Here is a list of 100 command prompts for conducting a thorough theological exegesis of a biblical passage, categorized by the standard steps of the exegetical process.
1. Delimitation & Textual Criticism
(Establishing the precise text to be studied and its most original wording.)
Define the precise start and end of the pericope (passage) and justify these boundaries.Collate and compare the passage across 5-7 major English translations (e.g., KJV, NRSV, NIV, ESV, NASB, NET).Identify the 3-5 most significant translation differences among the versions.Consult the textual apparatus (e.g., NA28, UBS5, BHS) for all textual variants within the passage.List the most important textual variants (e.g., omissions, additions, different words).Analyze the external evidence for a major variant (e.g., manuscript age, geographical distribution, textual families).Analyze the internal evidence for a major variant (e.g., author's style, scribal habits, theological motivation).Evaluate the "canons of textual criticism" (e.g., "prefer the shorter reading") for a specific variant.Reconstruct the most probable original Greek/Hebrew reading for [verse].Analyze the critical commentary in the NET Bible's textual notes for this passage.Assess the final "certainty" rating (e.g., A, B, C, D) given by the UBS committee and state if you agree.Write a fresh, literal translation of the passage based on your established original text.Explain how a specific textual variant (if adopted) would change the meaning of the passage.Investigate the exegetical significance of the *Pericope Adulterae* (John 7:53-8:11) or the "Longer Ending of Mark" (Mark 16:9-20) if your passage is one of them.Create a summary chart of all major textual and translational issues before proceeding.
2. Historical & Cultural Context
(Investigating the world behind the text: the author, audience, and situation.)
Identify the most likely author, date, and place of composition, providing evidence.Identify the specific, original audience or recipients of the text.Describe the political situation (e.g., Roman rule, Babylonian exile, internal strife) facing the original audience.Describe the socio-economic conditions (e.g., patronage, slavery, poverty, taxation) mentioned or assumed in the text.Describe the religious environment (e.g., competing pagan cults, Jewish sects, emperor worship, folk beliefs).Reconstruct the *Sitz im Leben* ("setting in life") for the passage (e.g., a worship service, a legal dispute, a coronation).Identify the "exigence," or the specific problem, heresy, or question the author is addressing.Define 3-5 key cultural values (e.g., honor/shame, purity/defilement, patron-client) that are crucial for understanding the text.Research any specific historical events, figures (e.g., Caesar, Herod, Nebuchadnezzar), or locations mentioned.Investigate any relevant archaeological findings that illuminate the text (e.g., the Pool of Siloam, a 1st-century synagogue).Analyze the meaning of a specific cultural practice (e.g., "washing of feet," "tearing of garments," "levirate marriage").Compare the text's claims to contemporary non-canonical writings (e.g., Philo, Josephus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Apocrypha).Research the geography of the region and explain its theological or narrative significance.Explain how the author's personal circumstances (e.g., Paul in prison, John in exile) influence the passage.Reconstruct the "false teaching" or "philosophy" the author is combating (e.g., Gnosticism, Judaizers).
3. Literary & Genre Analysis
(Analyzing the text as a piece of literature, its structure, and its form.)
Identify the overarching literary genre of the book (e.g., Epistle, Gospel, Apocalypse, Narrative, Psalm).Identify the specific sub-genre or "form" of the passage (e.g., parable, miracle story, hymn, creed, diatribe, legal code).List 5 interpretive rules or implications that follow from this genre (e.g., "do not allegorize a parable," "read apocalyptic literature symbolically").Outline the structure of the entire book and show where this passage fits.Analyze the *immediate* literary context: summarize the paragraph before and the paragraph after.Explain how this passage functions as a "bridge" or "hinge" between two larger sections.Create a structural or rhetorical diagram of the passage (e.g., chiasm, inclusio, parallel panels).Identify the rhetorical devices used (e.g., metaphor, hyperbole, irony, rhetorical questions) and their intended effect.Trace the author's logical argument, identifying the main thesis, supporting premises, and conclusion.Identify the narrative elements (if any): plot, characters, setting, and point of view.Analyze the function of the main "characters" in the text (e.g., as examples, foils, or spokespersons).Identify the "rhetorical situation" (the author, audience, and purpose) of the text.Analyze the passage's "atmosphere" or "tone" (e.g., urgent, joyful, sarcastic, somber).Identify all quotations, allusions, or echoes of other texts within the passage.Analyze the flow of thought by identifying all major conjunctions (e.g., "for," "therefore," "but") and their logical function.
4. Grammatical & Lexical Analysis
(Performing a "close reading" of the text in its original language.)
Perform a complete word study on the 3-5 most theologically significant words in the passage (e.g., *agape*, *dikaiosune*, *hesed*).For each word study: analyze its semantic range, its usage by this author, its usage in the [OT/NT], and its usage in contemporary secular literature.Identify all *hapax legomena* (words used only once) and analyze their probable meaning.Parse all the main verbs in the passage (tense, voice, mood).Analyze the significance of the verb tenses (e.g., aorist vs. present, "prophetic perfect").Diagram the sentences to identify the main clauses and subordinate clauses.Explain the logical function of the subordinate clauses (e.g., causal, concessive, purpose).Analyze the force of key participles (e.g., causal, temporal, "attendant circumstance").Analyze the specific meaning of prepositions and conjunctions (e.g., *en*, *eis*, *gar*, *hina*).Consult 3-5 major critical commentaries (e.g., WBC, NICNT, ICC) on the most difficult verse.Debate two major grammatical ambiguities in the text (e.g., "faith *of* Christ" vs. "faith *in* Christ").Analyze the use of the Greek article (or its absence) on key nouns.Identify the antecedent of each pronoun.If an OT text, compare the Masoretic Text (MT) with the Septuagint (LXX) translation and note significant differences.Explain the force of the Hebrew verb form (e.g., Qal, Piel, Hiphil) for a key verb.Identify and analyze all figurative language (e.g., "God's hand," "lamb of God").Conclude your grammatical analysis by writing a new, "expanded" translation that clarifies the syntax.
5. Theological & Canonical Analysis
(Synthesizing the passage's message and connecting it to the "big picture" of the Bible.)
Identify the primary theological claim(s) the author is making about God (Theology Proper).Identify the primary claim(s) about humanity (Theological Anthropology).Identify the primary claim(s) about Christ (Christology).Identify the primary claim(s) about salvation (Soteriology).Identify the primary claim(s) about the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology).Identify the primary claim(s) about the church (Ecclesiology) or end times (Eschatology).Articulate the "theological center" of the passage in a single, concise sentence.Perform an intertextual analysis: Trace all OT quotations/allusions and explain how the author re-interprets them.Trace the passage's main theme through the rest of the author's writings (e.g., Paul's view of "law" or John's view of "love").Trace the passage's main theme through the entire testament (OT or NT).Place the passage on a timeline of redemptive history (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation).Explain how this passage functions as [promise] or [fulfillment] within salvation history.Analyze how this text relates to the central covenant(s) (e.g., Abrahamic, Mosaic, New Covenant).Articulate how this passage points to, or is fulfilled by, Jesus Christ (Christ-centered interpretation).Compare and contrast this passage's theology with a "problem" passage elsewhere in the canon.Explain how this text functions within the *regula fidei* ("rule of faith") or the historic creeds.Identify the central "Gospel" or "Good News" message embedded in this text.
6. Application & Proclamation
(Bridging the gap from the ancient text to the modern world.)
Summarize the history of this passage's interpretation (reception history).Analyze how [a Church Father, e.g., Augustine, Chrysostom] interpreted this text.Analyze how [a Reformer, e.g., Luther, Calvin] interpreted this text.Analyze a modern critical interpretation (e.g., feminist, liberationist, post-colonial) of this text.Critique a common *misinterpretation* or *misapplication* of this passage.Distinguish between the "timeless principle" and the "culturally-bound application" in the text.Identify the "analogy of contexts": What is the modern equivalent of the original [situation/problem/audience]?Formulate the single "Big Idea" or "Main Homiletical Point" of the passage.Develop a 3-point sermon or lesson outline based on your exegetical findings.Write a clear "call to action" or "application" for a modern audience, based on the text's original function (e.g., to warn, to comfort, to command).Formulate three discussion questions for a small group study.Identify the primary "fallen condition" or "human need" this passage addresses.Explain how the "Gospel" in this passage addresses that specific need.Identify any ethical dilemmas or challenges this text poses to a modern reader.Explain how this passage transforms our [thoughts/affections/actions].Write a concluding summary (300-500 words) of your complete exegesis.Identify what "new" or "surprising" insight you gained through this process.Identify any remaining questions or areas for further research.Create a visual aid (e.g., chart, map, timeline) that summarizes your key findings.Write a concluding prayer or benediction based on the theological truths of the passage.Synthesize all 6 steps into a formal exegetical paper.
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