Exegetical Study

A precise exegetical Bible study requires a structured approach. Here's a plan to guide you:

Phase 1: Preparation (Setting the Stage)

1. Choose a Passage: Select a manageable passage. Don't try to tackle too much at once. Consider the context of the book and its overall message. Shorter passages often yield richer insights through close examination.

2. Prayer: Begin with prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding God's Word.

3. Background Research (Optional but Highly Recommended):

   • Historical Context: When was this written? What was the historical situation? Who was the author, and who was the original audience? What were the social, political, and religious conditions? Resources: Bible dictionaries, commentaries, historical atlases.
   • Cultural Context: What were the customs and practices of the time? How might these have influenced the meaning of the passage? Resources: Bible dictionaries, commentaries, books on biblical culture.
   • Literary Context: What is the genre of the passage (e.g., narrative, poetry, law, prophecy)? How does this passage fit into the larger book and its overall message? Read the surrounding chapters to understand the flow of thought.

Phase 2: Observation (What Does the Text Say?)

1. Multiple Readings: Read the passage repeatedly in different translations (e.g., a literal translation, a dynamic equivalent translation, and a paraphrase). Note the differences and similarities.

2. Identify Key Words: What are the important words or concepts in the passage? Look up their meanings in a good dictionary or lexicon (especially if you can access resources for the original languages).

3. Structural Analysis: How is the passage structured? Are there any repeated words or phrases? Are there any contrasts or comparisons? Outline the passage to see its logical flow. Look for:

   • Repetitions: What words or phrases are repeated? Why?
   • Contrasts/Comparisons: Are any ideas contrasted or compared? What is the significance?
   • Cause and Effect: Are any cause-and-effect relationships presented?
   • Questions and Answers: Are there any questions posed and answered?
   • Parallelism: Is there any parallelism (e.g., Hebrew parallelism in poetry)?

4. Observe the Details: Pay close attention to:

   • Verbs: What actions are being described? Who is performing them?
   • Nouns: What people, places, or things are mentioned?
   • Adjectives and Adverbs: What qualities are being emphasized?
   • Pronouns: Who or what do the pronouns refer to?

Phase 3: Interpretation (What Does the Text Mean?)

1. Synthesize Observations: Connect your observations from Phase 2. How do the key words, structure, and details contribute to the overall meaning of the passage?

2. Interpret Figurative Language: Are there any metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech? What do they represent?

3. Consider the Author's Intent: What was the author trying to communicate to the original audience?

4. Contextual Consistency: Does your interpretation fit with the rest of the book and the Bible as a whole?

5. Consult Commentaries (Use Wisely): Read commentaries from different perspectives, but don't let them dictate your interpretation. Use them to gain insights and to see how other scholars have interpreted the passage. Be discerning.

Phase 4: Application (How Does the Text Apply to My Life?)

1. Identify Timeless Principles: What are the universal truths or principles taught in this passage that are relevant to all believers?

2. Personal Application: How can I apply these principles to my own life today? Be specific.

3. Practical Steps: What concrete steps can I take to live out these principles?

4. Reflect and Pray: Spend time reflecting on the passage and praying for God's help in applying it to your life.

Phase 5: Communication (Optional but Encouraged)

1. Share Your Insights: Discuss your findings with others in a small group or Sunday School class. This can help you to refine your understanding and to learn from others.

2. Teach the Passage: Try teaching the passage to someone else. This will force you to articulate your understanding clearly.

Tools for Exegetical Study:

• Bible: Multiple translations (e.g., ESV, NIV, NASB, NRSV).
• Concordance: To find all occurrences of a word.
• Bible Dictionary: To learn about people, places, and things in the Bible.
• Bible Commentary: Use commentaries cautiously, comparing different perspectives.
• Lexicon (if studying original languages): For word studies.
• Bible Software (Optional): Can be very helpful for in-depth study.