DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to teach foundational skills in exegesis of biblical texts, including the use of lexica, concordances, grammars, the synopsis, theological and exegetical dictionaries and other exegetical aids. It will concentrate on use of the historical-critical method of exegesis, while other supplementary approaches will also be discussed. The emphasis will be on practice of exegetical skills using a variety of texts from the Greek New Testament.

Preaching and teaching ministries require study of the biblical texts, and it is essential for the interpreter to have the necessary exegetical skills for working with the biblical text and for using and assessing commentaries and other materials dealing with the biblical text that are available for the pastor/teacher.

Class time will be devoted to introducing exegetical tools and how to use them, and to actual practice in exegesis (one New Testament epistle will be exegeted). Written assignments will focus on the practice of exegesis using a variety of New Testament genres. Reading assignments will cover techniques and methodology of New Testament exegesis.

A Greek New Testament. (UBS 4 or Nestle 27). Selected portions.

Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. 8th ed. New York: American Bible Society, 1987. Selected portions.

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.

Marshall, I. H., ed. New Testament Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977.

One of the following:

Blass, F. and Debrunner, A. A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, trans. R. W. Funk from 9th-10th German eds. of 1954-59. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961.

Dana, H. E. and Mantey, J. R. A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament. New York: Macmillan, 1927.

Hagner, D. A. Writing Exegesis and Research Papers in New Testament Studies: A Guide for Seminarians. Pasadena: Fuller Theological Seminary, 1984.

Greenlee, J. H. A Concise Exegetical Grammar of NT Greek. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.

Moule, C. F. D. An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2nd ed., 1959.

Soulen, Richard. Handbook of Biblical Criticism. Rev. ed. Atlanta: John Knox, 1981.

1. Reading of assigned texts.

2. Weekly written exercises in exegesis.

3. A 10-page exegesis paper.

4. Final exam covering assigned reading and lecture material.

LG512 or equivalent.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in hermeneutics (HERM).