paragraph and simultaneously lead into the next.
Solving Problems
Principles of problem-solving
1. You can solve most factual problems with Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias.
2. After gathering raw data, teachers must formulate it so that it communicates to ordinary people.
Developing Themes
Principles of studying themes and words
1. Even when examining a theme that spans entire Bible, begin with one central text before going to others.
2. In preparing thematic studies, distinguish between concept and biblical term(s) that describe it.
3. Theme development has 2 phases: 1) Survey: ask questions, brainstorm, use cross-references to find related passages, scan a concordance. 2) Synthesize: read a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia, read a handbook of systematic or biblical theology.
4. Read a concordance cautiously, intensively (read verses in context), selectively (choose relevant verses), broadly (look up related words), and according to families of books (choose verses in books most similar to the one containing the word you're studying).
5. Know your culture's view of the theme/word.
The Challenge of Application
Principles of application
1. Application is a necessary and difficult phase of teaching; it can't simply be “left to God.”
2. Sound application often consists in restating truths and removing common obstacles to obedience.
Handling obscure questions
1. State question as precisely as possible.
2. State obvious or certain parts of an answer, using them as anchors or parameters for the rest of your reflection.
3. Draw on as many Bible texts as possible.
4. If an authoritative answer is impossible, don’t force it.
The Practice of Application
Finding applications
1. Expect to find applications in all kinds of Scriptures, not just in commandments.
2. Sometimes application is basically the same today as thousands of years ago.
3. Bridge the gap between prophets, apostles, and ourselves by applying established principles to new situations.
Applying
1. Determine original meaning.
2. Find principle. Generally, a commandment rests on an abiding principle if it's grounded in creation order, God's nature, work of redemption, or redeemed life that follows.
3. Apply principle to similar situation today.
4. If possible, verify conclusions by comparing them to other Scriptures.
Gleaning laws (Lev 19:9-10) teach that we should give to poor without encouraging sloth or dependence.
Reflecting on the Point of a Text
Principles of reflection
1. Reflection is art of finding and applying unique point of a text and relating point to redemptive message of whole Bible.
2. Use every resource to ensure you discover theme of passage: context, location, repetition, dialogue, details, references to other Scripture, irony.
3. Link the theme to its consequences in life; join the lesson's central truth to its central life application.
How to find the main point
1. What is topic of text?
2. What does passage teach about topic, and what is main point?
3. How does main point apply to audience? Be specific.
4. What is redemptive focus? How does text surpass mere list of things to do and believe, and point to Christ?
Method for establishing theme
1. Ensure that theme of passage fits its context. Expect theme to fit within its multi-chapter unit.
2. Know where to find theme (see above).
3. Notice repetition.
4. Listen to dialogue.
5. Notice unusual or extravagant details.
6. Observe references to other Scriptures.
7. Interpret irony (look past surface meaning).
Reflecting on the Redemptive Thrust of Scripture
Principles for focusing on redemption
1. Every passage in Bible presents Christ both as remedy for human fallenness and as end point of God’s plan of salvation.
2. Every passage of Bible touches on some aspect of fallen human condition and presents some part of God’s remedy in Christ.
3. Since Jesus says the entire Bible speaks of Him, every Christian lesson should in some way present Jesus as Redeemer and Lord.
2 ways to focus on Christ
• Fallen-condition focus (FCF): experiential; explains what aspect(s) of the fallen condition of humanity the passage addresses (sin, immaturity, suffering, brokenness)
• Redemptive-historical focus (RHF): theological; explains what aspect of God's plan the passage reveals, and shows how Christ is presented as the one true Redeemer
Appendix B: Selecting a Text
There's no set number of verses needed to make a good lesson. Choose a passage that makes one main point or tells one story.
Don't be constrained to follow chapter, verse, and paragraph divisions. They can be helpful, but can also break up verses that should be taught together.
Principles for finding a text
1. Right-sized texts have a prominent and coherent idea. They're usually 1-5 paragraphs.
2. Unified texts commonly have a distinct vocabulary.
3. Unified texts often repeat key phrases or ideas.
4. Consult larger context to see how passage fits within it.
Principles for finding a right-sized narrative
1. New characters indicate beginning of narrative.
2. New geography indicates beginning of narrative.
3. New time indicates beginning of narrative.
4. Summary remarks indicate end of narrative.
5. Story is over when action ends, tension has been released, protagonist “wins” and antagonist suffers a defeat.
Principles for finding a right-sized discourse
1. Terms of address indicate beginning of discourse ( "brothers," "friends," "O Israel" ).
2. Questions indicate beginning of discourse.
3. Acts of communication indicate beginning of discourse ( "I want you to know," "I urge you" ).
4. Formulas for concluding unit of thought indicate beginning of discourse ( "therefore," "so," "now" ).
5. Multiple markers appear together ( "Therefore, I urge you, brothers," "My dear children, I write this to you" ).
Appendix D: Applying the Genres of Scripture
Diagnostic questions to ask after finding a text's message
1. Does passage primarily require faith or action? Does it primarily address mind (with information) or heart (with a command)?
2. What type of text is it (history, theology, moral instruction, prophecy, wisdom, song, prayer, promise)?
3. What important issues of faith and human life surface? List them and sketch what passage says about them.
Application of Historical Texts
1. What does passage reveal about God? His ways with people?
2. What does it show about covenant life? The life God blesses or judges?
3. Is there behavior we should avoid? Imitate?
4. How does it describe covenant community and its life together?
5. What can we learn from major characters (God, believers, unbelievers)?
6. Find behavior and attitudes to imitate or avoid (judging it according to clear teaching elsewhere in the Bible).
Application of Theological Texts
1. Look for central and tangential doctrinal instruction (God, covenants, creation, humanity, world, covenant community, etc.)
2. Figure out implications of doctrinal truths on our beliefs, emotions, attitudes, speech, actions.
Guidelines for Applying Difficult Passages
1. Determine original meaning.
2. Has redemptive-historical situation changed?
3. If a command no longer applies to us literally because of changes in culture or time in salvation history, seek principle expressed in the command.
4. Consult parallel Scriptures. Compare command to other, clearer instruction.
Prophecy
1. It helps to have knowledge of historical background and terms and familiarity with Hebrew poetry.
2. Prophets both foretell (predict future) and "forthtell" (declare God’s view of all things). Given what prophets said about the past, what would they say about current church or culture?
Wisdom
• Job contains wisdom for the dark days (life's storms and tragedies). It refutes simplistic notion that justice prevails in this life.
• Ecclesiastes cynically laments transience and vanity of worldly joys, and only occasionally points out right way of life.
• Job and Ecclesiastes contain much falsehood which serves as a foil for truth. Job’s “comforters” present flawed interpretations of his suffering. “Vanity” sections of Ecclesiastes describe life and “wisdom” as viewed “under the sun,” without perspective of eternity. These show thought patterns we should avoid. Sound sections of Ecclesiastes and Job generally function as proverbs.
• Proverbs teaches that life will ordinarily go well if you live by its wisdom.
Promises
• Promises to individuals may have secondary application to us.
• Promises to groups apply to us if we're members of the group.
• Many promises are conditional.
• Many promises are universal.
• To determine if statement is a promise or proverb, limited or universal, see what else Bible says on that topic.
Songs and Prayers
Imprecatory psalms are against those who embody evil; those who have a settled hatred for God, for whom "the possibility of repentance is not even an issue."
Appendix E: A Basic Christian Home Reference Library
Consult literal, free, and dynamic equivalent translations. Free translations update language and cultural references, sacrificing some accuracy.
Bible translations
• Literal: NASB, KVJ, NKVJ, RSV
• Dynamic equivalent: NRSV, NIV, NAB
• Free: JB, GNB, NEB, Phillips, Living
I recommend Doriani's lecture series from Covenant Theological Seminary, such asLife and Teachings of JesusandHebrews to Revelation,which have some content from this book.
Doriani describes the book this way in the preface:
Why are Christians unable to evaluate sermons, or to gain much from devotional reading, or to prepare lessons on their own? It is because they lack a method for studying the Bible. This book presents a straightforward method for effective Bible study. The goal of that study is not simply to understand the Bible better, but also to apply it to life.
First, it is a primer in Bible interpretation. It is written for those who are ready to move from casual and devotional reading of Scripture to a more theological and exegetical reading. Second, as a primer, this book uses an easily remembered plan for interpretation.… Third, this book is distinct in its emphasis on application.… Fourth, this book has exercises.Notes
Preface
Steps of interpretation (CAPTOR)
• C = Context (historical, literary)
• A = Analysis (study flow of events or ideas)
• P = Problems (words, customs, phrases, names you don't understand)
• T = Themes (major ideas)
• O = Obligations (what passage requires you to do)
• R = Reflection (discover main point and application)
Observing What Is There
Principles of observation
1. Beware of preconceptions. Observe what texts actually say.
2. Observe text before explaining it. Be sure explanation fits observations.
3. Don't reshape observations to support your theology.
4. Note striking details.
The Literary Context
How to Study Contexts
1. What's the main theme?
2. What are the main divisions?
3. What issues come up repeatedly?
4. Who is the author?
5. What prompted the author to write?
6. Who is the intended audience? Are they believers or not, faithful or not, Jewish, Gentile, mixed? How much do they know?
7. What are the audience's needs and concerns?
Literary Context
Principles of analyzing literary context
1. Interpret single verses based on their context.
2. Interpret paragraphs and episodes based on paragraphs or events around them.
3. Try to determine why text belongs exactly where it is.
4. Look for thematic statements that introduce or interpret an entire section.
5. Look for repeated words or phrases.
6. Locate text in purpose of its section and whole book.
The Historical Context
Horses were rare in Palestine, and ordinarily used for war. By riding on a donkey, Jesus indicated that He came in peace, not for war.
Principles of analyzing historical context
1. The more we know about the world of the Bible, the better we understand the Bible.
2. To evaluate the relationship between writer and readers, look for pointed questions and objections, sharp rebukes, terms of endearment.
3. In historical books, understand cultures of people in stories.
Matthew wrote for Jews, Mark for Romans, John for everyone.
Discover character traits in stories
1. Read entire book. Write down names and who, what, when, where, why, how about them.
2. Read a good introduction to the book, answering same questions.
James and Paul both wanted to teach about proper relationship between faith and works, but audiences needed to learn different things because they opposing errors. Galatians needed to know that we can't earn God’s favor or salvation. James' audience needed to know that faith must be accompanied by works; that works prove that true faith is alive.
Analyzing Narratives
Principles of narrative analysis
1. To discover the point, compare it to other reports or examine several together.
2. In speech stories, main event is the speech, not the story. Main point of speech is usually at beginning or end.
3. Main point is usually at crisis and resolution of story.
Questions to ask at end of narrative
1. What does it show us about the life that God blesses or judges? Is there an activity we should imitate or avoid?
2. What does it reveal about God and His ways with humanity?
Analyzing Discourse
Indicators of main idea in discourse
• Frequently in 1st or last sentence of a section or paragraph (or both).
• Restated or repeated.
• Preceded by address to audience ( "Hear, O Israel," "Brothers," "Dear friends," ).
• Preceded by introductory phrase ( "I want you to know…" "I write these things so that…" ).
• Part of conclusion ( "therefore," "thus," "so" ).
Principles of discourse analysis
1. Look for words and phrases that explicitly connect one idea to another.
2. Look for implicit and understated connections.
Principles of paragraph analysis
1. Locate main thought of each paragraph.
2. Determine relations between paragraphs.
3: Observe signs of emotional atmosphere.
4: Some propositions end a line of thought in one sentence or paragraph and simultaneously lead into the next.
Solving Problems
Principles of problem-solving
1. You can solve most factual problems with Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias.
2. After gathering raw data, teachers must formulate it so that it communicates to ordinary people.
Developing Themes
Principles of studying themes and words
1. Even when examining a theme that spans entire Bible, begin with one central text before going to others.
2. In preparing thematic studies, distinguish between concept and biblical term(s) that describe it.
3. Theme development has 2 phases: 1) Survey: ask questions, brainstorm, use cross-references to find related passages, scan a concordance. 2) Synthesize: read a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia, read a handbook of systematic or biblical theology.
4. Read a concordance cautiously, intensively (read verses in context), selectively (choose relevant verses), broadly (look up related words), and according to families of books (choose verses in books most similar to the one containing the word you're studying).
5. Know your culture's view of the theme/word.
The Challenge of Application
Principles of application
1. Application is a necessary and difficult phase of teaching; it can't simply be “left to God.”
2. Sound application often consists in restating truths and removing common obstacles to obedience.
Handling obscure questions
1. State question as precisely as possible.
2. State obvious or certain parts of an answer, using them as anchors or parameters for the rest of your reflection.
3. Draw on as many Bible texts as possible.
4. If an authoritative answer is impossible, don’t force it.
The Practice of Application
Finding applications
1. Expect to find applications in all kinds of Scriptures, not just in commandments.
2. Sometimes application is basically the same today as thousands of years ago.
3. Bridge the gap between prophets, apostles, and ourselves by applying established principles to new situations.
Applying
1. Determine original meaning.
2. Find principle. Generally, a commandment rests on an abiding principle if it's grounded in creation order, God's nature, work of redemption, or redeemed life that follows.
3. Apply principle to similar situation today.
4. If possible, verify conclusions by comparing them to other Scriptures.
Gleaning laws (Lev 19:9-10) teach that we should give to poor without encouraging sloth or dependence.
Reflecting on the Point of a Text
Principles of reflection
1. Reflection is art of finding and applying unique point of a text and relating point to redemptive message of whole Bible.
2. Use every resource to ensure you discover theme of passage: context, location, repetition, dialogue, details, references to other Scripture, irony.
3. Link the theme to its consequences in life; join the lesson's central truth to its central life application.
How to find the main point
1. What is topic of text?
2. What does passage teach about topic, and what is main point?
3. How does main point apply to audience? Be specific.
4. What is redemptive focus? How does text surpass mere list of things to do and believe, and point to Christ?
Method for establishing theme
1. Ensure that theme of passage fits its context. Expect theme to fit within its multi-chapter unit.
2. Know where to find theme (see above).
3. Notice repetition.
4. Listen to dialogue.
5. Notice unusual or extravagant details.
6. Observe references to other Scriptures.
7. Interpret irony (look past surface meaning).
Reflecting on the Redemptive Thrust of Scripture
Principles for focusing on redemption
1. Every passage in Bible presents Christ both as remedy for human fallenness and as end point of God’s plan of salvation.
2. Every passage of Bible touches on some aspect of fallen human condition and presents some part of God’s remedy in Christ.
3. Since Jesus says the entire Bible speaks of Him, every Christian lesson should in some way present Jesus as Redeemer and Lord.
2 ways to focus on Christ
• Fallen-condition focus (FCF): experiential; explains what aspect(s) of the fallen condition of humanity the passage addresses (sin, immaturity, suffering, brokenness)
• Redemptive-historical focus (RHF): theological; explains what aspect of God's plan the passage reveals, and shows how Christ is presented as the one true Redeemer
Appendix B: Selecting a Text
There's no set number of verses needed to make a good lesson. Choose a passage that makes one main point or tells one story.
Don't be constrained to follow chapter, verse, and paragraph divisions. They can be helpful, but can also break up verses that should be taught together.
Principles for finding a text
1. Right-sized texts have a prominent and coherent idea. They're usually 1-5 paragraphs.
2. Unified texts commonly have a distinct vocabulary.
3. Unified texts often repeat key phrases or ideas.
4. Consult larger context to see how passage fits within it.
Principles for finding a right-sized narrative
1. New characters indicate beginning of narrative.
2. New geography indicates beginning of narrative.
3. New time indicates beginning of narrative.
4. Summary remarks indicate end of narrative.
5. Story is over when action ends, tension has been released, protagonist “wins” and antagonist suffers a defeat.
Principles for finding a right-sized discourse
1. Terms of address indicate beginning of discourse ( "brothers," "friends," "O Israel" ).
2. Questions indicate beginning of discourse.
3. Acts of communication indicate beginning of discourse ( "I want you to know," "I urge you" ).
4. Formulas for concluding unit of thought indicate beginning of discourse ( "therefore," "so," "now" ).
5. Multiple markers appear together ( "Therefore, I urge you, brothers," "My dear children, I write this to you" ).
Appendix D: Applying the Genres of Scripture
Diagnostic questions to ask after finding a text's message
1. Does passage primarily require faith or action? Does it primarily address mind (with information) or heart (with a command)?
2. What type of text is it (history, theology, moral instruction, prophecy, wisdom, song, prayer, promise)?
3. What important issues of faith and human life surface? List them and sketch what passage says about them.
Application of Historical Texts
1. What does passage reveal about God? His ways with people?
2. What does it show about covenant life? The life God blesses or judges?
3. Is there behavior we should avoid? Imitate?
4. How does it describe covenant community and its life together?
5. What can we learn from major characters (God, believers, unbelievers)?
6. Find behavior and attitudes to imitate or avoid (judging it according to clear teaching elsewhere in the Bible).
Application of Theological Texts
1. Look for central and tangential doctrinal instruction (God, covenants, creation, humanity, world, covenant community, etc.)
2. Figure out implications of doctrinal truths on our beliefs, emotions, attitudes, speech, actions.
Guidelines for Applying Difficult Passages
1. Determine original meaning.
2. Has redemptive-historical situation changed?
3. If a command no longer applies to us literally because of changes in culture or time in salvation history, seek principle expressed in the command.
4. Consult parallel Scriptures. Compare command to other, clearer instruction.
Prophecy
1. It helps to have knowledge of historical background and terms and familiarity with Hebrew poetry.
2. Prophets both foretell (predict future) and "forthtell" (declare God’s view of all things). Given what prophets said about the past, what would they say about current church or culture?
Wisdom
• Job contains wisdom for the dark days (life's storms and tragedies). It refutes simplistic notion that justice prevails in this life.
• Ecclesiastes cynically laments transience and vanity of worldly joys, and only occasionally points out right way of life.
• Job and Ecclesiastes contain much falsehood which serves as a foil for truth. Job’s “comforters” present flawed interpretations of his suffering. “Vanity” sections of Ecclesiastes describe life and “wisdom” as viewed “under the sun,” without perspective of eternity. These show thought patterns we should avoid. Sound sections of Ecclesiastes and Job generally function as proverbs.
• Proverbs teaches that life will ordinarily go well if you live by its wisdom.
Promises
• Promises to individuals may have secondary application to us.
• Promises to groups apply to us if we're members of the group.
• Many promises are conditional.
• Many promises are universal.
• To determine if statement is a promise or proverb, limited or universal, see what else Bible says on that topic.
Songs and Prayers
Imprecatory psalms are against those who embody evil; those who have a settled hatred for God, for whom "the possibility of repentance is not even an issue."
Appendix E: A Basic Christian Home Reference Library
Consult literal, free, and dynamic equivalent translations. Free translations update language and cultural references, sacrificing some accuracy.
Bible translations
• Literal: NASB, KVJ, NKVJ, RSV
• Dynamic equivalent: NRSV, NIV, NAB
• Free: JB, GNB, NEB, Phillips, Living
Generally, the newer the translation, the more likely that it relies on more ancient, more reliable manuscripts. The King James Version and other older translations simply did not have access to the most reliable of the handwritten copies of the New Testament that circulated before the invention of the printing press.
December 27, 2022
A practical approach to Interpreting passages of scripture. Uses the acronym CAPTOR (Context, analysis, problems, Themes, obligations, and reflection) to consider When preparing for lessons for sermons. Dr. Doriani recently released an updated Edition of this book. Will definitely use as a reference book in the future.
September 27, 2021
4.1 Stars
I mostly skimmed through this book but found it very beneficial and helpful. I would first say for someone who is experienced in Bible study & Bible teaching this book may seem over-simplistic and rudimentary. But for the beginner Bible study-er & teacher, this book is gold.
In this book, Dan Doriani lays out a plan and strategy for interpreting and applying the Bible, codified in the acronym CAPTOR. This acronym stands for Context, Application, Problems, Themes, Obligations, and Reflection. This acronym serves as a guide for the book and in each chapter, he explains how each of these steps function in the task of Biblical interpretation. Doriani's book though does not so much offer a technical hermeneutical method or form of literary theory, but he teaches the reader all the foundation concepts necessary to understand the Bible and teach it well. Thus, Doriani's book serves more a guideline for Bible devotional reading and Bible study leading, rather than technical hermeneutics and exegesis.
There were a few things that I appreciated most about Doriani's book. First, Doriani begins that explaining that humility and a right heart is necessary to right Biblical interpretation. One can never rightly approach a Biblical passage without first humbling one's heart and submitting to the truth held within its pages. Second, I love how Doriani gives the reader examples of his steps in every chapter. For the experienced Bible interpreter, this may seem redundant, but for those just learning to study and teaching the Bible, this is most helpful. And third, I loved that Doriani spends considerable time in the last chapter going through the main storyline of the Scriptures. Utterly essential to good Biblical interpretation is understanding the whole message of the Bible, and this book would have been lacking without a summary of the storyline of Scripture.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is first beginning to study and teach the Bible. For those experienced in Biblical interpretation, this book may seem dreary, but it is an excellent reminder of the foundations and essentials of studying the Bible.
I mostly skimmed through this book but found it very beneficial and helpful. I would first say for someone who is experienced in Bible study & Bible teaching this book may seem over-simplistic and rudimentary. But for the beginner Bible study-er & teacher, this book is gold.
In this book, Dan Doriani lays out a plan and strategy for interpreting and applying the Bible, codified in the acronym CAPTOR. This acronym stands for Context, Application, Problems, Themes, Obligations, and Reflection. This acronym serves as a guide for the book and in each chapter, he explains how each of these steps function in the task of Biblical interpretation. Doriani's book though does not so much offer a technical hermeneutical method or form of literary theory, but he teaches the reader all the foundation concepts necessary to understand the Bible and teach it well. Thus, Doriani's book serves more a guideline for Bible devotional reading and Bible study leading, rather than technical hermeneutics and exegesis.
There were a few things that I appreciated most about Doriani's book. First, Doriani begins that explaining that humility and a right heart is necessary to right Biblical interpretation. One can never rightly approach a Biblical passage without first humbling one's heart and submitting to the truth held within its pages. Second, I love how Doriani gives the reader examples of his steps in every chapter. For the experienced Bible interpreter, this may seem redundant, but for those just learning to study and teaching the Bible, this is most helpful. And third, I loved that Doriani spends considerable time in the last chapter going through the main storyline of the Scriptures. Utterly essential to good Biblical interpretation is understanding the whole message of the Bible, and this book would have been lacking without a summary of the storyline of Scripture.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is first beginning to study and teach the Bible. For those experienced in Biblical interpretation, this book may seem dreary, but it is an excellent reminder of the foundations and essentials of studying the Bible.
March 27, 2010
An outstanding book on Bible interpretation as it relates to teaching and preaching.
It is chock full of examples of Scripture passages that the author uses to demonstrate his theory and to prove his points. Not only is it helpful for learning good interpretive techniques, but his insights are invaluable for teaching / preaching on the passages he includes.
Daniel Doriani is an amazing communicator. He is easy to read, succinct, and convincing. This is a must read for any Bible teacher or preacher great and small.
It is chock full of examples of Scripture passages that the author uses to demonstrate his theory and to prove his points. Not only is it helpful for learning good interpretive techniques, but his insights are invaluable for teaching / preaching on the passages he includes.
Daniel Doriani is an amazing communicator. He is easy to read, succinct, and convincing. This is a must read for any Bible teacher or preacher great and small.
October 2, 2015
Doriani's book helped me to grow in my understanding of proper interpretation of the Bible as well as better equipped me to teach the Bible to others. This book is a MUST READ for any teacher of the Word, regardless of title.
September 26, 2022
What is the best way to understand the Bible? In Getting the Message, Daniel M. Doriani delivers a plan for interpreting and applying the Bible. With 14 chapters and 5 appendices in nearly 300 pages, this is a well-rounded, approachable and helpful guide to Bible study. Doriani uses the acronym CAPTOR to summarize his principles: Context, Analysis, Problems, Themes, Obligations, and Reflection.
Examples and General Principles
I was most pleased to see so many examples in this book. By showcasing his own approach with the Biblical text in sample passages, Doriani acts as a coach to give insight into your own Bible study. The first half of the book focuses on inductive study, and the book is not dry – it reads quickly and with purpose.
What I found to be most helpful were the general principles of interpretation presented in each chapter. They are clear and can be directly applied by all students of the Bible. As a teacher, I most appreciated Chapter 8: Developing Themes and Chapter 9: The Essence of Application. These chapters would help those interested in Christian worldview and providing practical points to students.
Biblical Christian Living and Building and Cultivating a Home Library
All Christians can benefit from Doriani’s principles on Biblical Christian living. Restating truths and removing common obstacles to obedience are ways to soundly apply the text. For instance, even praying for a victory in sports needs Biblical application, as “our faith should shape our conduct on the field.”
What I most appreciated was Doriani’s emphasis on building and cultivating a home library. Consulting reference works such as Bible dictionaries and study Bibles are encouraged. This book includes an appendix with suggested titles for building a basic Christian home reference library.
Authority and Power
As the times and culture change, Christians must learn to apply the Bible to new situations. This begins by rightly reading and understanding Scripture. The Bible has the authority and power to change our minds, hearts, and lives.
I received a media copy of Getting the Message and this is my honest review.
Examples and General Principles
I was most pleased to see so many examples in this book. By showcasing his own approach with the Biblical text in sample passages, Doriani acts as a coach to give insight into your own Bible study. The first half of the book focuses on inductive study, and the book is not dry – it reads quickly and with purpose.
What I found to be most helpful were the general principles of interpretation presented in each chapter. They are clear and can be directly applied by all students of the Bible. As a teacher, I most appreciated Chapter 8: Developing Themes and Chapter 9: The Essence of Application. These chapters would help those interested in Christian worldview and providing practical points to students.
Biblical Christian Living and Building and Cultivating a Home Library
All Christians can benefit from Doriani’s principles on Biblical Christian living. Restating truths and removing common obstacles to obedience are ways to soundly apply the text. For instance, even praying for a victory in sports needs Biblical application, as “our faith should shape our conduct on the field.”
What I most appreciated was Doriani’s emphasis on building and cultivating a home library. Consulting reference works such as Bible dictionaries and study Bibles are encouraged. This book includes an appendix with suggested titles for building a basic Christian home reference library.
Authority and Power
As the times and culture change, Christians must learn to apply the Bible to new situations. This begins by rightly reading and understanding Scripture. The Bible has the authority and power to change our minds, hearts, and lives.
I received a media copy of Getting the Message and this is my honest review.
October 4, 2019
I have had to read several books on hermeneutical approach. This one was not significantly different than the others: read the text, read the text, read the text, and make good decisions taking into consideration the socio-economic, cultural, and religious background the text was grounded in.
Sounds simple right?
Well it's pretty complicated. Here are somethings that Doriani does different than other hermeneutic texts I've read:
Every hermeneutic wants the reader to understand that context is key. Doriani is no different. However, he does utilize a slightly different method for understand this which is spelled out in the mnemonic device, "CAPTOR." That is, Context, Analysis, Problems, Themes, Obligations, and Reflection. To me, some of these seem really forced and others are absolutely necessary. At its essence, this scheme is what most hermeneutic texts revolve around but it's package in this unique way.
One thing that I thought really benefited me from other texts I've read on this subject is wrapping your mind around the fact that you cannot simply allow a text to read the way you think it should read. In other word, context, context, context. I felt like Doriani did some of that, but there was not as much emphasis as I thought there might be in my own experience.
There are other minor points, but I want to get down to this: I think there are better texts out there on this subject to help prepare both the layman and the scholar for interpreting a passage of Scripture. Doriani's text is fine in its own right, I just prefer the texts I've already written. Perhaps to those who haven't studied this at all this method would be appealing.
For that reason, 4/5.
Sounds simple right?
Well it's pretty complicated. Here are somethings that Doriani does different than other hermeneutic texts I've read:
Every hermeneutic wants the reader to understand that context is key. Doriani is no different. However, he does utilize a slightly different method for understand this which is spelled out in the mnemonic device, "CAPTOR." That is, Context, Analysis, Problems, Themes, Obligations, and Reflection. To me, some of these seem really forced and others are absolutely necessary. At its essence, this scheme is what most hermeneutic texts revolve around but it's package in this unique way.
One thing that I thought really benefited me from other texts I've read on this subject is wrapping your mind around the fact that you cannot simply allow a text to read the way you think it should read. In other word, context, context, context. I felt like Doriani did some of that, but there was not as much emphasis as I thought there might be in my own experience.
There are other minor points, but I want to get down to this: I think there are better texts out there on this subject to help prepare both the layman and the scholar for interpreting a passage of Scripture. Doriani's text is fine in its own right, I just prefer the texts I've already written. Perhaps to those who haven't studied this at all this method would be appealing.
For that reason, 4/5.
September 11, 2020
This was a really good book on hermeneutics. The author presents the acronym CAPTOR as a simple way to interpret and apply the Bible. Here’s an overview:
C = Context Establish the context in your book and in biblical culture.
A = Analysis Analyze the flow of thought or the flow of a story.
P = Problems Solve your problems—the words and customs that baffle us.
T = Themes Develop a theme, a big idea that runs through all of Scripture.
O = Obligations Discover your obligations, the way the Bible applies to you today.
R = Reflection Reflect on the main point and the work of Christ.
If you want to learn a simple and hands on method of Bible study that is also very comprehensive, grab a copy of this book.
C = Context Establish the context in your book and in biblical culture.
A = Analysis Analyze the flow of thought or the flow of a story.
P = Problems Solve your problems—the words and customs that baffle us.
T = Themes Develop a theme, a big idea that runs through all of Scripture.
O = Obligations Discover your obligations, the way the Bible applies to you today.
R = Reflection Reflect on the main point and the work of Christ.
If you want to learn a simple and hands on method of Bible study that is also very comprehensive, grab a copy of this book.
October 19, 2022
I’m giving out 5 stars nowadays like they are candy, BUT this book is so great. A book I read for my hermeneutics class. I love the practicality of how it is structured and has exercises for you to do at the end of each chapter. It puts knowledge into practice and that’s what we need to do with books on interpretation. End of the book was super strong. How do we focus on Christ in our teaching? Doriani gives two methods to consider: the fallen-condition focus and redemptive-historical focus. I find these two methods to be super helpful in interpreting passages we are reading through. The appendixes in the back are also extremely useful and will definitely be returning to this book again.
July 17, 2021
In this work, Doriani provides a method for interpreting and teaching Scripture as well as accompanying examples of the principles that he works to explain. The author’s tool for understanding and applying a text called CAPTOR works as steps for interpretation rather than a theological grid for hermeneutics. The work by its very focus as a tool for interpretation limits the enjoyability of the book; however, for its scope of work, Doriani provides very helpful principles and wisdom for interpreting and applying the Scriptures.
October 28, 2020
A great method of understanding and applying the Bible using the CAPTOR method (context, analysis, themes, observations and reflection). The exercises at the end of each chapter were helpful in learning to apply and use each step. Be careful because doing these could cause you to spend more time working in this book than you had planned (it’s a good thing though!). I have read other books with Biblical interpretation methods and this one is the greatest I have read.
May 25, 2017
This is a good introduction to how you can interpret the Bible faithfully. It's pretty extensive and thorough so I might suggest starting with a smaller book. But everything in this book is accessible and practical.
C- ontext
A- nalysis
P- roblems
T- hemes
O- bligations
R- eflections
Is Doriani's model and I found it helpful.
C- ontext
A- nalysis
P- roblems
T- hemes
O- bligations
R- eflections
Is Doriani's model and I found it helpful.
May 8, 2019
Pros:
- Strong in application of interpretation
- Easier read than some others
- Condense
- Really strong methods that are helpful
Cons:
- the cover is atrocious
- He tried to boil down interpretation in an acronym CAPTOR... LOVED the insight I got from reading about it, but I just finished the book and I already can't remember that acronym.
- Strong in application of interpretation
- Easier read than some others
- Condense
- Really strong methods that are helpful
Cons:
- the cover is atrocious
- He tried to boil down interpretation in an acronym CAPTOR... LOVED the insight I got from reading about it, but I just finished the book and I already can't remember that acronym.
October 1, 2019
An excellent introduction to proper principles of meaningful biblical exposition for those in the pew and the pulpit alike. Doriani explains both the gravitas necessary when dealing with hermeneutics as well as the importance of having a developed methodology that is consistently applied, being throughly informed by Scripture itself most of all.
January 20, 2020
Good book! As far as my exposure to hermeneutics texts, this was good. Doriani's method is: CAPTOR - Context, Analysis, Problems, Themes, Obligations, Reflection. I prefer the Grasping God's Word curriculum. It's fuller and it has much more interactivity. But there were some solid contributions in this book as well.
August 20, 2020
Very accessible and well written. If I were to write a book on Hermeneutics, which nobody wants me to do -trust me, it would look very similar to this. The way in which Doriani broke down his ideas into a hermeneutical process (CAPTOR) made it very easy to remember and recall when doing serious study.
August 5, 2021
Read for a OT200 - A good reference work for hermeneutics. Could be used as a good starting point for teaching on Bible study. The book uses the acronym CAPTOR (context, analysis, problems, themes, obligations, reflection) to guide the reader through interpreting a passage of scripture. I definitely would have gotten more out of it had I approached it like a workbook rather than a read.
July 16, 2022
Such a helpful resource for any Christian, whether in full-time ministry or just seeking to grow a little! Doriani is very clear and presents easy to understand tools and illustrations. You could read through this book all at once, or reference it for help in your daily devotions or small group Bible studies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2019
It's basically a deeper dive into an inductive-style method of reading and interpreting the Bible. The most confusing chapter is in regards to finding and understanding the theme of a passage. Everything else is pretty straightforward and helpful in explaining the captor method.
January 22, 2020
This book will bear good fruit if one puts it into practice. An excellent guide for understanding the Bible with clear examples, a simple method, and frequent opportunities to practice the method with various passages from Scripture.
March 2, 2022
extremely practical with lots of exercises at the end of each chapter to work through what he was teaching. would recommend for anyone wanting to understand how to read the Bible. it especially helps with reading, interpreting, and applying narrative (which is the majority of the OT)
June 28, 2022
The method Doriani gives is…not my favorite. I think there are other methodologies that work better and are simpler in their technique. However, his delivery, writing talent, is much better than many others. This book was much easier to read than many others on the subject.
January 11, 2024
Well organized, straightforward, faithful writing on a method to interpret scripture. New edition just came out, so it didn’t feel old and stale. Would highly encourage for anyone teaching the Bible.
January 16, 2018
if you are looking for a book that explains hermeneutics in understandable words, this is it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews