Biblical Exegesis: Rightful Practices for Effective Interpretation

 

 

As discussed in part I of Biblical interpretation, hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, not just for the Bible, but also philosophical works as well. It involves understanding the meaning of texts by considering their context, language, and the author's intent. Understanding biblical hermeneutic is the key to getting the Bible right and figuring out the deeper meanings in scripture. It’s about grasping the messages and ideas behind them.

The main genres in the Bible were outlined in part 1 which relates to hermeneutics, as it involves the principles and methods used to interpret the Bible texts based on their literary forms. Here we’ll look at what exegesis is which focuses on extracting the specific meaning from a text within its context.

Exegesis means drawing the meaning out of the Bible passage. But hermeneutics gives one the tools to interpret that meaning. It provides the rules of interpretation. So, they go hand in hand. The term exegesis comes from the Greek verb “exegeisthai,” which means to "explain" or "interpret." It is the process of interpreting a specific biblical text to uncover its original meaning. Thus, exegesis is not about discovering what we think a text means (or want it to mean) but what the biblical author meant. It’s concerned with intentionality—what the author intended his original readers to understand, while hermeneutics is the broader theory and methodology of interpretation that guides how we approach and understand texts, including the Bible. Both are essential for accurate biblical interpretation.

It says in Timothy 3:16-17,

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

This is the correct wording taken from the King James Bible, as many scholars state, not one of the newer Bible translations. For example from NIV:

“All Scripture is “God-breathed“ KJV: "by inspiration of God”

“the servant of God”” KJV: “man of God”

“may be thoroughly equipped” KJV: “thouroughly furnished”

“for every good work” KJV: “unto all good works”

Initially, after reading the KJV I was concerned with the word “perfect”, if that was meaning we need to be perfect, because we can’t, and then why was it transcribed “thoroughly equipped” which appears to be meaning something else. Barnes commentary on the word “perfect” was:

“The idea here is, not that any one is absolutely perfect, but that the Scriptures have laid down the way which leads to perfection, and that, if any one were perfect, he would find in the Scriptures all the instruction which he needed in those circumstances.”

He wrote what I felt, “not that any one is absolutely perfect” but we can find “the way” through reading and studying the scriptures. It is so much more meaningful than the transcribed version of “thoroughly equipped”. This is an example of one step of exegesis interpretation. There are many suggestions for the type and number of steps involved to interpret a biblical text accurately. I have compiled a few I think are very appropro and necessary.

But before outlining these we must learn one other new word. Exegesis is not a common word in our daily vocabulary but even less so is the other new word eisegesis.

Eisegesis means reading into the text with a preconceived belief or opinion we may have. It’s subjective and can cloud the meaning of verses that ought to be quite straightforward. This can often mean coming to the Scripture with a biased cultural lens that didn’t exist during the time the Bible was written.

Knowing the meaning of both these terms is especially relevant when studying Scripture because the integrity of biblical interpretation rests on whether individuals allow the text’s context and purpose to guide them, or whether they impose alternative meanings that the original authors did not intend.

Below is a list of some important steps to exegesis interpretation of Scriptural text.

• Prayer: Start with prayer for guidance and understanding.

• Literary Context: Identify the literary form of the text to guide interpretation. Bible scholars call this the genre of the text. Each genre carries its own set of interpretive rules.(See part 1) Determine the surrounding passages that provide additional meaning.

• Historical & Cultural Context: Historical and cultural context plays a crucial role in understanding Biblical texts. Cultural context involves the beliefs, customs, and practices of the people at the time the text was written and through these elements one can gain a deeper insight into the meaning and significance of the passages. Each culture had its own norms and values that shaped its worldview. With the changes in culture over time, guard against interpreting the text to how the present culture views things, rather always place scripture in its historical context. Historical content involves considering the geography and the current events of the time when a passage was written. Understanding ancient Jewish culture can greatly aid an understanding of scripture. Tools that will help are Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and books on history.
  
• Biblical context: Understanding the context of the word, phrase, or passage is absolutely essential. Context is defined as “the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning.” The meaning must be gathered from the context. Every word you read must be understood in the light of the words that come before and after it. Many passages will not be understood at all, or understood incorrectly, without the help afforded by the context.

Be careful not to pull a particular verse of the Bible out of context. Sceptics often use this method to justify their personal beliefs, such as there really isn’t a God. The one that I have heard by many religious people who don’t want to surrender their sinning is from Matthew 7:1:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”

This verse is often used to silence criticism or discourage discernment. However, in its broader context, Jesus is addressing hypocrisy and the importance of humility. This does not give license to point out other’s sins to raise oneself above others. When used properly it can help others see what they cannot see. But judging—the actual act of looking at a situation and discerning whether certain actions are right or wrong—is something a Christian should do. Delving deeper into other texts we find Jesus saying,

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

• This above example leads to the Synthesis principle, which relates the passage to the broader context of the Bible. The best interpreter of scripture is scripture itself. Thus, use the Bible to help interpret itself. Interpret difficult passages with clear ones. The meaning in one verse can and should be harmonized with other parts of scripture. Start by examing a passage in relation to its immediate context (the verses surrounding it), then in its wider context (the book it’s found in), and finally, its complete context (the Bible as a whole). Thereby the passage fits within the larger narrative or argument of the book. Because the Bible is God’s word, and God is true, the Bible will not contradict itself.

• Syntax and Grammar: Look at sentence structure and grammatical features to clarify meaning. Start by defining the words in a passage. It is important that the words be defined according to their original intent and not according to modern usage. What language is used plays a significant part in conveying meaning. Idioms, metaphors, and cultural references may not directly translate to modern readers. Definitions are basic to understanding the passage as a whole, so in order to ensure accuracy, look for the best English translation by using Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. Examine the original language, primarily Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament. Analyzing these languages helps uncover nuances in meaning that may be lost in translation. One major issue is the lack of a one-to-one correspondence between words in different languages. Certain Greek terms may not have a clear equivalent in English or other languages. This is where a good Bible app comes in handy, especially if you do not know biblical Hebrew or Greek. Also, analyze where the passage fits within the larger narrative or argument of the book so that you understand not just what a passage says, but what it means in its time.

• Theological Implications and Application: Always take a God-centered perspective for interpreting your text. This means looking at the text in terms of what it reveals about God and his dealings with His creation, particularly man. This is theological interpretation. It arises from the assumption that the Bible is really God’s means of making himself known to us. What it says about Him will always be central to every text. The Bible was not given by God to tell us about ancient religious people and how we should all try to be like them. It was given to tell us about the faithful God whom they either served or denied. Their response is not the central message; God’s will and his involvement with his creation are. Even texts that give instructions as to how we should behave reveal something about God.

• Last is the Practical Principle, which emphasizes applying the text to one's life. The goal of biblical exegesis is to uncover the true meaning of the text and to apply it in a way that is faithful to the original intent of the author.
  

In conclusion, the Bible is God’s word. It is inspired, and inerrant. The Bible has the final say on matters of interpretation. This encourages humility and fosters a dependance on the Holy Spirit when it comes to interpreting the Bible. Once we've properly examined the passage so that we understand it in the true light of its original meaning, we have the duty to apply it directly to our lives. How can you apply this passage to your life today? "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)