This it addresses the writing and research questions that students typically encounter. A handbook to old testament exegesis the gospel coalition. Jan 27, 2021 the term exegesis comes from the greek verb exegeisthai, which means to explain or interpret. Tim chaffey gives a good example of how scripture can be. Each biblical writing was couched in the cultural setting of the times in which it was written. Their interpretation of these texts can be classified under several recognizable categories. Feb 19, 2021 below are sample a grade exegesis papers written by two of my students. With the analysis of seven commentaries along with the interpretative issues, the paper presents a coherent argument for the meaning and interpretation of the 2 corinthians 6.
Below are sample a grade exegesis papers written by two of my students. Some assignments will emphasize exegesis more while others will put more weight on biblical theology. For example, studying dating would be a topical study because t. At the time this paper was written, i had done some. Mar 05, 2019 this course, exegesis of the hebrew scriptures, promises to offer some constructive guidelines for your future study of the biblical text. Then several settings of the magnificat will be analyzed in historical and musical contexts. By afro biblical hermeneutics, we mean biblical interpretations done in africa especially by african instituted churches. In the article on the history of biblical interpretation, d. Lets consider a couple of examples of poor exegesis to give you a feel for the pitfalls. Biblical exegesis is not writing a sermon homiletics. Here is a prime example of eisegesis imposing ones own interpretation upon the biblical text16.
Good biblical exegesis is commanded in scripture kuwornuadjaottor 2012. The preference is given to the nrsv as the best english translation to be used in exegesis and to the catholic study bible as the best study bible. Simply put, exegesis is the process of determining or bringing out the meaning of a text. The prologue clarifies browns purpose and rationale. Sadly, many of the best are not available online, but can be found in print. Exegesis and application these are two basic components in developing a good sermon or class.
A handbook to old testament exegesis brings this broadranging experience to bear on the howto of interpreting the hebrew bible. It is a key word that is crucial to what an author has to say because it unlocks meaning. Reflections on the adamchrist typology in cyril of alexandria, ch 35 1966. Rebecca idestrom associate professor of old testament at tyndale seminary are designed to help you engage the scriptures responsibly and thoughtfully.
Going through these steps will give you tools to better understand the rich collection of texts that make up the bible and deepen your understanding of the meaning and significance of this complex book as a. Exegesis is best done one verse at a time, though of course the meaning of one verse can and should influence your understanding of the verse around it. Example papers exegetical papers libguides at atlanta. The aim of the analyses will be to integrate biblical. The titles below are a sample of the concordances held by the library. Note any differences in the ways various words have been translated. You may be required to write an exegesis for a bible study class or write one to broaden your understanding of the bible. Guidelines help avoid pitfalls that can lead to wrong interpretation. Guide for writing an exegesis on a biblical passage. Please note the example s length, level of detail, and citation style.
Hebrew exegesis 118 when students enter their exegetical courses, a fuller appreciation of the necessity of biblical hebrew for bible study should start to materialize. He has published widely, most recently in relation to wisdom literature, psalms, creation, science, and ecology. You are teaching a series of bible studies entitled, the prophets on their own terms. J yahwist source jaos journal of the american oriental society jbl journal of biblical literature. Biblical exegesis discovering the meaning of scriptural texts by john piper for more free resources, go to. David croteau liberty university lynchburg, va in partial fulfillment of the requirements for hermeneutics bible 480001 by max lewis edward andrews april 4, 2010. Nt examples and principles which apply to both testaments. Second, biblical exegesis paper will focus on the new testament greek text by examining the english translations, sentence flow, and the meaning of significant words. I am a spirit come from god, and returning to god, just. The context and coherence of pauline ethics grand rapids, mi. Mar 19, 2021 an exegesis is an essay that focuses on a particular passage in the bible. Exegesis for textual preaching 1most introductory homiletics textbooks include chapters describing exegetical method.
Eisegesis, exegesis, hermeneutics, hermeneutic distance the scriptures words about the bible exegesis, eisegesis, and hermeneutics bible. The applications offer three sample exegesis documents and practical guidelines for writing research exegesis paper. Biblical exegesis involves the examination of a particular text of scripture in order to interpret it properly. Christians should not reject all civil authority, and in normal circumstances believers should obey civil laws and pay their taxes. Biblical theology and exegesis seek to understand what the historical. However, when son is used in reference to son of god one must take into consideration additional information. A good exegesis will use logic, critical thinking, and secondary sources to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the passage. Learning the various methods of interpreting the hebrew bible and new testament will not only help with course work, but will greatly enhance ones ability to better understand how other authors are interpreting these works, and in turn greatly benefit ones research skills. Locate your pericope both within the immediate context of the basic division of the book and the overall structural units of the book. Biblical interpretation and exegesis are skills developed over time, so dont be discouraged if you find the process difficult at first.
Look up words or phrases in different bible dictionaries anchor bible dictionary. Exegetical method is a tool to help interpreters hear the passage and not impose. A biblical essay builds on the exegesis to apply or interpret the exegetical research within a wider field of inquiry. A guide to writing an exegesis paper an exegesis paper offers a. His aim is to develop a fresh, example filled introduction to exegesis of the hebrew bible that brings together various exegetical perspectives in a way that cultivates the readers curiosity, critical engagement, and empathetic imagination p. Biblical greek exegesis presents a proven, highly practical approach to the. The hard work of exegesis uncovers what the bible is telling us, and our obedience sets aside the ideas we cherish so that we may take on the bible s vision. Exegesis example, the word son generally refers to a male child of a parent. A successful candidate will know his or her way around the biblical languages, as evidenced in grammar and word studies. Biblical exegesis and hermeneutics of biblical texts. Please consult with your professor about the content and methodology of exegesis. The same living and learning that would have driven us to do an eisegesis of the text, instead becomes the raw material for revisioning our lives and thoughts through hermeneutics in.
As such the references were only current at the time of writing. Idestrom exegesis paper guidelines always begin with prayer, asking for the holy spirits guidance in the interpretive process. Sources are selected by you, but should reflect a biblical and evangelical perspective. Exegesis is a technical word which means interpretation, and it has the connotation of careful study for the purpose of correctly understanding what is written this site is all about learning the content of the bible accurately and responsibly, and thereby knowing and. Section 8 the exegetical process observations and methods of. Instead, in an exegesis paper, you analyze the text using a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, textual, structural, historical, cultural, literary, and theological toward an informed understanding of the text in question. Stepbystep guide for doing exegesis first, be certain that you fully understand the instructions for your assignment, since exegetical. To accomplish this, the text of the magnificat will be examined in a purely biblical hermeneutic framework. Brown is the william marcellus mcpheeters professor of old testament at columbia theological seminary. First, you will be introduced to additional genre of writing. Then study the biblical text according to the following areas of exploration outlined below. Although you are offering interpretation of the passage, an exegetical paper is. In order to obtain a clearer theology of god, the writer of this research paper will study. Biblical scholarship that does not share this goal works ill in two ways.
The literal principle of biblical exegesis simply seeks to take a biblical text at face value unless the context gives a reason to understand it otherwise. Traditionally the term was used primarily for work with the bible. But neither of these is necessary if biblical exegesis is. In biblical exegesis, the opposite of exegesis to draw out is eisegesis to draw in, in the sense of an eisegetic commentator importing or drawing in his or her own purely subjective interpretations into the text, unsupported by the text itself. Exegesis the process by which one comes to understand a text hese are the typical steps involved in an exegesis. Each biblical writing was recorded in a written language and followed normal grammatical meanings including figurative language. A fruitful missional exegesis for a missional hermeneutic and. In contrast, names in biblical times communicated important information about the person, or some aspect of their story. Exegesis is the process or act of interpreting biblical texts. Faithful exposition of the bible, however, means letting the text speak for itself. By an ot scholar, but has nt examples and principles which apply to both testaments. For example, if you were to meet tiffany brown, her name would not tell you anything specific about who she is or what she is like. Jan 02, 2020 biblical exegesis involves the examination of a particular text of scripture in order to properly interpret it. However, it doesnt take much thought to realize that when we interpret something we read, whether it is a scriptural passage, a poem, or a scientific finding, there are several ways of going about the process.
Overview 2 exegetical steps 2 exegetical handbooks 2 ii. Dec 01, 2020 exegesis is one of the most fundamental skills of a biblical scholar. For example, we might focus on what the author seems to mean or what we understand by the. Therefore, exegesis is the first step toward a good lesson or sermon. Good biblical exegesis is actually commanded in scripture. Biblical criticism, liturgical history and practice, and music theory and analysis. For example, the gospels are unique in purpose, content, and scope. Instead, in an exegesis paper, you analyze the text using a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, textual, structural, historical, cultural, literary, and theological toward an informed understanding of the text in. For journal articles on biblical passages, please refer to the guide accessing atla. Five passages from different parts of the new testament are used as sample texts. For example, the word son generally refers to a male child of a parent.
To exegete a passage of scripture is to explain it, to lead the meaning out from the. Paul made a wonderful declaration, i can do all things through christ who strengthens me. A person who practices exegesis is called an exegete. Ibhs introduction to biblical hebrew syntax ibc interpretation. Open book examination in bible exegesis sample based on passages for august 2008 and 2009 page 4 of 7 zechariah 9. Each biblical writing was accepted or understood in the light of its context. Anchor bible dictionary, eerdmans dictionary of the bible, harpercollins bible dictionary, etc. The gap between translations of the bible and what lies behind them becomes much more obvious. Employing the fruits of biblical exegesis for historical and archaeological reconstruction for doing theology for proclamation for personal appropriation 141 142 146 149 153 chapter 1 introducing exegesis exegesis as an everyday activity and as a specialized discipline exegesis is a normal activity in which all of us engage every day of our lives. Sound biblical scholarship employs exegesis drawing the meaning out of the inspired. It should give you an idea of what an exegesis paper looks like, what goes into it and how to word some of the sections.
You may have to read a couple of chapters to get the sense of the functions of the pericope in the wider unit. Library tools for biblical exegesis table of contents page i. Exegetical papers exegetical papers libguides at digital. Exegesis is a part of the process of hermeneutics, the science of interpretation. Exegesis stands alone between the foundational disciplines below it and the practical disciplines beyond it. Many theoretical points have been made in the preceding pages, and many ideals expressed, with carefully selected examples to illustrate the points at issue. Only when a bible passage has been studied and correctly analyzed can one determine how to present and apply the text with a valid contemporary application. Then study the biblical text according to the following. Scripture refers to the holy bible the sacred scripture of christians.
157 1344 1494 1278 1734 705 831 1561 1805 342 1552 1627 1848 456 1051 493 87 463 815 416 1180 951 1422 1723 250