Before you start your Exegesis Paper

Jan A. Sigvartsen PhD

The Preparation Process

Exegesis is a process that helps you understand a text. Before you start writing your paper, I recommend using the following steps to facilitate this process. This process has been designed to assist you in understanding a text by identifying the key considerations that will play a significant role in adequately contextualizing your passage.

Step 1: Passage Familiarization

Read your chosen passage in English (in three different versions) and then in Hebrew repeatedly. This will help you identify the structure, keywords, and phrases of the passage.

Make a list of your preconceived ideas and what you have been previously told about the text. Being aware of any preconceived ideas you may hold regarding a text will help you consciously test them when you make your interpretation. 

Make a preliminary translation from Hebrew in your own words. Note if your translation is consistent with your preconceived ideas or if it is different.

Make a list of the keywords and phrases.

Do a word study of the most crucial word(s) or phrase(s). This involves identifying other occurrences of this word, the distribution of the word in the Hebrew Bible, its definition, and the different range of meanings this word may have. For more details on how to undertake a word study, click here or scroll down to the next article on this page.

Step 2: Historical Context

Note the immediate and the general background of the text and give estimated dates for any event(s) or person(s) in the passage.

Note words, ideas, and events that allude or refer to that historical background.

Note the social, geographical, and archaeological setting of the text. 

Step 3: Literary Context and Features

Situate your text within the literary structure of the book and identify the literary genre of the text (narrative, poetry, genealogy, prayer, dream, etc.).

Note the patterns (repetition of words, ideas, sounds) and the poetic devices (play on words, parallelism, rhythm, inclusio).

Outline the passage and establish its delimitations (where the passage logically begins and ends). Be prepared to defend your passage delimitation.

Step 4: Biblical Context (Intertextuality)

Search in the Bible (Old Testament and New Testament) for texts which refer or allude to your text.

Justify your connection: note any parallels or echoes.

Analyze how your text is interpreted by the other texts.

Step 5: Other Considerations

Identify your personal (original) contribution and your findings in the text.

Write the outline of your project and incorporate the result of your exegesis with the primary concern to educate, edify, and challenge your reader.

Step 6: Theology and Relevance (for Theology and Seminary students) 

Please Note: The content of this step is not normally included in academic exegesis papers. However, exegesis is one of the core skills taught to clergy and theologians in both undergraduate and graduate programs. This is to promote accountability in Biblical interpretation and make Biblical text relevant to a modern faith community. Hence, exegesis becomes the foundation for determining the theological message of the passage - which is essential in the development of doctrine, denomination/church policy, sermon/worship preparation, Bible study, and article writing in denominational publications.

Use this step only if you are a Theology or Seminary student, or if your professor/lecturer has asked you to do so.

Locate the theology of the passage within the general trend of Biblical theology (God, Man, Covenant, etc.).

Identify the main ideas and issues raised and solved by the text.

Note in which areas this text is relevant to you, your reader, academic audience, or congregation.