Jonathan Edwards’ Principles of Interpreting Scripture

Stephen R. C. Nichols explores the principles of interpretation at play in Jonathan Edwards’ exegesis. He argues that the underlying principle of his exegesis was harmony. This principle carried several implications for interpreting Scripture: that Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture (that is, Scripture is harmonious with itself); that the Bible exhibits doctrinal harmony; and that Scripture achieves a harmony with the regenerate reader. Despite this view of harmony and Edwards’ continuity with the Reformed and Puritan traditions of interpretation, Nichols also holds that he was willing to experiment with that tradition, particularly in relation to typology, sometimes blurring the line between typology and allegory. Nichols concludes that Edwards both functioned within the boundaries of his tradition and explored creative innovations.