Exegesis....

[Jkdbuck76]

How is it done? Is there only one interpretation for a given passage? What influences one's exegesis? How does one learn to properly exegete? Please help a brother out. I'm curious what you think.

 

[Greektim]

How is it done? Is there only one interpretation for a given passage? What influences one's exegesis? How does one learn to properly exegete? Please help a brother out. I'm curious what you think.

Don't confuse exegesis with hermeneutics. You are asking questions that relate to one or the other.

Most exegesis is limited here to word studies and translations. Even those who "know" greek and hebrew overlook literary and rhetorical studies. Syntax is an essential element that most people don't understand. Hebrew requires and understanding of punning and loan words.

Something to look for is a methodological approach that will walk you through the steps. David Alan's Black steps (check out his book Using New Testament Greek in Ministry) suggest:
1) Historical Context
2) Larger literary context
3) Textual issues
4) Word studies of crucial words
5) syntax
6) structure
7) rhetorical features
8) observe how any sources were used
9) determine key thoughts of passage
10) develop homiletical outline

There are some good books out there on this too. Ones not to do without are Carson's Exegetical Fallacies (for what not to do), Kaiser's Toward an Exegetical Theology, and Fee's NT Exegesis Handbook.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

gotquestions.org has an excellent concise review of what constitutes good exegesis.

Got Questions: "What is good Biblical exegesis?"​

There are some basic principles of good exegesis which serious students of the Bible will follow:

1. The Grammatical Principle. The Bible was written in human language, and language has a certain structure and follows certain rules. Therefore, we must interpret the Bible in a manner consistent with the basic rules of language.

Usually, the exegete starts his examination of a passage by defining the words in it. Definitions are basic to understanding the passage as a whole, and it is important that the words be defined according to their original intent and not according to modern usage. To ensure accuracy, the exegete uses a precise English translation and Greek and Hebrew dictionaries.

Next, the exegete examines the syntax, or the grammatical relationships of the words in the passage. He finds parallels, he determines which ideas are primary and which are subordinate, and he discovers actions, subjects, and their modifiers. He may even diagram a verse or two.

2. The Literal Principle. We assume that each word in a passage has a normal, literal meaning, unless there is good reason to view it as a figure of speech. The exegete does not go out of his way to spiritualize or allegorize. Words mean what words mean.

So, if the Bible mentions a “horse,” it means “a horse.” When the Bible speaks of the Promised Land, it means a literal land given to Israel and should not be interpreted as a reference to heaven.

3. The Historical Principle. As time passes, culture changes, points of view change, language changes. We must guard against interpreting scripture according to how our culture views things; we must always place scripture in its historical context.

The diligent Bible student will consider the geography, the customs, the current events, and even the politics of the time when a passage was written. An understanding of ancient Jewish culture can greatly aid an understanding of scripture. To do his research, the exegete will use Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and books on history.

4. The Synthesis Principle. The best interpreter of scripture is scripture itself. We must examine a passage in relation to its immediate context (the verses surrounding it), its wider context (the book it’s found in), and its complete context (the Bible as a whole). The Bible does not contradict itself. Any theological statement in one verse can and should be harmonized with theological statements in other parts of scripture. Good Bible interpretation relates any one passage to the total content of scripture.

5. The Practical Principle. Once we’ve properly examined the passage to understand its meaning, we have the responsibility to apply it to our own lives. To “rightly divide the word of truth” is more than an intellectual exercise; it is a life-changing event.

To accurately interpret the Bible, investing in or finding online a good lexicon for both the Hebrew/Aramaic and the Greek is essential. Having good conservative commentaries is a good idea, too.

 

[Greektim]

gotquestions.org has an excellent concise review of what constitutes good exegesis.

Got Questions: "What is good Biblical exegesis?"​

To accurately interpret the Bible, investing in or finding online a good lexicon for both the Hebrew/Aramaic and the Greek is essential. Having good conservative commentaries is a good idea, too.

Told ya... word studies.

 

[Yeshua1]

Don't confuse exegesis with hermeneutics. You are asking questions that relate to one or the other.

Most exegesis is limited here to word studies and translations. Even those who "know" greek and hebrew overlook literary and rhetorical studies. Syntax is an essential element that most people don't understand. Hebrew requires and understanding of punning and loan words.

Something to look for is a methodological approach that will walk you through the steps. David Alan's Black steps (check out his book Using New Testament Greek in Ministry) suggest:
1) Historical Context
2) Larger literary context
3) Textual issues
4) Word studies of crucial words
5) syntax
6) structure
7) rhetorical features
8) observe how any sources were used
9) determine key thoughts of passage
10) develop homiletical outline

There are some good books out there on this too. Ones not to do without are Carson's Exegetical Fallacies (for what not to do), Kaiser's Toward an Exegetical Theology, and Fee's NT Exegesis Handbook.

excellent! need to use BOTH the original language texts/tools, but also use the study method one would employ using just english version, such as steps you outlined here!

just few other pointers!

know the historical theology of the chrsitian faith, as really nothing new, and helps to know what has been consideredas being within orthodoxy!

Contex/contex/contex

IF using English versions only, use 2-3 different ones, to get idea of differences between them

Scripture interpretes scriptue, as one main meaning, but might be not known by the writers, but applied by the Holy Spirit, as in prophecies of Messiah, the prophets had views of both first/second coming in view, but NT made a clear distinction..

No proof texting, especially if a single verse, as the bible does not contridict itself!

 

[Dr. Bob]

BTW, there IS only "one correct interpretation" of any passage, but there ay be "many applications" of that correct interpretation.

That is where I get into the most trouble. I can parse the grammar, understand history, context, et al, but then drift into troubled waters when I try to apply if to a myriad of other places (many totally unrelated to the meaning of the passage).

But, that said, Obama IS the anti-Christ, right?

 

[Greektim]

BTW, there IS only "one correct interpretation" of any passage, but there ay be "many applications" of that correct interpretation.

That is where I get into the most trouble. I can parse the grammar, understand history, context, et al, but then drift into troubled waters when I try to apply if to a myriad of other places (many totally unrelated to the meaning of the passage).

But, that said, Obama IS the anti-Christ, right?

Again... that is a hermeneutics issue not an exegesis issue.

I will say this, communication (and texts) have a dense range of meanings. They are "thick". The "one intended meaning" may simply be one layer of the deeper meaning. This is important for Biblical interpretation if we espouse multiple authorship. We see this practiced w/ the OT in the NT. Passages in the OT have thick meanings that are unpacked later in the NT.

I think the "1 interpretation many application" mantra needs to be nuanced or thrown away. It doesn't stand up to the way the apostles and early church used the OT.

 

[Yeshua1]

Again... that is a hermeneutics issue not an exegesis issue.

I will say this, communication (and texts) have a dense range of meanings. They are "thick". The "one intended meaning" may simply be one layer of the deeper meaning. This is important for Biblical interpretation if we espouse multiple authorship. We see this practiced w/ the OT in the NT. Passages in the OT have thick meanings that are unpacked later in the NT.

I think the "1 interpretation many application" mantra needs to be nuanced or thrown away. It doesn't stand up to the way the apostles and early church used the OT.

wasn't there at times more of a partial immediatiate fulfillment of a promise/prophency, than a later full fulfillment, almost as if the first was a type pointing towards larger one still yet to come?

And at times, it was the Holy spirit himself who "tagged' and applied those passages together for OT/NT?

 

[Yeshua1]

BTW, there IS only "one correct interpretation" of any passage, but there ay be "many applications" of that correct interpretation.

That is where I get into the most trouble. I can parse the grammar, understand history, context, et al, but then drift into troubled waters when I try to apply if to a myriad of other places (many totally unrelated to the meaning of the passage).

But, that said, Obama IS the anti-Christ, right?

you mean it wasn't Ronald wilson reagen, 666?

 

[kyredneck]

How is it done? Is there only one interpretation for a given passage? What influences one's exegesis? How does one learn to properly exegete? Please help a brother out. I'm curious what you think.

Concerning what's actually contained in the text, are you a 'high roader' or a 'low roader'? You gotta decide which approach you're gonna take; word studies through studying the grammar and meaning from the oldest available texts with the latest available 'modern linguistics' discoveries, or, are you too old to even consider going to school and learning the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic original languages to study the oldest manuscripts available to us?

I'm too old and set in my ways to even think about taking the 'high road' (why rebuild the clock? Others have already done the work in providing us with the Bible tools). I've found 'the K.I.S.S. of Hodge' to be very satisfactory for my needs:

1. The Scriptures are to be taken in the sense attached to them in the age and by the people to whom they were addressed.
2. Scripture cannot contradict Scripture.
3. The Scriptures are to be interpreted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which guidance is to be humbly and earnestly sought. - Charles Hodge

Also, a simple country Primitive Baptist preacher from GA enlightened me with even more simplicity:

"Before adopting something for doctrine, examine the text closely through the magnifying glass, then search it out through the telescope, and then scrutinize it thoroughly under the microscope." (not verbatim but close)

...and a great big huge tip from lil' ol' me, pay particular attention to the very very very enlightening explanatory 'pointers' to the types and allegories given to us in the scriptures (the Bible can be largely self interpreting if you allow it). Example:

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up;
15 that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Have you ever bothered to follow that 'pointer' back to the book of Numbers and 'check out' what your Saviour was wanting you to look at?

 

[kyredneck]

Preachers. I can't believe I forgot to mention the immense importance of Spirit guided preachers feeding the flock, 'who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old'.

I have learned soooo much from God called preachers.

That's His design you know. He gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. It's His intent for us to be delivered by the foolishness of the preaching.

Thank you Lord for your preachers.

 

[Greektim]

Preachers. I can't believe I forgot to mention the immense importance of Spirit guided preachers feeding the flock, 'who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old'.

I have learned soooo much from God called preachers.

That's His design you know. He gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. It's His intent for us to be delivered by the foolishness of the preaching.

Thank you Lord for your preachers.

Completely agree w/ your point on preachers preaching, especially God's design.

Just to clarify:

"foolishness of preaching" is a misunderstanding of Paul's words in 1 Cor. 1:21. It is not the act that is foolishness but the message behind it. Check out the grammar... and the context... and the ESV.

 

[evangelist6589]

How is it done? Is there only one interpretation for a given passage? What influences one's exegesis? How does one learn to properly exegete? Please help a brother out. I'm curious what you think.

I would suggest you buy the book Christ Centered Preaching by Bryan Chappel for it will teach how to properly exegete a passage to preach on it. In seminary we used this book and I learned to use lots of commentaries, bible dictionaries, theology dictionaries, word studies, the strong's concordance, and such.