DESCRIPTION: This course will acquaint students with the basic principles and practice of exegesis of the Greek New Testament. Topics covered include reference tools, text criticism, lexicography and grammar, Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, exegetical considerations for the different genres within the New Testament, hermeneutical issues and perspectives, and various interpretive methodologies, including socio-cultural, rhetorical, narrative, feminist, and political criticisms.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) The student will develop ability in interpreting the Bible by practicing the application of interpretive methods to selected New Testament passages. (2) The student will become more skilled in reading the Bible theologically through exercises that focus on assumptions brought to the text and thinking about how theology and practice arise from interpretation of the text. (3) The student will see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The purpose of this course is to equip students with a knowledge of the tools, aids, and methods of exegeting the Greek New Testament. The ability to exegete the Greek NT is one of the most important tools for responsible preaching and teaching. There can be no good theology without good exegesis.

COURSE FORMAT: Because this course seeks to provide instruction and practice in doing exegesis, extensive student preparation and participation is expected. The course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions for lectures and regular discussion.

REQUIRED READING:

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis. Hendrickson, 2001.

Green, J. B. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Eerdmans, 1995.

The following tools will be occasionally required for consultation:

Aland, K. et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993; OR
Nestle, E. and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993.

Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG].

Metzger, B. M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft/United Bible Societies, 1994.

Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Zondervan, 1996.

Hagner, D. A. New Testament Exegesis and Research: A Guide for Seminarians. Fuller Seminary, 1999.

DeMoss, M. S. Pocket Dictionary for the Study of New Testament Greek. InterVarsity Press, 2001.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

1. Completion of assigned readings and short assignments for class discussion (10%).

2. Three short written assignments on exegetical components (20% each = 60% total).

3. An exegesis paper reflecting knowledge of the skills of exegesis and effective use of major tools (30%).