What do you think?
Rate this book
Through New Eyes Bible Commentary
Through New Eyes: Developing a Biblical View of the World
This book sets forth the Biblical understanding of the world, and then traces the development of that world through the successive "covenants" of the Bible—each new covenant transforming the previous one, bringing forth "a new world." Each of these "worlds" was given a symbolic model appropriate to the times. By a study of these models, and of the societies they represented, Jordan is able to set forth the Biblical view of the world and of historical change and progress, and make relevant and important applications to the present day.
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1988
126 people are currently reading
1,159 people want to read
About the author
James B. Jordan
59 books133 followersJames B. Jordan is a Calvinist theologian and author. He is director of Biblical Horizons ministries, a think tank in Niceville, Florida that publishes books, essays and other media dealing with Bible commentary, Biblical Theology, and liturgy.
Jordan was born in Athens, Georgia, and he attended the University of Georgia, where he received a B.A. in comparative literature and participated in Campus Crusade for Christ. He served as a military historian in the United States Air Force and attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi but ultimately earned an M.A. and Th.M. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a master's thesis on slavery in the Bible. In 1993, he received a D.Litt. from the Central School of Religion for his dissertation on the dietary laws of Moses. From 1980 to 1990 Jordan was an associate pastor of a Presbyterian church in Tyler, Texas.
Jordan was born in Athens, Georgia, and he attended the University of Georgia, where he received a B.A. in comparative literature and participated in Campus Crusade for Christ. He served as a military historian in the United States Air Force and attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi but ultimately earned an M.A. and Th.M. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a master's thesis on slavery in the Bible. In 1993, he received a D.Litt. from the Central School of Religion for his dissertation on the dietary laws of Moses. From 1980 to 1990 Jordan was an associate pastor of a Presbyterian church in Tyler, Texas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
September 14, 2019
James Jordan is not your ordinary seminarian, who looks at the Bible in the same way that is so typical of modern scholarship. Jordan attempts to look at the Bible through a rigorously biblical lens, in ways that are foreign to the modern reader.
This is not to say that others don't attempt to read the Bible through a biblical lens, but that Jordan's reading is rich with typology and symbolism in ways that I've never encountered before.
Reading Jordan, is akin to reading a good literary critic reading the Bible. He sees symbolism and typology because he is committed to reading the Bible as the ancients did. Now, this may all seem fanciful to we moderns, and I suppose he probably gets carried away in places. But the book is absolutely fascinating because it will cause readers to read the Bible in a new light--searching for patterns and meaning in things that we so often pass over, not realizing the significance of numbers, repeated patterns and types.
This is simply a marvelous book that is a good antidote to modernist critiques of the Bible. In fact, the whole project makes the modernist readers that critique the Bible because it is written by scientific savages, look like the fools they are. Moderns make fun of the Bible and its unsophisticated world view, but it is actually the moderns whose views are unsophisticated. They are unable to understand the typology and symbolism rampant in the text, and I suppose that is the point. God loves to make the worldly-wise look foolish, and exalt the humble.
Jordan's approach is to review the different epochs in the Bible and show how the covenants have evolved and God has continued the work he began at creation. Reading this book will add layers of understanding and complexity to your own reading of the Bible, but in ways that will make more sense of what you're reading.
Jordan seeks to understand the Bible on its own terms, terms that most modern readers aren't willing to concede. But if you do, you will be richly rewarded. This is a great, great book.
This is not to say that others don't attempt to read the Bible through a biblical lens, but that Jordan's reading is rich with typology and symbolism in ways that I've never encountered before.
Reading Jordan, is akin to reading a good literary critic reading the Bible. He sees symbolism and typology because he is committed to reading the Bible as the ancients did. Now, this may all seem fanciful to we moderns, and I suppose he probably gets carried away in places. But the book is absolutely fascinating because it will cause readers to read the Bible in a new light--searching for patterns and meaning in things that we so often pass over, not realizing the significance of numbers, repeated patterns and types.
This is simply a marvelous book that is a good antidote to modernist critiques of the Bible. In fact, the whole project makes the modernist readers that critique the Bible because it is written by scientific savages, look like the fools they are. Moderns make fun of the Bible and its unsophisticated world view, but it is actually the moderns whose views are unsophisticated. They are unable to understand the typology and symbolism rampant in the text, and I suppose that is the point. God loves to make the worldly-wise look foolish, and exalt the humble.
Jordan's approach is to review the different epochs in the Bible and show how the covenants have evolved and God has continued the work he began at creation. Reading this book will add layers of understanding and complexity to your own reading of the Bible, but in ways that will make more sense of what you're reading.
Jordan seeks to understand the Bible on its own terms, terms that most modern readers aren't willing to concede. But if you do, you will be richly rewarded. This is a great, great book.
June 8, 2021
One of a kind. Easily one of the best books I have ever read. The most basic thing one coud say is that it's brimming with insights and staggering connections and allusions drawn from Scripture. But the book is more than your typical biblical theology work, it aims to inductively lead you to the point of seeing the main types and symbols within Scripture. Then he lead you in touring through covenantal history in a masterful way.
I should warn that you will miss most of the blessings of this book if you focus too much on the minor points you may disagree with. The big picture is absolutely worth it.
I should warn that you will miss most of the blessings of this book if you focus too much on the minor points you may disagree with. The big picture is absolutely worth it.
November 30, 2018
A biblical breath of fresh air, symbolic wind under the wings, a typological quad shot of espresso.
This is a must-read biblical theological work. His entire point is that we have drifted away from the language of the Bible and allowed rigid literalism and our modern hermeneutics to impose what the text *must* mean rather than being very attentive to what it actually *says*. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many heavy hitting theological he cites: Bavinck, the WCF, Berkhof, *Auguste Lecerf* and a bunch of contemporary commentators. Jordan is no slouch, even if you disagree with his particular interpretations of biblical symbolism.
This is a very helpful work, especially if as a covenant theology adherent you struggle with understanding the continuity and discontinuity of the successive covenants in the Bible. Jordan forces us to learn from the Bible how to speak Bible, and until we can do this, our worship will be weak and our understanding of God's story will suffer.
This is a must-read biblical theological work. His entire point is that we have drifted away from the language of the Bible and allowed rigid literalism and our modern hermeneutics to impose what the text *must* mean rather than being very attentive to what it actually *says*. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many heavy hitting theological he cites: Bavinck, the WCF, Berkhof, *Auguste Lecerf* and a bunch of contemporary commentators. Jordan is no slouch, even if you disagree with his particular interpretations of biblical symbolism.
This is a very helpful work, especially if as a covenant theology adherent you struggle with understanding the continuity and discontinuity of the successive covenants in the Bible. Jordan forces us to learn from the Bible how to speak Bible, and until we can do this, our worship will be weak and our understanding of God's story will suffer.
January 26, 2024
2024: great again, just as thought-provoking and category-breaking as the first time.
Awesome, it lived up to its title.
Awesome, it lived up to its title.
August 11, 2023
Good stuff, certainly a book I will reference frequently.
July 10, 2012
So good. I always forget how good it is and then tell myself I need to re-read it. I also often wonder if N.T. Wright stole from James Jordan, Jordan stole from Wright, or the both of them discovered the same things independently.
July 26, 2020
Fantastic. Definitely one to keep at hand as a reference book.
January 9, 2024
Jordan does a good job of laying out the ideas of God and creation, Biblical patterns of images, and covenants. He takes these images and ideas and traces them and shows how they are used in each phase of history, constantly using the theme of 'from glory to glory'.
October 24, 2022
Excellent from start to finish.
July 27, 2023
This book is incredible! It took me a while to read the whole thing, but I'm sure glad I finished it. Definitely one I'll have to revisit in the future.
May 23, 2019
Through New Eyes is the quintessence of James Jordan. Jordan always takes his readers by the hand and whirls them through a wonderland of symbols, connections, ideas, and paradigms. It's always a fun ride, and he always challenges his readers to think more deeply about the Bible. For that reason alone, Jordan is always worth a read.
In this book Jordan is trying to reawaken readers to the rich depth of symbolism in the world God created, especially as that world is described in Scripture. After taking time to talk about man, the animals, the structure of creation, plants, trees, stars, planets, rocks, and gems, Jordan specifically focuses on the repeated pattern of covenants in the Bible. He shows how with each new covenant there is a new heaven and new earth, better and more glorious than the one before. I had already read Peter Leithart's A House For My Name, but in Jordan I see the seed from which many of Leithart's ideas germinated.
The downside of Jordan is that he goes a bit too fast. Sometimes he makes actual arguments to support his ideas, and sometimes he simply gives an enticing explanation that seems to make sense of all the facts. The way he speeds along with wide-eyed wonder, it's sometimes hard to separate the two.
My favorite parts of the book were when he discussed how Mosaic law should be read and applied by Christians today and when he discussed the connections between Jesus and the Tabernacle in the book of John.
In this book Jordan is trying to reawaken readers to the rich depth of symbolism in the world God created, especially as that world is described in Scripture. After taking time to talk about man, the animals, the structure of creation, plants, trees, stars, planets, rocks, and gems, Jordan specifically focuses on the repeated pattern of covenants in the Bible. He shows how with each new covenant there is a new heaven and new earth, better and more glorious than the one before. I had already read Peter Leithart's A House For My Name, but in Jordan I see the seed from which many of Leithart's ideas germinated.
The downside of Jordan is that he goes a bit too fast. Sometimes he makes actual arguments to support his ideas, and sometimes he simply gives an enticing explanation that seems to make sense of all the facts. The way he speeds along with wide-eyed wonder, it's sometimes hard to separate the two.
My favorite parts of the book were when he discussed how Mosaic law should be read and applied by Christians today and when he discussed the connections between Jesus and the Tabernacle in the book of John.
January 25, 2025
Jordan has been accused of symbolic maximalism. In truth, I expected more of that to be in evidence in this book, but was pleasantly surprised that the author largely kept by his initial rules well. Even sections that appeared a stretch, became more convincing as I proceeded. Still, there is a good deal more imaginative leaps and category inventions going on than actual exegesis; which leaves the less devoted reader somewhat unsure regarding the certainty with which Mr Jordan speaks.
But overall, it is useful book, and can enrich our understanding of the Word. I would only caution that it is important to read plenty of systematic theology (and other theological books), and not to become obsessed with always finding some new symbolic meaning in Scripture.
But overall, it is useful book, and can enrich our understanding of the Word. I would only caution that it is important to read plenty of systematic theology (and other theological books), and not to become obsessed with always finding some new symbolic meaning in Scripture.
December 9, 2015
It isn't very often one reads a book that alters your vision. Jordan presents an analysis of the Bible through symbolisn that flows through the entire text. As an ancient document it cannot be read with 21st century eyes and understand the depth and scope of its meaning. He describes God's plan through Biblical symbolism as increasing in glory through progressive Covenants with his people, to a final glorious conclusion. He transcends denominational differences, focusing on what constitutes a Christian at this precarious point in history.
Want to read
July 22, 2019
July 5, 2022
It took me quite a while to get through, but it was worth it. This book is full of information that made me see the world in a new way. I also loved that the language was pretty easy to understand and even the most intimidating parts were broken down nicely. Totally recommend to any other Christians looking to learn more about our world.
June 3, 2020
Wouldn't agree with all the connections and conclusions Jordan draws, but he makes a pretty compelling argument for reading Scripture with an eye for symbolism/allegory. Very stimulating read!
August 4, 2022
Excelente.
Jordan tem um domínio enorme da simbologia bíblica.
Livro bastante denso, vai para a lista de releitura.
Jordan tem um domínio enorme da simbologia bíblica.
Livro bastante denso, vai para a lista de releitura.
February 2, 2025
Very good. Thoughtful, engaging, and filled with insights that you won’t find in many other books. I especially liked his analysis of the progression of history, with reference to the name of God and people of God.
May 26, 2022
My tiny pea brain has exploded. Repeatedly. Worth the read.
July 1, 2024
Book is free here: https://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/d...
Every Christian should read this book (and finish it- this book is like the world, it increases in glory as you move through it). Here's why:
1. It will give you a fuller picture of this world. The bible is FILLED with imagery. God as poet. He was a poet when he spoke this world into existence, and the pages of scripture poetically describe his world back to us. We desperately need to see the world the way God does.
2. It will bring you closer to the way the ancients saw the world.
3. I promise you that you will learn things about the Bible you had no clue about (Isn't this reason enough??)
4. There is potential for incredible daily joy.
5. You will have some head scratching moments, followed by many "Ah-HA!" moments.
6. You will be encouraged toward seeing the good work of God in all faithful forms of Christianity. This is a book that encourages proper catholicity (loving all genuine Christians of many traditions).
7. You could go your whole life without understanding the world you inhabit, and that would be sad. Don't do it! Read this book!!! It could be like putting on glasses to see what the Bible has been trying to show you your whole life.
Ok. Now a short description. He describes major symbols used throughout the bible and explains the deepest aspects of their meaning. This is an exploration into biblical symbolism. He then observes some normal patterns of behavior that permeate the world (most confusing part. Get through it to the grand finale.) Finally, he describes the physical Edenic pattern God establishes for the universe and traces how this pattern breaks through onto the Earth in increasing glory through the patriarchal grove worship, tabernacle worship, temple worship, synagogue + temple worship, and finally in resurrected church worship. There are many gems worth mining here. Get started!
Every Christian should read this book (and finish it- this book is like the world, it increases in glory as you move through it). Here's why:
1. It will give you a fuller picture of this world. The bible is FILLED with imagery. God as poet. He was a poet when he spoke this world into existence, and the pages of scripture poetically describe his world back to us. We desperately need to see the world the way God does.
2. It will bring you closer to the way the ancients saw the world.
3. I promise you that you will learn things about the Bible you had no clue about (Isn't this reason enough??)
4. There is potential for incredible daily joy.
5. You will have some head scratching moments, followed by many "Ah-HA!" moments.
6. You will be encouraged toward seeing the good work of God in all faithful forms of Christianity. This is a book that encourages proper catholicity (loving all genuine Christians of many traditions).
7. You could go your whole life without understanding the world you inhabit, and that would be sad. Don't do it! Read this book!!! It could be like putting on glasses to see what the Bible has been trying to show you your whole life.
Ok. Now a short description. He describes major symbols used throughout the bible and explains the deepest aspects of their meaning. This is an exploration into biblical symbolism. He then observes some normal patterns of behavior that permeate the world (most confusing part. Get through it to the grand finale.) Finally, he describes the physical Edenic pattern God establishes for the universe and traces how this pattern breaks through onto the Earth in increasing glory through the patriarchal grove worship, tabernacle worship, temple worship, synagogue + temple worship, and finally in resurrected church worship. There are many gems worth mining here. Get started!
May 11, 2024
There is simply no other book (that I know of) better for understanding the Bible. Though, it is not an introductory book. It is absolutely dense with information, and the reader who takes the time to read it, looking up unfamiliar verses and references along the way, as well as studying the various diagrams and tables throughout, will be greatly rewarded. The book also ends with a beautiful, doxological call to faithfulness and ecumenism.
I first read this book midway through seminary and it was groundbreaking. Reading it again, I found the book just as insightful and especially clarifying. I also took some time this time around to read through Jordan's annotated bibliography at the end of the book.
I first read this book midway through seminary and it was groundbreaking. Reading it again, I found the book just as insightful and especially clarifying. I also took some time this time around to read through Jordan's annotated bibliography at the end of the book.
December 31, 2023
I've read this book twice, and reference it often. Typological thinking seems to be a common first step in breaking free from the chains of modernism and materialist fundamentalism that perpetuates modern theological discourse.
Rigorous typological frameworks like the ones Jordan presents in this book truly give you new eyes in seeing both creation and scriptures as a dynamic way in which God communicates with us - Jordan does this without compromising the supremacy of scripture, but instead validating it through the symbols it utilizes in nature.
Rigorous typological frameworks like the ones Jordan presents in this book truly give you new eyes in seeing both creation and scriptures as a dynamic way in which God communicates with us - Jordan does this without compromising the supremacy of scripture, but instead validating it through the symbols it utilizes in nature.
June 9, 2022
Jordan's Through New Eyes is an exegetical roller coaster ride of the Holy Scriptures. Using the Bible, Jordan reveals the "motifs" in Scripture, and ties down Biblical typology and symbology. My view of Scripture as a whole, as well as many of the nitty-gritty individual passages were thrown into bright light, and more than anything, I am excited to read and reread scripture with these new tools in hand. Praise the Lord for James B Jordan and his excellent work.
June 19, 2009
I remember trying to read this at the emergency room in the middle of the night while waiting for my mom to go into surgery....yeah, it didn't make any sense. But it turned into English later, and of course now I dig it.
May 19, 2023
(2020) Very good, I couldn't agree with him on everything, but there's good observations all through that are quite interesting.
(2021) Still great. Got even more out of it second read.
(2023) Excellent. It’s better at every read
(2021) Still great. Got even more out of it second read.
(2023) Excellent. It’s better at every read
October 24, 2009
Neglect this read to your own peril.
August 23, 2017
A life-changing read. Yes, some of it is too speculative, and I made the mistake of puzzling over some bits I should have simply skipped. However, the wealth of biblical insights and golden scriptural nuggets are abundantly more than enough to make up for it. I can't think of a single author with a greater grasp of the Bible than James Jordan. Too often in my reading of scripture, I have been unable to make heads or tails of the seemingly "obscure" and "inconsequential" small details. In this book, time and time again, Jordan puts those details into their biblical-worldview context and helps you to see things in a completely fresh, new and - yes! - biblical way. I will never be the same having read this book.
I guess you could say that I now see the world through new eyes...
I guess you could say that I now see the world through new eyes...
January 25, 2022
Eye opening
The Christian view of time is, however, not linear in the modern secular sense: a succession of moments without meaning.
Rather, time and history are rhythmical; that is, there are fundamental patterns that repeat.
There are indeed historical cycles, but they are spirals, not circles. The fact that the patterns repeat, with variations, is of course related to what we have mentioned earlier, which is that the Biblical view of history is fundamentally typological.
Finally, the Christian view of time is liturgical. We begin in sabbath at the throne of God, move out into the world and work, and then return at the Lord's Day for His evaluation and blessing.
The Christian view of time is, however, not linear in the modern secular sense: a succession of moments without meaning.
Rather, time and history are rhythmical; that is, there are fundamental patterns that repeat.
There are indeed historical cycles, but they are spirals, not circles. The fact that the patterns repeat, with variations, is of course related to what we have mentioned earlier, which is that the Biblical view of history is fundamentally typological.
Finally, the Christian view of time is liturgical. We begin in sabbath at the throne of God, move out into the world and work, and then return at the Lord's Day for His evaluation and blessing.
May 25, 2021
James B. Jordan’s project in creating this introduction to biblical symbolism and typology is crucial to the life of the church. Jordan demonstrates that there is a defined form for understanding the relationship of images throughout the canon, that doesn’t necessitate a degenerative path into loose allegorical interpretations. It is ultimately fruitful for understanding how radically Jewish the New Testament is and begins to equip readers of scripture to understand why things like Wells, olive trees, Doves, etc...10/10 would recommend this book.
February 6, 2025
Have been looking forward to this read for a while. Really enjoyed it and made many notes to look back at in the future. I appreciate many of his typological interpretations, chapter 1’s discussion on typography in the time of biblical writing is very important to shift perspectives on interpretation frameworks. Some of his opinions feel like a leap, but most are reasonable.
Definitely would recommend to read as it will give more depth to the joys of scripture.
Definitely would recommend to read as it will give more depth to the joys of scripture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews