Interpretation of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible: Reference Tools

As has been stated in other sections, the purpose of exegesis is to come as close as possible to the original historical sense of the text in its original historical setting, while keeping a critical awareness of possible errors stemming from one's own preconceived notions. Consequently, approaches to biblical study include diachronic (historical and time-oriented), synchronic (time-neutral), and application-oriented methods. The application-oriented methods are new approaches to the study of biblical studies that focus on the actualization and application of the biblical text. They are primarily concerned with the contents of the biblical text and its contextual interpretation. Contemporary approaches like Feminism, Womanism, Social History, and Liberation Theology provide contextual appropriation and interpretation of the biblical text that diversifies the voice of interpreters. The list of books here are meant to be introductory and an attempt to bring up recent work in these areas. The list is not exhaustive and students are encouraged to utilize the bibliographies in the books.