Exegesis Framework

[The Holy Spirit tends to use a “prepared mind” more than an “empty head.”]

 I. Context [The Bible is a Divine-human book.  The intent of the human author provides the key to the intent of the Divine author.]

1.     Historical Context [authorial background]

A. Temporal Setting                       D. Emotional Setting
B. Geographical Setting                 E. Religious Setting
C. Cultural Setting                         F. Circumstantial Setting

Bible, Bible Dictionaries, Bible Encyclopedias, Bible Atlases, Customs & Manners, Old Testament & New Testament Introductions

2.     Literary Context [authorial style]

A. Literary Genre: Narrative, Wisdom, Prophecy, Gospel, Epistle

B. Literary Features: Law, Parable, Figures of Speech

Fee, Gordon D. & Douglas Stuart.  How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.  2nd Edi.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1993.

Bullinger, Ethelbert W.  Figures of Speech Used in the Bible.  Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1977.

Fowler, Henry Watson.  The New Fowler’s Modern English Usage.  Rev. Robert Burchfield.  3rd Ed.  London: Oxford University Press, 2000.

3.     Logical Context [authorial organization]

A. Theme:                                     D. Emphases:
B. Purpose:                                   E. Climax:
C. Development:                            F. Outline

New Testament Introductions, Commentary Introduction

4.     Theological Context [authorial belief]

A. Theological Identification:
B. Theological Synthesis

Systematic, Biblical, & Historical Theologies

 

II. Content [The study of a text looks for the questions & answers the text directs us to find so that we may submit to its wisdom.]

1. Observation—original content [What does it say?]

A. Textual Setting

a. Text
b. Context
c. Parallel

B. Textual Analysis [Context is King.]

a.      Lexical—words

1. General Usage

2. Particular Usage

Greek: New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.  English: (1) Oxford English Dictionary; (2) Websters Unabridged; and (3) American Heritage

b. Grammatical—phrases & clauses—micro-structure
c. Syntactical—sentences & paragraphs—macro-structure

2. Interpretation—original intent [What does it mean?]

Consult commentaries for various options.  Look for the best for each book as opposed to sets (Calvin’s excluded).

3. Application—current intent [What does it mean for my faith & practice?]

[2 Timothy 3:16]

A.   Orthodoxy—Doctrine—Faith

a. Positive—teaching

b. Negative—rebuking

B.    Orthopraxy—Behavior—Practice

a. Positive—training in righteousness

b. Negative—correcting

 

[attitudes]       resources  Framework