Stories With Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (Hardcover)

by Klyne Snodgrass (Author)
Key Phrases: wicked tenants, unforgiving servant, unjust judge, Son of Man, Grand Rapids, Early Jewish Writings (more...)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 846 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (January 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802842410
• ISBN-13: 978-0802842411
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,111 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #11 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Reference > Old Testament > Theology
  #20 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Reference > Criticism & Interpretation > New Testament
  #21 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Reference > Commentaries > New Testament

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning accomplishment!, March 30, 2008

By	Jim Manner - See all my reviews

I have had this book for a week now, and it is fabulous. I have read other books on the parables, one purchased on Amazon and another while in college, but "Stories with Intent" sets a new standard for later works to model.

Yes, this book is huge -- more than 800 pages -- but the first 60 pages are dedicated to setting the stage for the material and how the parables are evaluated, and the final 260 pages are appendices, reference notes and a lengthy bibliography and index. Pretty exhaustive!

Each parable is given an in-depth analysis, starting with a review of the issues that need to be addressed within each (such as cultural, theological and moral considerations); background material, such as related source material from the OT, NT, Jewish writings and Christian writings; and then a thorough look at the parable itself. Klyne Snodgrass does an awesome job of balancing his study with textual insights based on the Greek language (such as comparing word usage in other Gospel accounts), cultural considerations (what the parable would have meant to the Jews who heard it during Jesus' time), rhetorical comparisons (taking into account devices such as inclusio and chiastic structures) and more. He also shares contrasting interpretations for the parables before sharing his interpretation, which always let the original audience and setting be a compass for where his interpretation will lead the reader. Lastly, the writing style is very friendly, offering insights such as this one from the parable of the treasure in Matthew Chapter 13: "No one goes and sells all for something that does not cause the adrenaline to flow."

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the parables. It's wonderful to pick up and read for reference on any parable, but I also have found it to be a great form of study -- using my Bible to look up comparative verses, conducting word studies and more.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An incredible resource., June 1, 2008

By	Michael Stavlund "Mike" (Washington. DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book would be an amazing bargain at 5 times the price. It is exhaustive, witty, thoughtful, and uncomfortably pointed (as are the parables!). Snodgrass avoids scholarly faddishness, and references a wealth of literary and historical parallels to Jesus' parables. A monumental work, and an invaluable resource.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A bargain at twice the price, July 27, 2008

By	S. B. Jones - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We are using this book as the basis for a summer bible study series. It is fantastic. Even though the weather has gotten increasingly nicer, our attendance has increased. Dr. Snodgrass provides a very thorough exegesis of each of the parables, while also pointing the reader to clear application. He teaches a hermeneutic for reading the parables, which should be applied to all of Scripture. This is a great resource for teaching, preaching and study. I highly recommend this book, I have spent twice as much on books which are not half as useful!