22. Exegesis subjects
In the exegesis subjects OT205-OT208 and NT205-NT208 you will be required to write what is called an exegetical exercise. Your lecturer will explain how to do them.
The following comments will give you a starting point for exegeting a passage:
- Context
Putting a passage in context does not mean going back to chapter 1. It means setting the passage within the immediate argument or narrative in the book and, where appropriate, in the larger context of the thought of the author. There is no need to 'retell the story' or 'give the story so far'.
- Meaning
Explain important words and phrases, and discuss the passage as a whole. Special attention is given to terms or concepts which have a significant scriptural background and to any issues of a historical or theological nature which the passage highlights. Do not simply list the words and meanings but try to present them in essay form.
- Interpretation
Any significant differences of interpretation should be noted. In most cases, comments about authorship, date and where the book was written are irrelevant to an exegesis.
There is further information on exegesis in Section 18.5 "Preparing an Exegesis" and Section 18.6 "Writing an Exegesis" of this handbook.