Suggestions for Researching an Exegesis Paper

An exegetical paper is a biblical research project whose purpose is to solve the interpretative puzzle posed by the text that it investigates.

-L. B. Yaghjian, Writing Theology Well, p. 149

An exegesis paper ascertains a problem(s) in a biblical text, attempts to make a synthesis of the different solutions proposed, and draws from them a reasoned conclusion. The problem as well as the solution must be articulated in a clear and systematic manner with written evidence that is properly documented.

This is understood to be a research paper, 6-8 pages double-spaced (ca. 2500 words), making use of footnotes and bibliography. The student must present the material in his or her own words, with appropriate short quotations from sources that are clearly identified. Simply copying whole sentences, paragraphs or passages from articles, books, or the internet is not acceptable and will result in a failing grade for the assignment.

I am not looking for simply an accumulation of information about the passage. Rather, I want to see reflected in your paper a personal synthesis of the information that you gathered. Include only the information that is important for understanding of the meaning of the passage.

Your essay should follow more or less the following outline:

1. Choose a short passage from one of the Former or Latter Prophets, except Isaiah, Amos and Hosea (3 to five verses, more or less). The passage should have a certain unity (note the printing - the paragraphing or spacing in the translations).

2. Compare the various translations of the passage (New American Bible, New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Good News Bible, Christian Community Bible, and so forth).

3. Notice if there are significant differences among the translations that point to some difficulty with the original (that is, the meaning of the Hebrew or Greek for is not clear). Check how the various commentaries on the book from which the passage comes. How do they propose to solve the problem? Choose the one that seems most convincing to you.

4. Begin your paper with a translation of the passage, chosen from among the existing translations (or, if you know Hebrew or Greek, you can give your own translation). The translation you give could also be a combination from among the various English translations (one verse from one translation, another verse from another translation, for example).

5. Describe briefly the book from which the passage comes, and where this passage fits into the larger structure of the book.

6. Discuss the place of the passage within its immediate context, for example, the chapter or portion of the chapter where the passage is found.

7. Discuss the literary structure (outline) of the text. If you adapt a literary structure from a commentary, state the reason why you think that structure makes a better sense.

8. Discuss briefly any problems with the translation of the passage (for example, disagreement among the commentaries on the meaning of some Hebrew words). Choose the explanation and translation that makes most sense to you.

9. Discuss in more detail the verses of the passage itself. What is the meaning or message of the passage, especially in the larger context of the book where the passage is found?

10. You might conclude the essay with one or two paragraph personal reflection on what you have learned about the passage and about the book within which the passage is found.

NOTA BENE:
Please submit an initial one-page topic proposal (double-spaced) presenting the following:
1) The short passage of your choice with explanation of the problem (s) posed by this text (accomplishing nos. 1-3 above).
2) An initial bibliography, single spaced (books, articles, and internet resources in that order).
3) Nov 20 (Tue before 5:00 PM) -- Deadline: Exegesis Paper Topic Proposal.

RESOURCES:
Major Commentaries in English are now placed on reserve in the Library. You can also click on this to see the bibliography of Prof. Victor H. Mathews

1) Lucretia B. Yaghjian, Writing Theology Well: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers (NY: Continuum, 2006) – check chapters 7 and 8 on “Writing the Biblical Essay Well” (on reserve).

For form and style:
2) Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations 7th edition (Chicago: University Chicago Press, 2007). 3) “Instructions for Contributors” in Catholic Biblical Quarterly 65 (Oct. 2003), pp. 682-710 also available online, click on this.

3) Herbert Schneider, “Guidelines for Theses and Dissertation Writers: A Style Manual for Loyola School of Theology” (unpublished manual, 2003).