Lesson 2

Studying the biblical scriptures can be a daunting task as they are not categorized into subjects. The student has to search through all of the scriptures to glean small pieces of truth on any given topic. Understanding each verse’s context and meaning is essential to grasp what God is saying. This process is called exegesis, and is associated with theological studies although the word comes from the Greek term exegeisthai, which means to lead out, explain, interpret. It is an explanation or interpretation of a written text that encompasses the historical, and cultural, background of the author and the original audience. Further analyses will include the literary style and genre, as well as the grammar and syntax used in the text. Early examples of exegesis come from Mesopotamia, dating back to 700-100 BC. They explored the Babylonian creation story, law, medical and magic texts, as well as dictionaries. Most commented on divination and the movement of planets, to the intricacies of sacrificial animal organs. The medieval world produced a great mass of exegesis literature explaining and clarifying the works of Plato, Socrates, along with other ancient philosophers and poets. When reading exegesis or doing your own, it is imperative that the Bible is allowed to interpret itself. Bible prophecies, parables and stories are only properly understood when revealed through other Bible verses. There is no private interpretation, only God’s correct one. How can you check if your exegesis of a verse is correct?

Isaiah 28:9-13 King James Version
9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

2 Peter 1:19-21 New International Version
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.