The Simple Guide to Better Biblical Exegesis

Too many biblical exegesis assignments are dull to read and full of irrelevant facts. And all tutors hate marking boring essays. So this guide is for every first, second or even final year theology student who has an exegesis assignment to hand in.

How many of these exegesis sins are you guilty of?
□ A long description of the author, where he lived, his home life and his personality – without telling me how this is relevant to the passage.
□ Detailed discussion of the date of writing or audience, without giving any clues to its relevance to the passage.
□ The same for historical background.
□ Context of any kind which isn’t linked to the meaning of the passage.
□ Discussion that might be relevant to passage, but you don’t mention this.
□ Any information or discussion that’s basically irrelevant.
□ Six paragraphs of introduction and context, then two paragraphs on the passage itself.
□ Theological statements which aren’t backed up with Bible passages.
□ Theological statements which are irrelevant to the meaning of the passage.
□ Preaching at your readers.

Yawn... boring.

Even if your assignment is due in three days and you haven’t even looked at the passage yet, read this guide. Believe me, you’ve got time to read this. Don't write anything before you read this guide. Please. Your tutor will thank me.