Elements of Biblical Exegesis

One of the first things I learned in Bible School is the danger of reading our thoughts into the text, a process called eisegesis. The solution: Exegesis. This is about reading the Bible for what it is, reading in the context of the passages concerned, and appreciating the original cultural and historical contexts. In many seminaries, bible exegesis is a core curriculum for all students. By helping students engage the text for what it says instead of reverting to what we feel or want it to say, we will be better expositors and teachers of the Bible. Books like this form an important part of the learning of exegesis. In this third edition, the author has included a new emphasis on interpretation from present social and ecclesiastical contexts, especially from the indigenous and Majority World. He provides additional material from both the interpreter's as well as the text's canonical contexts. Part One of the book sets the stage by explaining to readers the basics and tools of exegesis. Gorman explains that exegesis is essentially an investigation or scholarly reading. This process includes examining the text for authorial intent, for contextual meaning, for genre awareness, and for details on meaning. It is also an opportunity for conversation. This reminder is important so that students will not see the study of the Bible too individualistically, but to be aware that the Holy Spirit illuminates God's Word in more ways than one. Exegesis is also more an art rather than mere science. That is because while we can learn of all the methodologies, content, and techniques, it takes art to put them all together. Gorman is also convinced that any exegesis needs to consider the readers' context too. That is why this third edition includes additional material on the four contexts: historical, literary, theological, and contemporary. He also helps us look at exegesis from diachronic and more so on synchronic approaches. The former examines the world behind the text while the latter on the world within the text. Gorman does a good job in describing many of the basic terms which makes this book not only a primer but a refresher for those who had previously done exegesis. Some of the key features here are:

- Advice for beginner and advanced preachers
- Learning how to select a text for exegesis (pericopes, chiastic patterns, themes,
- Selecting the best translations and editions for exegesis
- Overview on some of the study bibles available
- Sensitivity to Ecumenical, Evangelical, and Roman Catholic audiences
- Recognize the limitations of the different translations and study Bibles
- Primer on the seven elements of Bible exegesis
- Summary sections for every chapter
- Additional material for practice
- Teaching us how to write an exegesis paper
- Balancing the science of following the seven elements vs the art of creativity
- Further resources for exegesis


My Thoughts
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First, this is one of the best introductory texts for Bible exegesis. It is simple and immensely readable. For those who had previously done Bible exegesis as well possessing as a basic knowledge of biblical languages, this book helps them remember the terms and processes quickly. I like the fact that Gorman goes through definitions and explanations of terms we have often taken for granted. Each introduction to the element begins with a clearly worded question followed by a simple explanation of the relevance and importance. He gives some helpful advice for both beginners as well as advanced students. There is something for students as well as preachers, the former to study the passage clearly and the latter to read the text responsibly. He even has instructions for teachers on how to best use the book.

Second, as far as the basic elements of exegesis are concerned, this book remains a solid primer. His SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) is easy to remember. What is trickier would be understanding the underlying contexts and correctly perceiving our contemporary times. Our modern world has become a lot more complex. That makes the sixth element (Theological Interpretation) a particularly challenging one. This is where even the most experienced student or preacher would find it difficult. Thankfully, Gorman is able to list the different hermeneutics impartially. He also describes the meaning of theological interpretation, choosing to give one the freedom to interpret, yet remaining within the boundaries of ecclesiastical tradition and principles of divine self-revelation.

Finally, I appreciate the author's sensitivity to the different audiences in the book. Coming from an evangelical background, I don't agree with some of his comments about evangelical Bible study resources. Having said that, I think it is always good to be open to feedback from other perspectives. Gorman is ecumenical in his approach and that might have forced his hand when he made comments about the differences among the different types of resources. Having said that, as long as readers are open to the observations from outside our comfort zones, there is much to benefit from being aware of any "blind spots" anyone might hold with conviction. As a scholar, we need to be open to Truth, not just biased convictions. We all have our biases. For the sake of Truth, we might need to set aside personal preferences in favour of Biblical Truth. This is most crucial for Bible exegesis, where we might need to put our own interpretations on hold while we let the text speak even as we navigate the different contexts.

Why should anyone read this book? First, it is a primer for learners and a refresher for the experienced. Second, it reminds preachers about the responsible reading of the text. The author notes that much of today's preaching over the pulpit reveals a lack of exegetical work. This has led to a superficial coverage of the Bible which would lead to a lack of solid food for the masses. Third, it is a good way to practice the maxim: "Let the Bible speak for itself."

Michael J. Gorman (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He formerly served as dean of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary's. Gorman is the author or editor of numerous books, including Scripture and Its Interpretation and Participating in Christ.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.