This course introduces students to the art of biblical exegesis and interpretation. It is designed to help students gain confidence in text analysis, become self-critically aware of the challenges and opportunities of reading the Bible in modern contexts, and consider the ongoing relevance of Scripture for the Christian life while remaining open to the work of the Spirit. As an introductory course, it seeks to acquaint students with the basic hermeneutical issues involved in interpreting the Bible and to introduce the basic approaches to doing biblical exegesis. Students are encouraged to hone the skills developed in this course by taking Advanced Exegesis course in OT and NT. As a graduate-level course, it is appropriately challenging, combining theory and practice. Interpreting the Bible requires both the rigor of the scientist and the imagination of the artist. Understanding comes through both the application of principles and the sympathetic engagement with the biblical text. The course is designed for students at varying levels of training, and assignments will be set for those with English only and those with some training in Hebrew and/or in Greek. All students will need to become familiar at least with the Hebrew and Greek alphabets.
It is recommended that you have some knowledge of both Hebrew and Greek. If you have taken Introductory Hebrew or Greek, rather than Perspectives on Biblical Languages (LANG 500), basic study notes are available for gaining some familiarity with the other language (available for download here). You may also audit the relevant half of LANG 500 in the Fall Term at a discounted audit rate of $100, if you plan to take BIBL 503 in the Winter Term.