Biblical Exegesis Paper Instructions

Exegesis involves analyzing a passage's wording, sentence structure, and grammar while considering its historical, literary, and theological contexts.
It focuses on the biblical author's intention and how a passage's original readers would have understood it.
An exegesis paper offers a well-researched analysis of a Bible passage, providing a foundation for understanding its relevance to contemporary readers.

Analyzing a Bible Passage

"For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel." — Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

In the Theology of Missions class at Southern Nazarene University, you will write an exegesis paper on one of two passages:

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV):
"¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The end-times passage of Matthew 24:14 (NIV):
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Approach your research as a treasure hunt. Be determined to uncover valuable insights.

Exegesis asks, "What did the biblical author mean?" It examines both what the author said and why he said it in a particular context. The central question is what the author intended the original readers to understand. These instructions are adapted from Gordon D. Fee's New Testament Exegesis.

Many students jump to the application question: How does this passage apply to my life? However, beginning with personal relevance can cause us to miss a passage's depth. Scripture is relevant, but to understand a passage responsibly, we must first examine its meaning in context.

Doing Good Biblical Exegesis: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to exegete your chosen Matthew passage. Then write your paper based on what you've discovered.

Step 1: Research the historical context.: What was happening in the society and culture when Jesus spoke these words? What do we know about Matthew and his original readers?
Step 2: Determine the biblical context.: Where does the passage fit in the larger flow of the Gospel? What happens before and after it?
Step 3: Analyze the wording.: What key words are used? Are there rare or unique terms in this passage?
Step 4: Paraphrase the passage.: Put it in your own words. Are your theological biases shaping your understanding?
Step 5: Examine sentence structure and syntax.: How do sentence structure and the relationships between clauses clarify the passage's meaning?
Step 6: Study grammar in the original language.: How do the grammatical forms in the Greek text affect interpretation? If you do not read Greek, consult reliable commentaries and language resources.
Step 7: Explore Greek key words.: What do important Greek words mean in this particular context? Avoid making your paper merely a list of word studies.
Step 8: Identify cultural assumptions and background.: What may not be obvious to modern readers? What might the original audience have understood differently?
Step 9: Determine the genre.: What kind of material is this: narrative, teaching, prophecy, poetry, or apocalyptic discourse? How does its genre guide interpretation?
Step 10: Compare parallel Gospel accounts.: Do other Gospels record this teaching or a related event? Compare their wording, emphasis, and context.
Step 11: Consider the life setting of Jesus' ministry.: To whom were these words addressed? Where in Jesus' ministry do they appear?
Step 12: Examine theological context.: What related Bible passages inform your understanding? How does this passage affect our overall theology?
Step 13: Consult commentaries and scholarly sources.: Compare and incorporate perspectives from secondary literature.
Step 14: Write the paper.: Weave together your findings into a clear, insightful essay. Document sources and include a bibliography.

Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Summing up: What Is Exegesis?

Exegesis is the careful interpretation of biblical texts. It examines historical, cultural, linguistic, and literary contexts to understand the author's intended meaning and how the original audience would have understood the passage. This provides a foundation for theological reflection and contemporary application.

Common exegetical methods include historical-critical analysis, literary analysis, and theological interpretation. Together, they help clarify a passage's meaning and provide a foundation for applying it to today's faith and life.