Worksheets and notes from the Exegetical Process Homework and supplemental study will be combined into an organized and well-written exegetical paper. The paper should be typed (double-spaced) and contain 10 sections (see below). Start each section on a new sheet of paper. Do each section of this project as we cover that particular section in class. The Exegetical Project is due. Papers should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced with 1” margins and submitted by the due date via Sakai or paper copy given to instructor. Students who fail to submit a paper will automatically fail the course.
The exegetical paper must include the following elements:
1. Survey and Introduction, 5 points
Introduction
Your paper should open with an introductory paragraph and clear thesis statement. Reveal right up front where the paper is headed.
The Text
Include the entire text of your passage, single spaced. List the Bible version used.
2. Immediate Context, 10 points
The paper should include a discussion of how the immediate context informs the interpretation of the passage. How does the context provide fuller understanding of the passage? How does the context constrain meaning of the passage?
3. Contextual Analysis—Literary Context & Formal Analysis, 10 points
The paper should provide a brief outline of the passage and a discussion of the genre. Interpretation issues related to the genre should be addressed. Discuss any special hermeneutical considerations related to the structure of the passage. Finally, address how your passage fits into the overall theme/message of the book.
Get the overall picture of your text in the flow of its book. Determine the context. Show how your passage fits into the immediate literary context and into the overall book as a whole.
4. Contextual Analysis—Historical Context, 10 points
Investigate the historical background of the text (date, author, origin, occasion, purpose). Relate any historical facts that bear on the interpretation of the passage (history, culture, geography, etc.). For some items of historical background in the background to the whole book will need to be considered.
5. Contextual Analysis—Canonical Context, 10 points
Discuss how your passage fits into the larger theological message of scripture. List and briefly discuss other relevant scriptures related to your topic. Find any strict parallel texts. Cite any other biblical information which bears on the interpretation of the passage. Don’t just list related verses. Instead, characterize a verse by how it contributes to the understanding your passage. Harmonize any conflicts.
6. Detailed Analysis—Word Studies, 20 points
Utilizing the Exegetical Project Homework on word studies, incorporate the fruit and substance of your word studies into your paper. Your paper should demonstrate evidence of how the vocabulary effects the determination of meaning.
Notice how key words and phrases are translated in at least four English translations. Do full word studies on the important words. Do partial word studies on less important words. Identify any figures of speech.
7. Synthesis—Paraphrase and Explanation, 15 points
Interpretive Paraphrase
Reword the text in your own vernacular. As clearly and as accurately as possible restate what the author intended to say.
Explanation
Write your own commentary on this passage in essay-style which explains the meaning of each phrase of your text. This is the culmination of your project—a synthesis of the previous six sections. Here is where you fully show your understanding of the passage and the fruit of your research. By necessity, this section will overlap with most of your other sections. However, do not merely repeat the conclusions of the other sections. Incorporate all your study so far into your own commentary.
8. Reflection/Application, 5 points
Show how the truth in the passage relates to our lives in 2021. Be specific in this, not generic. How does this text relate to you, your church, and the universal church? Identify which items in the text are matters of faith and which ones are items of opinion and defend your position. Show how to apply and live this text today!
9. Research, Citations, and Bibliography, 5 points
Research
Beyond the required notes from the Exegetical Project Homework assignment on commentaries, the number and kinds of sources are not mandated. It is expected, however, that students will consult the necessary sources to meet the requirements of each section. For instance, word studies will require concordances and lexicons, and historical context will be strengthened with dictionary and journal articles. Research must be sufficient to meet the needs of the project.
In-text citations
Because this is a research project, citing your sources in your paper is essential. Sources may be cited in MLA, APA, or SBL format. While MLA is the most common and uncomplicated, students are encouraged to cite according to the standard of their major fields in order to gain practice in their field’s citation style. Do not directly quote from your sources unless you feel it is absolutely necessary. Instead, paraphrase sources in your own words and be sure to cite them. Any information you use that you did not know before beginning research for this assignment must be cited. If you are unsure about the process, visit with the instructor or the Academic Support Center.
Bibliography
Include a bibliography of the sources you consulted for the project. The commentaries from the Exegetical Project Homework assignment, additional dictionaries and encyclopedias, lexicons and word study sources, and any journal articles used should all be included in your project
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