Biblical Exegesis Paper Instructions

Exegesis involves analyzing a passage's wording, sentence structure, and grammar while considering its historical, literary, and theological contexts.
It focuses on the biblical author's intention and how a passage's original readers would have understood it.
An exegesis paper offers a well-researched analysis of a Bible passage and opens the door to hermeneutics by exploring its relevance to contemporary readers.

Theology of Missions

"Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel." — Ezra 7:10

In the Theology of Missions class at Southern Nazarene University, you will write an exegesis paper on one of two passages:

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20:
"¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The end-times passage of Matthew 24:14:
"This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Approach your research as a treasure hunt—determined to uncover valuable insights.

"What did the biblical author mean?" (Exegesis) involves understanding both what he said and why he said it in a given context. Exegesis is primarily about intentionality: What did the author intend the original readers to understand? — Gordon Fee in New Testament Exegesis. This material is adapted from that book.

Many students jump to the hermeneutical question: What does this mean to me? However, beginning with personal relevance can cause us to miss a passage's depth. Scripture is relevant, but to hear God fully, we must begin with exegesis.

Steps of Exegesis

Follow these steps to exegete your chosen Matthew passage. Then write your paper based on what you've discovered.

Step 1: Research the historical context.: What was happening in the society and culture when Jesus spoke these words? What do we know about Matthew and his original readers?
Step 2: Determine the biblical context.: Where does the passage fit in the larger flow of the Gospel? What happens before and after it?
Step 3: Analyze the wording.: What keywords are used? Are there rare or unique terms in this passage?
Step 4: Paraphrase the passage.: Put it in your own words. Are your theological biases shaping your understanding?
Step 5: Examine sentence structure and syntax.: Does meaning arise from how the thoughts are expressed?
Step 6: Study grammar in the original language.: Could different grammatical constructions lead to alternate interpretations?
Step 7: Explore Greek keywords.: What nuances are in the original terms? Avoid making your paper just a list of word studies.
Step 8: Learn more about doing exegesis.: What may not be obvious to modern readers? What might the original audience have understood differently?
Step 9: Determine the genre.: Is the passage prophetic, apocalyptic, poetic, or didactic?
Step 10: Compare parallel Gospel accounts.: Do other Gospels include similar wording? How is the context different?
Step 11: Consider the life setting of Jesus' ministry.: To whom were these words addressed? Where in Jesus' ministry do they appear?
Step 12: Examine theological context.: What related Bible passages inform your understanding? How does this passage affect our overall theology?
Step 13: Consult commentaries and scholarly sources.: Compare and incorporate perspectives from secondary literature.
Step 14: Write the paper.: Weave together your findings into a clear, insightful essay. Document sources and include a bibliography.

— Howard Culbertson

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15

What Is Exegesis?

Exegesis is the critical interpretation of biblical texts. It examines historical, cultural, linguistic, and literary contexts to uncover the intended meaning, the original audience's understanding, and modern theological significance.

Common exegetical methods include historical-critical analysis, literary analysis, and theological interpretation. Together, they help reveal Scripture's layers of meaning and make it applicable to today's faith and life.