Some people use the terms Hermeneutics and Exegesis as synonyms. We should see a distinction, but they are closely related. Every close reading of a text—any text—is an act of exegesis. Exegesis refers to the process of discerning the truth of Scripture by allowing a text to reveal its meaning and significance, rather than reading the interpreter’s bias into it.

As we begin the process of Exegesis, we must inspect the content of the biblical text. When we speak of content, we are talking about the author’s use of semantics, syntax, and genre. It is essential to begin the exegetical process by studying the Scriptures, as opposed to commentaries, so that our interpretation is not prejudiced by external sources before we have taken the time to inspect the text itself. However, there is a time and a place for the use of external sources, but it should always follow our own close inspection of the biblical text.

We begin by determining the literary genre (or style) chosen by the author to communicate his intended meaning to his audience. We suggest a four-step process for discovering the author’s Main Idea of the Text (MIT).  They are:

1. Inspect the Text

2. Inquire about the Text

3. Investigate the Text

4. Identify the MIT

1) Inspect the text.  Ask the following questions: Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why? This will help us understand both the content of a biblical text and its context.

How was the Text Written?

In literature, the word used to reflect a unique style of writing is genre. Genre is defined as “a kind of style, especially of art or literature (e.g., novel, drama, satire).”  The study of genre provides valuable insights for the interpreter. It may help the interpreter discern between the need for a literal or figurative reading of the text. We limit our description of biblical genres to five specific categories: Prose, Poetry, Historical Narrative, Wisdom Literature, and Apocalypse.

Prose

In its simplest and broadest understanding, Prose is any genre of writing that is not Poetry. It is important to note a couple of things about Prose.  First, texts written in this style are often descriptive in nature. Second, while an author may use Prose as his primary genre, it does not mean that he did not incorporate other genres into his writing.

Historical Narrative

Prose is the predominant genre in the Bible. Historical Narrative is one of the styles of Prose that appears with the greatest frequency. Historical Narratives provide far more than just the recounting of historical facts. Historical Narrative has a spiritual focus and theological dimension.

When we turn our attention to the unique writing style of Historical narratives, we must be sure to understand the basic elements that are included in every narrative. First, we must understand our primary concern is with the text.  We must never lose sight of the fact that the text itself is of first importance. Second, we must work to understand the point of view that the author uses when writing his story. Every author is writing from a specific perspective. Third, we must identify the plot of the story. Every story has several key plot elements. (E.g. conflict, protagonist, antagonist, suspense, turning point, and final resolution).

Fourth, we must be able to identify the characters and their traits as they are revealed in the story. Often we are given insights into the characters by their descriptions in the text. Fifth, we must grasp the setting of the story. Often, the setting is as significant to its meaning as anything. Sixth, we must look for the implied or explicit commentary of the author.  We must understand that the author had an intended meaning for the story, and sometimes he makes that very plain.

Historical Narratives are by far the most common example of Prose in the Bible. Yet for all of their abundance, many pastor-teachers fail to spend time preaching these amazing texts.