Step 5: Explore the Contents
(This step can also be incorporated into the middle steps of the inductive method on “What does it mean?”)
In this step, you will want to carefully examine all the parts of the passage, define the key words, and compare the passage to other similar ones. You have done the overview; now it is time for the specifics. This is where you can incorporate Inductive reasoning and questions to pull out more information, acting like a detective to see what is going on in the text and determining its impact. Delineate, as in define, what the parts of the passage mean. This step is not to be done mechanically; rather, it is to be done with reverence to God and His Word. At the same time, be willing to discover His wonders and accept challenges. Then, make sure your interpretation is correct, but check other credible resources to make sure you are on the right path.
· Good exegesis means we look to what the passage actually means, not what we want it to mean.
· What are the different topics that are involved and how do they relate? Such as, how does topic “x” support topic “y;” how are they interrelated, illuminated, supported, what are the conclusions, and so forth?
· Are there any assertions (statements, proclamations…)?
· Are there any words or phrases repeated? If so, why?
· Re-read the passage in other translations and in its context.
· What are the ethical teachings?
· What are the precepts?
· What are the theological ramifications?
· This is where the word studies come in. Look up key words in lexicons (see our Bible Aids channel), and Bible dictionaries to discover their meaning. One word from the Greek can have several sentences of meaning and give you more insights and precepts into a verse. This is why translating a Bible is so daunting, doing it word for word (literally), meaning to meaning (dynamic), or somewhere in between. Then, incorporate to the context and genre for more developed and logical understanding and thought.
· What do you recognize and what do you need to look up? Never assume you know! Use an English dictionary to make sure you know what the meaning is; do not assume!
· Itemize each word and phrase in a logical or verse-by-verse order, and then write out the meanings of them from your examinations. Use inductive questions, and then exegetical resources such as commentaries and other tools to expand on it and explain it to yourself and then to those whom you teach.
· What do you not understand?
For advanced study there are parallels to other ancient works, such as the Jewish books, Mishnah, Talmud, other apocryphal literature such has the , Dead Sea Scrolls, and Greek works (remember the Apostles and most of the early Christians were fluent in Greek and were immersed in that culture. Paul, John, and others used a good amount of borrowed material, for illustration sake, that they knew but we may not know so well) to gain more insights. Remember, these works are not inspired but human based to give more clarity by showing how the same word or phrase is used elsewhere. This gives us clues to more meaning and sometimes more confusion. Of course, always compare Scripture to Scripture first!
· Now, write out in your own words, and in a meaningful and fruitful way, what the main words mean.
