Exegesis is the critical interpretation and explanation of a biblical text. The term is derived from the Greek word "ἐξήγησις" (exēgēsis), meaning "to lead out" or "to explain." In the context of biblical studies, exegesis involves drawing out the meaning of a passage through careful analysis of its language, context, and historical background. This process is essential for understanding the intended message of Scripture and applying it to contemporary life.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of exegesis is rooted in the Bible itself, as seen in the Berean Standard Bible . In Nehemiah 8:8, we read, "They read from the Book of the Law of God, clearly explaining and giving insight so that the people could understand the reading." This passage highlights the importance of clarity and understanding in the communication of God's Word.

Principles of Exegesis

1. Literal Interpretation: Exegesis begins with a literal interpretation of the text, seeking to understand the plain meaning of the words. This involves examining the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary used by the biblical authors. For instance, in 2 Timothy 3:16 , it is stated, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." A literal approach acknowledges the divine inspiration and practical purpose of Scripture.

2. Historical Context: Understanding the historical and cultural context of a passage is crucial. This includes the time period, geographical setting, and cultural practices of the biblical world. For example, the parables of Jesus, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), are best understood against the backdrop of first-century Jewish society and its views on Samaritans.

3. Theological Consistency: Exegesis must be consistent with the overall theological message of the Bible. Scripture interprets Scripture, meaning that difficult passages should be understood in light of clearer ones. This principle is evident in the harmony between the Old and New Testaments, as seen in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies by Jesus Christ (e.g., Isaiah 53 and its fulfillment in the Gospels).

4. Literary Genre: Recognizing the literary genre of a passage is essential for proper interpretation. The Bible contains various genres, including narrative, poetry, prophecy, and epistle. Each genre has its own interpretive rules. For instance, the symbolic language of apocalyptic literature, such as the Book of Revelation, requires a different approach than the historical narratives of the Gospels.

5. Application: While exegesis focuses on understanding the original meaning of the text, it also involves applying that meaning to contemporary life. This is in line with James 1:22 , which exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Proper exegesis leads to practical application and transformation in the life of the believer.

Challenges in Exegesis

Exegesis can be challenging due to linguistic differences, cultural gaps, and the complexity of certain passages. Scholars and theologians may differ in their interpretations, leading to various theological perspectives. However, the goal of exegesis remains the same: to faithfully understand and convey the message of Scripture as intended by its divine Author.

Conclusion

Exegesis is a vital discipline for anyone seeking to study the Bible deeply and accurately. By employing sound exegetical methods, believers can gain a clearer understanding of God's Word and its relevance for their lives today.1. (n.) A critical explanation of a text or portion of Scripture.

2. (n.) The process of finding the roots of an equation.

EXEGESIS

ek-se-je'-sis.

See INTERPRETATION.

His Theology and Exegesis.
... Chapter XIII."His Theology and Exegesis. ... In one word, he comes very near
to what we now call the grammatico-historical exegesis. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter xiii his theology and exegesis.htm

Specimens of Pelagian Exegesis.
... Augustin to his holy brethren and fellow-bishops Eutropius and Paulus.
(41.) Specimens of Pelagian Exegesis. But I beg of you to ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/41 specimens of pelagian exegesis.htm

The Place of Chrysostom in the History of Exegesis.
... I. The Place of Chrysostom in the History of Exegesis. The position held
by Chrysostom in the history of exegesis is remarkable. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/i the place of chrysostom.htm

But Even Although we Should be under the Necessity of Accepting ...
... A Fragment of the Same Disputation. 3 But even although we should be under
the necessity of accepting the exegesis advocated by? ...
/.../3 but even although we.htm

Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
... ii.19, after Iren??us, Origen, &c.), we discern, especially in his later writings,
a tendency toward a more literal exegesis than was usual in the Alexandrian ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 4 vehicles of revelation.htm

The Rationalistic Explanation.
... common sense itself. To prove this, it is only necessary to give some specimens
from the exegesis of Paulus and his school. The glory ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/iv the rationalistic explanation.htm

Defective Learning.
... confidently assert that these words refer to "by grace are ye saved." The majority
of them are evidently ignorant of the history of the exegesis of the text. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxix defective learning.htm

The New Testament Obscured the True Origin and the Historical ...
... Now, however, once the New Testament had been created, there arose a real science
of exegesis, not only the exegesis of allegory which sublimated and thus ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 6 the new testament.htm

The New Testament Checked the Imaginative Creation of Events in ...
... Even a developed doctrine of the Holy Spirit could be constructed by exegesis!
It is true that exegesis was always open to suggestions ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 7 the new testament.htm

Introductory Remarks. 1 the Term Hermeneutics (Greek...
... The Greek word exegesis"that is, exposition"denotes the actual work of
interpretation. Hermeneutics is, therefore, the science ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxiii introductory remarks 1.htm

Exegesis
... 2. (n.) The process of finding the roots of an equation. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. EXEGESIS. ek-se-je'-sis. See INTERPRETATION. ...
/e/exegesis.htm - 6k

Allegory (6 Occurrences)
... According to traditional interpretation of both the Jewish exegesis and of the Catholic
and Protestant churches the entire book of Canticles is such an allegory ...
/a/allegory.htm - 14k

Theology
... o-ji: I. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY AS A SCIENCE 1. Definition 2. Relation to Dogmatics 3.
Place and Method of Biblical Theology 4. Relation to Scientific Exegesis II. ...
/t/theology.htm - 95k

Biblical
... o-ji: I. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY AS A SCIENCE 1. Definition 2. Relation to Dogmatics 3.
Place and Method of Biblical Theology 4. Relation to Scientific Exegesis II. ...
/b/biblical.htm - 45k

Talmud
... (5) Haggadhah (from higgidh, "to tell"), the non-halakhic exegesis. II. Importance
of the Talmud. Commonly the Talmud is declared to be the Jewish code of Law. ...
/t/talmud.htm - 37k

Hebrew (37 Occurrences)
... However widely the principles which guided the various Jewish schools of exegesis,
or the individual commentatom, differ from those of the modern school, the ...
/h/hebrew.htm - 77k

Commentaries
... exposition; his scholia were the earliest specimens of marginal explanations; his
commentaries furnished the church with her first continuous exegesis" (op. ...
/c/commentaries.htm - 57k

Executioners (32 Occurrences)

/e/executioners.htm - 16k

Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... Scriptures, the science of interpretation is generally known as hermeneutics, while
the practical application of the principles of this science is exegesis. ...
/i/interpretation.htm - 57k

Kenosis
... time of the Parousia. (2) An older exegesis felt only the last of these
passages as a real difficulty. A distinction constructed ...
/k/kenosis.htm - 14k

What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? | GotQuestions.org

What is good biblical exegesis? | GotQuestions.org

What is trajectory hermeneutics? | GotQuestions.org

Exegesis: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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