Biblical Bibliographies
Charles Conroy [www.cjconroy.net]



Exegetical Methodology


The bibliography is divided into three sections as follows:

I.    Major changes in exegetical methodology from around 1970 onwards

1.   The "linguistic turn" in human sciences in the 20th cent.

i)   Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913)

Saussure, F. de, Cours de linguistique générale. Publié par Charles Bally et Albert Sechehaye avec la collaboration de Albert Riedlinger (Lausanne: Payot, 11916 ; Paris: Payot, 31931). New edition: Saussure, F., Cours de linguistique générale. Publié par Charles Bally et Albert Sechehaye avec la collaboration de Albert Riedlinger. Edité par Tullio de Mauro (Paris: Payot, 1973); = Corso di linguistica generale. A cura di Tullio de Mauro (Roma – Bari: Laterza, 61979); = [First English Translation] Course in General Linguistics. Translated by Wade Baskin (New York: The Philosophical Library Inc., 1959; London: Peter Owen, 1960: and subsequent reprints); = [Second English Translation] Course in General Linguistics. Edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye, with the collaboration of Albert Riedlinger.Translated and annotated by Roy Harris (London: Duckworth, 1983; La Salle, IL: Open Court, 1986).

ii)   Other influential scholars

Barthes, R., Le degré zéro de l'écriture, suivi des Éléments de sémiologie (Bibliothèque méditations; Paris: Gonthier, 1953); = Writing Degree Zero (London: Cape, 1967).

Barthes, R., et al., Introduction à l'analyse structurale des récits (Communications, n. 8; Paris: Seuil, 1966); = L'analisi del racconto (Milano: Bompiani, 1969).

Barthes, R., S/Z (Paris: Seuil, 1970); = S/Z (London: Cape, 1975).

Derrida, J., De la grammatologie (Paris: Minuit, 1967); = Della grammatologia (Milano: Jaca Book, 1969); = Of Grammatology (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1977).

Derrida, J., L'Écriture et la différence (Paris: Seuil, 1967); = Writing and Difference (London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1978).

Eco, U., Trattato di semiotica generale (Milano: Bompiani, 1975); = A Theory of Semiotics (Bloomington – London: Indiana University Press, 1976).

Greimas, A. J., Sémantique structurale. Recherche de méthode (Paris: Larousse, 1966); = Semantica strutturale: ricerche (Milano: Rizzoli, 1969); = Structural Semantics. An Attempt at a Method. Introduction by R. Schleifer (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1983).

Greimas, A. J. (ed.), Essais de sémiotique poétique (Paris: Larousse, 1972).

Greimas, A. J. – Joseph Courtés, Sémiotique. Dictionnaire raisonné de la théorie du langage. 2 vol. (Paris: Classiques Hachette, 1979-1986); = Semiotics and Language. An Analytical Dictionary (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1982); = Semiotica. Dizionario ragionato della teoria del linguaggio. A cura di P. Febbri (Firenze: Usher, 1986).

Jakobson, R., Selected Writings. Vol. 1: Phonological Studies. Vol. II: Word and Language. Vol. III: Poetry of Grammar and Grammar of Poetry. Vol. IV: Slavic Epic Studies. Vol. V: On Verse, Its Masters and Explorers (The Hague – Paris: Mouton, 1962 / 1971 / 1981 / 1966 / 1979).

Jakobson, R., Essais de linguistique générale (Paris: Minuit, 1963); = Saggi di linguistica generale (Milano: Feltrinelli, 1966).

Jakobson, R., Questions de poétique (Poétique; Paris: Seuil, 1973).

Lacan, J., Écrits (Paris: Seuil, 1966); = Écrits: A Selection (London: Tavistock, 1977).

Lacan, J., The Language of the Self: The Function of Language in Psychoanalysis. Translated with notes and commentary by Anthony Wilden (Baltimore – London: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1968).

Lacan, J., Autres écrits (Le champ freudien; Paris: Seuil, 2001).

Lévi-Strauss, C., Anthropologie structurale (Paris: Plon, 1958); = Antropologia strutturale (Milano: Mondadori, 1966); = Structural Anthropology (London: Allen Lane, 1968).

Lévi-Strauss, C., Mythologiques, I: Le cru et le cuit (Paris: Plon, 1964); = The Raw and the Cooked (London: Cape, 1970).

Lotman, J. M., La struttura del testo poetico. A cura di Eridano Bazzarelli (Grande Universale Mursia, nuova serie, 158; Milano: Mursia, 1972). [dall'originale russo del 1970]; = Die Struktur literarischer Texte (UTB 103; München: Fink, 1972, 31989).

Wellek, R. – A. Warren, Theory of Literature (New York: Harcourt, Brace and World; London: Cape, 11949. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 21956. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 31963); = La théorie littéraire (Paris: Seuil, 1971); = Teoria della letteratura (Bologna: Il Mulino, 1973). [Also trans. in Spanish, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Hebrew, Gujarati]

iii)   Useful secondary literature

Fokkema, D. W. – E. Kunne-Ibsch, Theories of Literature in the Twentieth Century: Structuralism, Marxism, Aesthetics of Reception, Semiotics (London: Hurst, 1977); = Teorie della letteratura del XX secolo. Strutturalismo, marxismo, estetica della ricezione, semiotica (Biblioteca Universale Laterza, 5; Roma – Bari: Laterza, 1981).

Sanders, C. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Saussure (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004).

2.   The beginnings of dialogue between biblical scholars and specialists in linguistic and literary studies

Barthes, R., "L'analyse structurale du récit. À propos d'Actes X-XI", in X. Léon-Dufour (ed.), Exégèse et herméneutique (Parole de Dieu, 6; Paris: Seuil, 1971) 181-204; = X. Léon-Dufour (ed.), Exegese im Methodenkonflikt. Zwischen Geschichte und Struktur (München: Kösel, 1973); = X. Léon-Dufour (ed.), Exegesi y Hermeneutica (Collección Biblia y lenguaje, 1; Madrid: Ediciones Cristiandad, 1976). An English translation is also available in the collection of essays: R. Barthes, The Semiotic Challenge (New York: Hill and Wang, 1988) 217-245.

Barthes, R., "La lutte avec l'ange. Analyse textuelle de Genèse 32,23-33", in F. Bovon (ed.), Analyse structurale et exégèse biblique. Essais d'interprétation (Bibliothèque théologique; Neuchâtel: Delachaux et Niestlé, 1971) 27-39; = Analisi strutturale ed esegesi biblica (Universo Cristiano; Torino: Società Editrice Internazionale, 1973); = Structural Analysis and Biblical Exegesis: Interpretational Essays (Pittsburgh Theological Monograph Series, 3: Pittsburgh: Pickwick Press, 1974) 21-33. An English translation is also available in the collection of essays: R. Barthes, The Semiotic Challenge (New York: Hill and Wang, 1988) 246-260.

Beauchamp, P., "L'analyse structurale et l'exégèse biblique", in Congress Volume. Uppsala 1971 (VTSup 22; Leiden: Brill, 1972) 113-128; = P. Beauchamp, Pages exégètiques (LD 202; Paris: Cerf, 2005) 37-54.

Groupe d'Entrevernes, Signes et paraboles. Sémiotique et texte évangélique. Avec une étude de Jacques Geninasca et une postface de Algirdas Julien Greimas (Paris: Seuil, 1977); = The Entrevernes Group, Signs and Parables: Semiotics and Gospel texts. With a study by Jacques Geninasca and a postface by A.J. Greimas (Pittsburgh Theological Monograph Series, 23; Pittsburgh: The Pickwick Press, 1978); = J. Delorme (ed.), Zeichen und Gleichnisse: Evangelientext und semiotische Forschung. Mit einer Studie von J. Geninasca und einem Nachwort von A.J. Greimas. Für die Gruppe von Entrevernes herausgegeben von Jean Delorme (Patmos Paperback; Düsseldorf: Patmos, 1979); = Grupo de Entrevernes, Signos y Parabolas: semiotica y texto evangelico. Con un estudio de Jacques Geninasca y epílogo de Algirdas Julien Greimas (Collección Biblia y lenguaje, 6; Madrid: Ediciones Cristiandad, 1979).

Kieffer, R., "Die Bedeutung der modernen Linguistik für die Auslegung biblischer Texte", TZ 30 (1974) 223-233.

Lapointe, R., "Structuralisme et exégèse", ScEs 24 (1972) 135-153.

Lapointe, R., "The New Status of Language", CBQ 36 (1974) 233-236.

Lys, D., "Analyse structurale et approche littéraire", ETR 52 (1977) 231-253.

Patte, D., What is Structural Exegesis? (Guides to Biblical Scholarship, NT Series; Philadelphia: Fortress, 1976).

Patte, D. et A., Pour une exégèse structurale (Paris: Seuil, 1978).

Piñero Sáenz, A., "Estructuralismo y NuevoTestamento. Ensayo de introducción", Miscelánea Comillas 34 (1976) 197-236.

Poythress, Vern S., "Analysing a Biblical Text: Some Important Linguistic Distinctions", SJT 32 (1979) 113-137.

Richter, W., Exegese als Literaturwissenschaft. Entwurf einer alttestamentlichen Literaturtheorie und Methodologie (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1971). See the important review-article by L. Alonso Schökel, "Sobre el estudio literario del Antiguo Testamento", Bib 53 (1972) 544-556.

White, H. C., "French Structuralism and OT Narrative Analysis: Roland Barthes", Semeia 3 (1975) 99-127.

II.    A selection of books and articles of various tendencies since 1985

Alonso Schökel, L., "Of Methods and Models", in J. A. Emerton (ed.), Congress Volume, Salamanca 1983 (VTSup 36; Leiden: Brill, 1985) 3-13.

Arens, E. F. – M. Díaz Mateos, El escándalo de la Palabra: ¿Interpretación de la Biblia en crisis? (Lima: Centro de Espiritualidad Ignaciana, 1997).

Artus, O., "Dei Verbum. L'exégèse catholique entre critique historique et renouveau des sciences bibliques", Greg 86 (2005) 76-91.

Barton, J., Reading the Old Testament. Method in Biblical Study. New Edition (London: Darton Longman and Todd, 21996) [11984].

Barton, J., The Old Testament: Canon, Literature and Theology. Collected Essays of John Barton (Society for Old Testament Study Monographs; Aldershot: Ashgate, 2007).

Barton, J., "Reading Texts Holistically: The Foundation of Biblical Criticism", in A. Lemaire (ed.), Congress Volume Ljubljana 2007 (VTSup 133; Leiden: Brill, 2009) 367-380.

Bazyliński, S., Guida alla ricerca biblica (Subsidia biblica, 35; Roma: Gregorian & Biblical Press; Cinisello Balsamo [Milano]: San Paolo, 2009) [1st ed. 2004]; = A Guide to Biblical Research (Subsidia biblica, 36; Roma: Gregorian & Biblical Press, 2009).

Becker, U., Exegese des Alten Testaments. Ein Methoden- und Arbeitsbuch. 2., überarbeitete Auflage (UTB Kleine Reihe 2664; Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2008) [12005].

Ben Zvi, E., "The Prophetic Book: A Key Form of Prophetic Literature", in M. A. Sweeney – E. Ben-Zvi (eds.), The Changing Face of Form Criticism for the Twenty-First Century (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003) 276-297.

Brenner, A. – C. Fontaine (eds.), A Feminist Companion to Reading the Bible: Approaches, Methods and Strategies (The Feminist Companion to the Bible, 11; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997).

Carr, D. M., "Moving beyond Unity: Synchronic and Diachronic Perspectives on Prophetic Literature", in I. Fischer – K. Schmid – H. G. M. Williamson (eds.), Prophetie in Israel. Beiträge des Symposiums "Das Alte Testament und die Kultur der Moderne" anlässlich des 100. Geburtstags Gerhard von Rads (1901-1971) Heidelberg, 18.-21. Oktober 2001 (Altes Testament und Moderne, 11; Münster: LIT, 2003) 59-93.

Clines, D. J. A., "The Postmodern Adventure in Biblical Studies", in D. J. A. Clines – S. D. Moore (eds), Auguries: The Jubilee Volume of the Sheffield Department of Biblical Studies (JSOTSup 269; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998) 276-291.

Cogan, M., "Literary-Critical Issues in the Hebrew Bible from an Assyriological Perspective: Additions and Omissions", in N. S. Fox – D. A. Glatt-Gilad – M. J. Williams (eds.), Mishneh Todah: Studies in Deuteronomy and Its Cultural Environment in Honor of Jeffrey H. Tigay (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2009) 401-413.

Cogan, M., "Literary-Critical Issues in the Hebrew Bible from an Assyriological Perspective: Literary-Ideological Alterations", in G. Galil – M. Geller – A. Millard (eds.), Homeland and Exile: Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies in Honour of Bustenay Oded (VTSup 130; Leiden: Brill, 2009) 13-27.

Collins, J. J., The Bible After Babel. Historical Criticism in a Postmodern Age (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005).

Conroy, C., "Reflections on the Exegetical Task. Apropos of Recent Studies on 2 Kg 22-23", in C. Brekelmans – J. Lust (eds.), Pentateuchal and Deuteronomistic Studies. Papers read at the XIIIth IOSOT Congress Leuven 1989 (BETL 94; Leuven: Leuven University Press, 1990) 255-268.

Conroy, C., "Reflections on the Present State of Old Testament Studies", Greg 73 (1992) 597-609.

De Moor, J. C. (ed.), Synchronic or Diachronic? A Debate on Method in Old Testament Exegesis (OTS 34; Leiden: Brill, 1995).

Deneken, M., "Un plaidoyer théologique pour la méthode historico-critique", RevScRel 80 (2006) 387-402.

Dias da Silva, C. M., Metodologia de exegese bíblica (Bíblia e História; São Paulo: Paulinas, 2000).

Dumais, M., "Sens de l'Écriture: réexamen à la lumière de l'herméneutique philosophique et des approches littéraires récentes", New Testament Studies 45 (1999) 310-331.

Fabris, R., "Metodologia esegetica", in R. Fabris e coll., Introduzione generale alla Bibbia (Logos: Corso di Studi Biblici, 1; Leumann [TO]: ElleDiCi, 1994) 495-520.

Finsterbusch, K. – M. Tilly (eds.), Verstehen, was man liest. Zur Notwendigkeit historisch-kritischer Bibellektüre (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2010).

Firth, D. G. – J. A. Grant (eds.), Words and the Word: Explorations in Biblical Interpretation and Literary Theory (Downer's Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2008).

Fitzmyer, J. A., The Interpretation of Scripture: In Defense of the Historical-Critical Method(Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2008).

Floyd, M. H., "Basic Trends in the Form-Critical Study of Prophetic Texts", in M. A. Sweeney – E. Ben-Zvi (eds.), The Changing Face of Form Criticism for the Twenty-First Century (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003) 298-311.

Gillingham, S. E., The Image, the Depths and the Surface: Multivalent Approaches to Biblical Study (JSOTSup 354; London: Sheffield Academic Press, 2002).

Grilli, M., "Autore e lettore: il problema della comunicazione nell'ambito dell'esegesi biblica", Greg 74 (1993) 447-459.

Grilli, M., "Evento comunicativo e interpretazione di un testo biblico", Greg 83 (2002) 655-678.

Guillemette, P. – M. Brisebois, Introduction aux méthodes historico-critiques (Héritage et projet, 35; Montréal: Fides, 1987); = Introduzione ai metodi storico-critici (Studi e ricerche bibliche; Roma: Borla, 1990).

Haynes, S. R. – S. L. McKenzie (eds.), To Each Its Own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their Application (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 21999) [11993].

Köhlmoos, M., "Kanon und Methode. Zu einer Zwischenbilanz der »kanonischen Auslegung«", TRu 74 (2009) 135-146.

LeMon, J. M. – K. H. Richards (eds.), Method Matters: Essays on the Interpretation of the Hebrew Bible in Honor of David L. Petersen (SBL Resources for Biblical Study, 56; Atlanta, GA: Society of Biblical Literature; Leiden: Brill, 2009).

Mora Paz, C. – M. Grilli – R. Dillmann, Lectura pragmalingüística de la Biblia: Teoría y aplicación (Evangelio y Cultura, Monografías, 1; Estella [Navarra]: Verbo Divino, 1999).

Noble, P. R., "Synchronic and Diachronic Approaches to Biblical Interpretation", Journal of Literature and Theology 7 (1993) 131-148.

Parris, D. P., Reception Theory and Biblical Hermeneutics (Princeton Theological Monograph Series; Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2009).

Pesce, M., "L'esegesi e i limiti dell'autonomia del testo", RivB 50 (2002) 205-208.

Porter, S. E. – D. L. Stamps (eds.), Rhetorical Criticism and the Bible (JSNTSup 195; London: Sheffield Academic Press, 2002).

Rico, C., "Synchronie et diachronie: enjeu d'une dichotomie. De la linguistique à l'interprétation de la Bible", RB 108 (2001) 228-265.

Rico, C., "Contexte, autorité et mode de signification. De la linguistique à l'interprétation de la Bible", RB 108 (2001) 598-613.

Röhser, G., "Von der Welt hinter dem Text zur Welt vor dem Text. Tendenzen der neueren Exegese", TZ 64 (2008) 271-293.

Simian-Yofre, H. (a cura di), Metodologia dell'Antico Testamento (Studi biblici 25; Bologna: EDB, ©1994).

Simian-Yofre, H., "Possibilità e limiti dell'interpretazione 'canonica' della Bibbia ", RivB 56 (2008) 157-175.

Ska, J. L., "Les vertus de la méthode historico-critique", NRT 131 (2009) 705-727.

Soulen, R. N. – R. K. Soulen, Handbook of Biblical Criticism. Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 32001).

Stone, L. G., "Redaction Criticism: Whence, Whither, and Why? Or, Going beyond Source and Form Criticism without Leaving them Behind", in E. E. Carpenter (ed.), A Biblical Itinerary: In Search of Method, Form and Content. Essays in Honor of George W. Coats (JSOTSup 240; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997) 77-90.

Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3rd ed. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 32001).

Utzschneider, H. – S. A. Nitsche, Arbeitsbuch literaturwissenschaftlicher Bibelauslegung. Eine Methodenlehre zur Exegese des Alten Testaments (Gütersloh: Kaiser / Gütersloher Verlagshaus, 2001).

Van Seters, J., The Edited Bible: The Curious History of the "Editor" in Biblical Criticism (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006).

Vermeylen, J., "Synchronic and Diachronic Perspectives on Prophetic Literature: A Response to David M. Carr", in I. Fischer – K. Schmid – H. G. M. Williamson (eds.), Prophetie in Israel. Beiträge des Symposiums "Das Alte Testament und die Kultur der Moderne" anlässlich des 100. Geburtstags Gerhard von Rads (1901-1971) Heidelberg, 18.-21. Oktober 2001 (Altes Testament und Moderne, 11; Münster: LIT, 2003) 95-104.

III.    On "The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church" (Pontifical Biblical Commission, 1993)

1.   The document (original text and translations)

Original text of the document in French: L'interprétation de la Bible dans l'Église (Città del Vaticano: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1993). [The French text was also published in Bib 74 (1993) 451-528.] Translations are available in English (The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church) and in many other languages.

2.   Comments on the document

Ayres, L. – S. E. Fowl, "(Mis)Reading the Face of God: The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church", TS 60 (1999) 513-528.

Dulles, A., "The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church: A Theological Appraisal", in W. Geerlings – M. Seckler (eds.), Kirche sein: Nachkonziliare Theologie im Dienst der Kirchenreform. Für Hermann Josef Pottmeyer (Freiburg: Herder, 1994) 29-37.

Fitzmyer, J. A., The Biblical Commission's Document "The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church" (Subsidia Biblica, 18; Roma: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1995).

Ghiberti, G. – F. Mosetto (eds.), Pontificia Commissione Biblica, L'interpretazione della Bibbia nella Chiesa (Leumann [TO]: ElleDiCi, 1998).

Houlden, J. L. (ed.), The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church (London: SCM, 1995).

Jossa, G., "Ricerca storica e interpretazione teologica: riflessioni sul documento della Pontificia Commissione Biblica 'L'interpretazione della Bibbia nella Chiesa'", in R. Fabris (ed.), La Parola di Dio cresceva (At 12,24). Scritti in onore di Carlo Maria Martini nel suo 70° compleanno (Supplementi alla Rivista Biblica, 33; Bologna: EDB, 1998) 47-55.

Klauck, H.-J., "Alle Jubeljahre. Zum neuen Dokument der Päpstlichen Bibelkommission", BZ N.F. 39 (1995) 1-27.

Muñoz León, D., "Los sentidos de la escritura. Perspectivas del Documento de la Pontificia Comisión Bíblica (1993) sobre 'La Interpretación de la Biblia en la Iglesia'", Scripta theologica 27 (1995) 99-122. [there are several other essays on the document in the same issue of the journal]

Pesce, M., "Una rinnovata difesa dell'esegesi storica ed esigenza di un'interpretazione teologica", Studia Pataviana 43 (1996) 25-42.

Stowasser, M., "'...damit das Urteil der Kirche reife': Von 'Providentissimus Deus' zur 'Interpretation der Bibel in der Kirche'", TQ 175 (1995) 202-214.

Williamson, P. S., Catholic Principles for Interpreting Scripture: A Study of the Pontifical Biblical Commission's The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. Preface by A. Vanhoye (Subsidia biblica, 22; Roma: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 2001).



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