Bible and Interpretation

This is a three volume collection of the most important published papers of James Barr (1924-2006). The papers deal with questions of theology (especially biblical theology), biblical interpretation and ideas about biblical inspiration and authority, and questions to do with biblical Hebrew and Greek, along with several lexicographical studies, essays and obituaries on major figures in the history of biblical interpretation, and a number of important reviews. Many of pieces collected here have hitherto been available only in journals and hard-to-access collections.

This collection will prove indispensable for anyone seeking a rounded picture of Barr's work. It incorporates work from every period of his academic life, and includes a number of discussions of fundamentalism and conservative biblical interpretation. Some pieces also shed light on less well-known aspects of Barr's work, such as his abiding interest in biblical chronology. Barr's characteristic incisive, clear, and forthright style is apparent throughout the collection.

The three volumes are thematically compiled. Each is accompanied by an introduction by John Barton, providing a guide to the contents.

Volume 1 begins with a biographical essay by Ernest Nicholson and John Barton. It contains major articles on theology in relation to the Bible, programmatic studies of the past and future of biblical study, and reflections on specific topics in the study of the Old Testament.

Volume 2 is concerned with detailed biblical interpretation and with the history of the discipline. It also contains material on biblical fundamentalism.

Volume 3 is a collection of Barr's extensive papers on linguistic matters relating to Biblical Hebrew and Greek, and to biblical translation in the ancient and the modern world.