Biblical Interpretation

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Interpretation at Abide University is the premier academic degree for scholars pursuing advanced expertise in biblical hermeneutics, exegesis, and critical biblical scholarship. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum provides rigorous training in advanced hermeneutical theory, biblical criticism methodologies (textual, source, form, redaction, and canonical criticism), and mastery of biblical languages including Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Students engage in intensive study of both Old Testament and New Testament scholarship while developing specialized expertise in their chosen area of biblical research. The program emphasizes original scholarly contribution through dissertation research that advances the field of biblical interpretation. Graduates emerge as accomplished biblical scholars equipped for careers in seminary teaching, academic research, biblical translation, and leadership in theological education. This degree prepares students to engage critically with the full range of interpretive approaches while maintaining commitment to the authority and transformative power of Scripture.

Core Courses

• PHDBI 801 — Advanced Biblical Research Methods (4 credits)
• PHDBI 810 — Advanced Hermeneutics and Interpretive Theory (4 credits)
• PHDBI 820 — Biblical Criticism: Methods and Applications (4 credits)
• PHDBI 830 — Advanced Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic (4 credits)
• PHDBI 840 — Advanced New Testament Greek (4 credits)
• PHDBI 850 — Seminar in Old Testament Studies (4 credits)
• PHDBI 860 — Seminar in New Testament Studies (4 credits)
• PHDBI 890 — Doctoral Dissertation in Biblical Interpretation (12 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Theology, or equivalent graduate degree with biblical concentration
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 in previous graduate biblical or theological studies
• Demonstrated proficiency in biblical Hebrew and Greek (intermediate level minimum)
• Academic writing sample demonstrating doctoral-level potential in biblical studies (15-25 pages)
• Three academic references from biblical studies or theological faculty
• Preliminary dissertation proposal outlining intended research area in biblical interpretation