Text and Paratext: Book Order, Title, and Division as Keys to Biblical Interpretation
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The neglected contexts for biblical interpretation
Context is king, so the maxim goes. Sensitivity to context―of a verse, chapter, or book―is essential for proper biblical interpretation. Yet the Bible contains another set of key clues that readers rarely consider.
In Text and Paratext, Gregory Goswell explores paratext and its implications for biblical interpretation. Paratextual features are the parts of a text that surround the main text itself, such as a book's canonical location, title, and internal divisions. These features have been intentionally added to support the text and direct readers. Different arrangements of the Old and New Testaments reveal connections and associations. A book's title announces the focus of its content. Book divisions create breaks and form units of text. Commentary is baked into paratextual features, making every Bible a study Bible. Rather than veiling the text's meaning, paratext highlights interpretive possibilities both ancient and fresh. While often overlooked, paratextual features guided interpretation throughout church history and should inform our study of Scripture today.
With the help of glossaries and study questions, Goswell's study equips readers to understand paratext and its implications and become better interpreters of the Bible.
Paperback : 256 pages
Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
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Returns are easy, simply contact us for a returns number and send your item to our returns centre for fast processing. We'll get you a replacement or refund in a snap! |
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In the unlikely event that you find your item cheaper at another online store, just let us know and we'll beat the competitor's pricing hands-down. |
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We insist that you love everything you buy from us. If you're unhappy for any reason whatsoever, just let us know and we'll bend over backwards to make things right again. |
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Ordering from Biblestore is 100% safe and secure so you can rest easy. Your personal details are never shared, sold or rented to anyone either. |
The neglected contexts for biblical interpretation
Context is king, so the maxim goes. Sensitivity to context―of a verse, chapter, or book―is essential for proper biblical interpretation. Yet the Bible contains another set of key clues that readers rarely consider.
In Text and Paratext, Gregory Goswell explores paratext and its implications for biblical interpretation. Paratextual features are the parts of a text that surround the main text itself, such as a book's canonical location, title, and internal divisions. These features have been intentionally added to support the text and direct readers. Different arrangements of the Old and New Testaments reveal connections and associations. A book's title announces the focus of its content. Book divisions create breaks and form units of text. Commentary is baked into paratextual features, making every Bible a study Bible. Rather than veiling the text's meaning, paratext highlights interpretive possibilities both ancient and fresh. While often overlooked, paratextual features guided interpretation throughout church history and should inform our study of Scripture today.
With the help of glossaries and study questions, Goswell's study equips readers to understand paratext and its implications and become better interpreters of the Bible.
Paperback : 256 pages
Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
**We ship ONLY within the US and its territories. NO international shipping available.
Standard shipping (delivery in 3-8 business days)
$3.99 on orders from $0 - $19.99 via USPS Media Mail
$5.99 on orders from $20 - $48.99 via USPS Media Mail
Free Shipping on orders over $49 via USPS Media Mail
Customers in Puerto Rico and Hawaii, please note that Standard Shipping can take up to 21 business days.
Need your order sooner?
Express shipping (delivery in 3-5 business days)
$8.99 on orders from $0 - $19.99 via Priority Mail
$13.99 on orders from $20 - $48.99 via Priority Mail
$19.99 on orders from $49-$99.99 via Priority Mail
![]() |
Please allow 10 days for your order to arrive. You will receive a tracking number for your order via email. To keep prices low we ship via the US Postal Service. This means sometimes you have to wait a little longer to get your order but it's always worth it! |
|
![]() |
Returns are easy, simply contact us and send your item to our returns center for fast processing. We'll get you a replacement or refund in a snap! |
![]() |
You get a full 30 days to return your item to us. If it doesn't fit, it breaks, you've changed your mind or for no reason whatsoever simply send it back to us and we'll cheerfully refund you 100% of your order. |
|
![]() |
Returns are easy, simply contact us for a returns number and send your item to our returns centre for fast processing. We'll get you a replacement or refund in a snap! |
|
![]() |
In the unlikely event that you find your item cheaper at another online store, just let us know and we'll beat the competitor's pricing hands-down. |
|
![]() |
We insist that you love everything you buy from us. If you're unhappy for any reason whatsoever, just let us know and we'll bend over backwards to make things right again. |
|
![]() |
Ordering from Biblestore is 100% safe and secure so you can rest easy. Your personal details are never shared, sold or rented to anyone either. |






