ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE TEXT

Eight Methods of Inquiry into the Bible

A Template for Model Exegesis with Exegetical Examples Employing

Logos Bible Software

Dean B. Deppe

William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

Grand Rapids, Michigan/Cambridge, U.K.

© 2011 Dean B. Deppe

All rights reserved

Published 2011 by

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

2140 Oak Industrial Drive N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 /

P.O. Box 163, Cambridge CB3 9PU U.K.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Deppe, Dean B.

All roads lead to the Text: eight methods of inquiry into the Bible: a template for model exegesis with exegetical examples employing Logos Bible Software / Dean Deppe.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-0-8028-6594-6 (pbk.: alk. paper)

1. Bible—Criticism, interpretation, etc.—Data processing. I. Title.

BS534.8.D47 2011

220.60285—dc23

2011022671

www.eerdmans.com

Contents

abbreviations

introduction: A Sample Exegetical Method

1. The Infrared Lens of Literary Analysis: Form and Genre Criticism

A. Pericope Delimitation

B. The Identification of Genre

C. The Identification of Literary Techniques

Study and Discussion Questions

2. The Grammatical Route: Using an Exegetical Microscope

A. Textual Criticism

B. Word Study

C. Analysis of Phrases

D. Clausal Analysis

E. Examining Word Order

F. English Translations

Study and Discussion Questions

3. The Structural Analysis Route: Employing a Skeleton Snapshot

A. The Structure of Various Biblical Books

B. Grammatical and Literary Structure

C. Clausal Outlines

Study and Discussion Questions

4. The Literary Context Route: Employing a Wide-Angled Lens

A. The Context Surrounding the Pericope

B. Redactionary Activity

Study and Discussion Questions

5. The Cultural and Historical Background Route: Using a Telescopic Lens

A. Historical and Cultural Elements

B. The Old Testament as Background

C. Basic Background Information for Biblical Books

Study and Discussion Questions

6. The History of Interpretation Route: Using a Motion Picture Exegetical Camera

A. The Major Commentators

B. Different Periods in Church History

Study and Discussion Questions

7. The Theological Exegesis Route: Developing the Finished Photo

A. A Theological Analysis of the Biblical Text

B. An Investigation of the Reader’s Presuppositions

C. Exploring the Canonical Meaning

Study and Discussion Questions

8. Exploring Spiritual Exegesis: Using an Exegetical X-Ray Camera

A. The Insufficiencies of the Historical-Critical Method

B. The Dangers of Spiritual Exegesis

C. The Disciplines of Spiritual Exegesis

Study and Discussion Questions

Conclusion

appendix I: Genres

I. A Morphology of Genre

II. Canonical Examples of Controversy Dialogues

III. Principles of Interpretation for the Main Genre Types

appendix II: Literary Techniques

Literary Devices As Organizational Techniques

a glossary of literary techniques and grammatical terms

select bibliography

index of names

index of scripture and other ancient literature