Bible
Interpreting Biblical Metaphors What They Are, How They Work, and
What They Mean for Us Erin Heim and Beth Stovell
Biblical metaphors can be complicated and confusing. It can be tempting to read them as universal and context-free, assume they map directly onto modern life, or treat them as interchangeable with contemporary meanings. Some preachers and teachers stretch biblical metaphors beyond what Scripture supports while others ignore them altogether or question their value for commu- nicating truth. Students and pastors need an accessible guide that helps them responsibly interpret and apply biblical metaphors. This book cuts through the confusion and sidesteps common interpretive pitfalls while highlighting the vast beauty, richness, and spiritual significance of biblical metaphors. Erin Heim and Beth Stovell explain what biblical metaphors are and how they work, translating the best of contemporary metaphor theories into a clear, accessible approach. Interpreting Biblical Metaphors will be of use to students of the Bible and hermeneutics, pastors, and lay Bible teachers. Readers will come away better equipped to understand the value and function of biblical metaphors and to apply them in ways that are faithful to the text and meaningful for everyday faith and practice. “A timely guide for interpreters of Scripture. Combining scholarly acumen, frankness, clarity, and wisdom, Heim and Stovell enhance our understanding of biblical metaphor, assist us to avoid distor- tions of several sorts, and strengthen our engagement with Scrip- ture as a whole. A most welcome contribution!” —Beverly Gaventa, Princeton Theological Seminary (emerita) “For all of us who feel lost in the woods of biblical metaphor, this book is a helpful map and a series of clear sign posts along the way. I’m delighted to take my students on a field trip using this en - gaging resource!” —Carmen Joy Imes, Talbot School of Theology; author of Bearing God’s Name “A marvelous and insightful study. This book is for all serious readers of the Bible.” —Tremper Longman III, Westmont College (emeritus) “This short and approachable book is perfect for the classroom, the pastor, the parishioner, or the nonreligious person trying to understand the Christian Scriptures.” —Dru Johnson, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford “This is by far the most accessible and helpful introduction to how modern metaphor theories enrich biblical interpretation and faithful, responsible preaching and teaching of Scripture.” —Knut M. Heim, Denver Seminary
SEPTEMBER 2026 • 200 pp. • $23.99p • 9781540967633
Erin Heim (PhD, University of Otago) is a tutorial fellow in biblical studies at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, in Oxford, England, and cohosts the OnScript podcast. She is a coeditor of The State of Pauline Studies and the author of Adoption in Galatians and Romans (winner of the Manfred T. Lautenschläger Prize). Beth Stovell (PhD, McMaster Divinity College) is professor of Old Testament at Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She sits on the national team for Vineyard Canada as a theological con- sultant and has written or edited several books, including Biblical Hermeneutics: Five Views (with Stanley E. Porter).
ALSO BY THE AUTHOR THE STATE OF PAULINE STUDIES 360 pp. • $39.99p • 9781540963666
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