Understanding the Bible is a learner-friendly overview of the major theories of biblical interpretation from ancient times to the present. Author George Montague surveys the major trends in the history of the discipline and carefully notes the contributions and the limitations of each period. He puts into coherent perspective the diverse and often contradictory interpretations of scripture, culminating with in-depth examinations of Dei Verbum of Vatican II and the Pontifical Biblical Commission's The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. Understanding the Bible is an invaluable resource for graduate and theology students, and for anyone interested in making sense of hermeneutics.