Biblical Understanding Starts with Context
If you are reading this article, you are likely beginning or somewhere along in a yearlong reading of the Bible. Congratulations on embarking on a highly worthy journey that will definitely have a meaningful impact on your life and the lives of others as you share what you have learned. But reading the Bible, for the sole sake of reading is not enough to gain the true value inherit in its pages. You need to understand what you are reading by understanding the contexts of the verses. You need to focus on the intent of the author and we do by using exegesis.
Exegesis is a Latin term relating to correct Biblical understanding. It means literally 'to lead out'. In the context of studying the Bible it means to get out of the text what the text is saying. This may include a number of things to aid the process such as reading the context in the chapter, in the particular book as a whole eg. Jeremiah or Matthew and even where it fits within the whole Bible. It may also include cultural awareness, the timing of the writing, and identifying the author and even the target audience. Let’s read an example of how to do exegesis from the book of Acts.
Acts 8:26-38 (New International Version)
Philip and the Ethiopian
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."
The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Clearly Philip related the Old Testament Scriptures to what later would be recorded in the New Testament. He correctly framed the context of the prophecies of Isaiah 53 in what was reveled by the life of Christ, the living Word. He likely discussed other Old Testament passages and compared Scripture with Scripture and was able to show the correct interpretation of the scripture to the eunuch.
Exegesis and Interpretation
Let be clear about the difference between exegesis and interpretation. Exegesis is really allowing the text, or the authors speak while interpretation often introduces the opinions of the person doing the interpreting.
A good example would be the way in which Genesis 1 is exegised. Many would claim it is an allegorical story, while others claim it is meant to be taken literally. Both of these could be interpretations based on the person’s prior opinions about origins.
The question is what did the author intend to say or convey to the readers. In understanding the creation account, much turns on the understanding of the Hebrew word 'yom' (day) and how it is to be understood in the context.
Many scholars 'exegise' yom to be an indefinite period of time will admit that the text itself clearly indicates a 24-hour day but that their own presuppositions lead them to interpret it differently. They are thus being honest in admitting that they are imposing a view on the text which is not there.
Words have meaning in the context in which they are written. If we are not ready to listen to what the words say, what the author intended to convey, then we are imposing our view on the scripture, or any other work we 'exegise'.
Types of Biblical Literature
When studying the Bible, being aware of the type of literature you are reading is very relevant in interpreting it’s meaning. It could be, as many are, a historical account. It may contain teaching, or personal reflection. It may be apocalyptic, or poetic. As an example, a historical passage will not usually contain instructions for living, except to relate instructions that were given to a person or persons, or nation as part of the historical record.
Similarly, in passages which give instructions we need to know to whom they are addressed and to whom they apply. For example, the law of Moses, especially the ceremonial religious laws were for the nation of Israel, and as such cannot easily be applied to other nations and our times.
Passages which are prophetic in nature may relate to events in the near or more distant future as well as a message directed to the present. With predictive prophecy, the fulfillment may be partial, with a more complete one to come or totally in the future, as is the case with the Messianic prophecies.
Understanding the nature of the literature that you are reading can greatly aid you in correct exegesis, as can the correct understanding of who it applies to. Please remember that in Bible study, Context is King.
In Him,
Lance Muller
Cartoonbug
Fearful To Fearless | Fear Not - Don't Worry - Fear God brings together almost 400 passages of scripture to demonstrate or direct us to not be afraid, to not worry or be anxious, to look to Christ for strength and comfort, and be transformed to have a worshipful fear and awe of God.
