The Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers

by Gorman, Michael J.

• ISBN13: 9781565634855
• ISBN10: 1565634853
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-01
• Publisher: Baker Academic

Summary

"Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers" presents the essential elements of sound exegetical method in a succinct and incisive way. Designed for students, teachers, pastors, and others wishing to think and write about the Bible carefully, this brief hands-on guide incorporates insights from the field of biblical interpretation into its straightforward approach to the complex task of exegesis. This task is broken down into seven distinct elements: survey; analysis of the context; analysis of the form, structure, and movement of the text; detailed analysis of the text; synthesis; reflection on the text for today; and expansion and refinement of the exegesis. Practical hints and suggested exercises show the reader how to develop proficiency in each of these elements. Resources are supplied for those who want to pursue further study in any of these seven areas. Appendices supply two sample exegesis papers and practical guidelines for writing a research exegesis paper.

Author Biography

Michael J. Gorman is Dean and Professor of New Testament and Early Church History at the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(6)
The Task	7	(28)
The Text	35	(24)
Survey (The First Element)	59	(6)
Contextual Analysis (The Second Element) The Historical and Literary Contexts of the Text	65	(10)
Formal Analysis (The Third Element) The Form, Structure, and Movement of the Text	75	(16)
Detailed Analysis of the Text (The Fourth Element)	91	(24)
Synthesis (The Fifth Element)	115	(8)
Reflection (The Sixth Element) The Text Today	123	(12)
Expansion and Refinement of the Exegesis (The Seventh Element)	135	(6)
Exegesis and the Exegete Errors to Avoid, Discoveries to Make	141	(6)
Resources for Exegesis	147	(48)
Appendix A A Chart of Exegetical Methods Three Approaches	195	(10)
Appendix B Practical Guidelines for Writing A Research Exegesis Paper	205	(6)
Appendix C A Short Sample Exegesis Paper	211	(6)
Appendix D A Longer Sample Exegesis Paper	217	(16)
Appendix E Selected Internet Resources for Biblical Studies	233	(4)
Index	237