You will be required to complete an exegetical exercise based on one of the following passages: Genesis 38:1–30; Psalm 73; Luke 22:39‐62. Please use SBL style for citations (see “Documenting SBL Style” in the Citation Tips Sheets at the CAE resources). The paper should have a cover page, 1” margins, use Times New Roman 12‐pt font, and be double‐spaced. Footnotes should use 10‐pt Times New Roman, have a 1⁄2” indent on their first line, and be single‐spaced. Since the focus of the course is on learning and applying the hermeneutical journey, You will be required to both show their preparatory work and the final product. Preparatory work should be uploaded as a separate document and can be single‐spaced.
Source Requirements
You must use at least one (1) Anchor Bible Dictionary article
You must use at least one (1) article from an InterVarsity Press Dictionary (see below);
You must use at least four (4) respectable commentaries (see below).
Preparation Notes on Completing the First 10 Steps (4‐6 pages). In a separate document,
You will be required to turn in the preparatory notes for the assignment. These should be 4‐6 pages in length, but it’s OK if they run longer. Please document your sources in your preparatory notes.
Steps 1‐2: Compare three English translations your passage, noting any textual comments in the translation footnotes
Step 3: Write down any questions that arise from syntax or grammar.
Step 4: Initial ObservationsStep
5: Literary Context
Step 6: Genre and Literary Type
Step 7: Structure of the Passage
Step 8: Key Words
Step 9: Historical‐Cultural Context
Step 10: Textual Horizons/Biblical Context
Exegetical Paper. The paper, including the title page and bibliography, should be 9‐10 pages in length, including title page and bibliography.
Title/Cover Page (1 page). See “Documenting Turabian” handout from CAE resources.
Main Idea and Outline of the Passage (1 page)
‐ Summarize the main idea of your passage in 1‐2 sentences.
‐ Provide an outline of your passage (single‐spaced) showing how the main idea
unfolds
‐ For each main point of your outline, show in parentheses the corresponding
verses. All the verses of your passage should be included in the main points of
the outline.
‐ If you used a commentary or resources for your outline, be sure to cite them.
Introduction Paragraph (1/3 [0.33] to 1/2 [0.5] page)
‐ This paragraph should gain the reader’s attention and introduce the main idea
of the passage.
Explanation of the Context (1‐2 pages)
‐ First, include a brief discussion of the historical‐cultural context of the book
(Step 1 of Duvall & Hays Journey). What do your readers need to know about the biblical author, the original audience, and their world to grasp the meaning of the passage?
‐ Second, discuss the literary context of the passage. Describe the author’s flow of thought throughout the book and how your passage fits into and contributes to the that flow of thought. Pay special attention to how the passage relates to its immediate context: what comes directly before and after?
Exegetical Explanation of the Passage (2‐3 pages)
‐ Let the main points of your outline function as the subheadings of this section,
and under each subheading you should explain the content of your passage.
Make use of your preparatory notes.
‐ In the first section, using your preparation notes and outline, walk me through
the passage, explaining your conclusions about the meaning of the passage. If you are teaching the passage, think about what points you would like to get across.
The Interpretive Journey (2‐3 pages)
‐ In this section, walk me through the remaining steps in Duvall & Hayes
interpretive journey. (2) What are the differences between the original audience and us? (3) What is the theological principle in the text? (4) How does our theological principle fit in with the rest of the Bible? (5) How should individual Christians today live out the theological principles?
‐ Feel free to make use of the methodological questions posed in Unit 2 of the course.
Bibliography (1 page)
‐ Present a formal bibliography of the sources you have cited in your paper in accordance with SBL style.
