The Exegetical Process Discovering the Word of the L ORD

Exegesis (Greek: ξηγεσθαι 'to lead out') Exegesis involves an extensive and critical interpretation of a text, especially of a holy scripture -- such as Tanach and the New Testament of the Bible(s), Talmud, Midrash, Qur’an, etc An exegete is a practitioner of this science. The word exegesis means "to draw the meaning out of" a given text. Exegesis may be contrasted with eisegesis, which means to read one's own interpretation into a given text. In general, exegesis presumes an attempt to view the text objectively, while eisegesis implies more subjectivity. (Everybody claims exegesis and imputes eisegesis!)

Exegesis (Greek: ξηγεσθαι 'to lead out') Traditional exegesis involves: analysis of significant words in the text in regard to translation; examination of the general historical and cultural context, confirmation of the limits of the passage, examination of the context within the text.

Exegesis (Greek: ξηγεσθαι 'to lead out') The Three Legged Stool: Reason: Thinking, Clearly Consistently,and Coherently Tradition: Thinking in Dialogue with the Great Traditions of Historic Christianity Scripture: Thinking Biblically

John 12: How does it fit into the Gospel as a whole? 1.19 – 10.42: The Challenge 12-20: The Last Week 11: The Turning Point 1.1 – 1.18: Prologue 21: Epilogue The first step in sermon preparation, is to read the book through at least 30 times. -- G. Campbell Morgan

John 12:20-33 High Priest Priests Israel Women Blind, Lame Gentiles

Your Own Exegetical Process Discovering the Word of the L ORD

Become a Student Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by Him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth Tim 2.15 Master the Bible Read it all Read different translations Mark-up Bible File cabinets Physical files & Computer files Master one book per year Read a great commentary

Gathering tools Commentaries English Dictionaries Bible Dictionaries Dictionaries of OT / NT Figures of Speech Bible Handbooks Learn Grammar Analytical Concordance Cultural Background Judaica Historical Background: Wright: NT & People of God Wright: Jesus & Victory of God

Continuing Education Walk Thru the Bible EfM & Diocesan Programs National Cathedral St Mary’s Ecumenical Inst Lenten Studies Video / Audio Series Synagogue Internet Bible Gateway Archeology, Culture Geography, Maps Judaica Theology Discussion groups

Become a Student www. stmarkshighland. com >> Resources Bible study Sermon Prep

Read the Propers Set each Proper within its own book: You can’t understand the whole apart from its parts… You can’t understand the parts apart from the whole Start Digging For each book: What is the occasion? What is the purpose? What is the structure? What is the argument? Expect to revise, clarify, and deepen your grasp each time!

Back to the Propers How does this proper fit the occasion, purpose, structure, and argument of its context? How do they relate one to another? How do they relate to the liturgical occasion? Assumption: It probably would not have been collected into the collection of Holy Scripture if it had been mundane… If it comes to easy, you’re probably missing something!

Start Asking Questions Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Start Asking Questions What are the significant words? Why these words rather than others? What questions do they raise?

Exegesis (Greek: ξηγεσθαι 'to lead out') Traditional exegesis involves: analysis of significant words in the text in regard to translation; examination of the general historical and cultural context, confirmation of the limits of the passage, examination of the context within the text. Start Asking Questions What questions are raised by the general historical and cultural contexts ? How is light shed by the general historical and cultural contexts?

Start Asking Questions What limits are there? ie: Textual questions… specific occasion or address… Intention of literature? Start Asking Questions How does the passage flow from the previous passage? How does the passage flow into the next passage?

“You’ll regret it if you don’t. Maybe not today, but soon… and for the rest of your life.” Rick -- Casablanca Write it down!!!! Your observations & ideas Your research Your conclusions Your questions

Exegesis requires creativity and imagination… … but it is about discovering rather than creating … digging rather than imagining. Homiletics is art. Exegesis is the invisible science behind the art … that allows the art to be Truth.