Winter 2007/Pasadena
NE502
M. Thompson

NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Marianne Meye Thompson.


DESCRIPTION: This course serves to acquaint students with the basic principles and practice of exegesis of the Greek New Testament. Attention will be given to bibliographical resources and tools available for exegetical help; how exegetical decisions are made; and how theological commitments both shape and arise from exegetical study.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1. The student will develop ability in interpreting the Bible by practicing the application of interpretative 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. This task is foundational to responsible preaching and teaching, and to appropriating the message of the Scriptures for today.

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. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001.
The following tools are recommended for consultation; some will be required for assignments throughout the quarter.
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. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993.

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

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

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

RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament Exegesis. Third edition in progress, 2007. Available at the Fuller Seminary Bookstore.
See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Completion of assigned reading for class discussion.

  2. Regular study of various biblical passages, with short written; 33% of the grade

  3. Three longer written assignments focusing on the various components of exegesis; 66% of the grade.

PREREQUISITES: LG512.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in "Hermeneutics" (HERM).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.