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Elements of Biblical Exegesis
In this revised and expanded edition of Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers, Michael J. Gorman presents a straightforward approach to the complex task of biblical exegesis. Designed for students, teachers, and ministers, this hands-on guide breaks the task down into seven distinct elements. For each of these, Gorman supplies a clear explanation, practical hints, and suggested exercises to help the reader develop exegetical proficiency. The new edition addresses more fully the meaning of theological interpretation and provides updated print and internet resources for those who want to pursue further study in any aspect of exegesis. Appendixes offer three sample exegesis papers and practical guidelines for writing a research exegesis paper.
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2000
216 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Gorman
53 books83 followersMichael J. Gorman (born 1955) is an American New Testament scholar. He is the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University. From 1995 to 2012 he was dean of St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute.
Gorman specializes especially in the letters, theology, and spirituality of the apostle Paul. He is associated with the "participationist perspective" on Paul's theology. His additional specialties are the book of Revelation, theological and missional interpretation of Scripture, the gospel of John, and early Christian ethics. Gorman was born and raised in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, graduating from Glen Burnie High School in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude in French from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. He received the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy cum laude in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he was also a teaching fellow in New Testament and an instructor in New Testament Greek. He has also been a visiting professor at Duke Divinity School, Regent College, Carey Baptist College (New Zealand), Wesley Theological Seminary, and two theological schools in Africa. Gorman has led several study trips to Greece/Turkey/Rome and to France/Switzerland. A United Methodist, Gorman is an active layperson and a popular teacher at colleges, seminaries, churches, and conferences representing many traditions. In the mid-2010s, despite still being a Methodist, Gorman began teaching in a Roman Catholic context. His older son, Rev. Dr. Mark Gorman, is a pastor and theologian who is also on the faculty of St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute.
Gorman is the author of nearly twenty books and more than sixty articles on Biblical interpretation and on ethics.
Gorman specializes especially in the letters, theology, and spirituality of the apostle Paul. He is associated with the "participationist perspective" on Paul's theology. His additional specialties are the book of Revelation, theological and missional interpretation of Scripture, the gospel of John, and early Christian ethics. Gorman was born and raised in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, graduating from Glen Burnie High School in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude in French from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. He received the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy cum laude in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he was also a teaching fellow in New Testament and an instructor in New Testament Greek. He has also been a visiting professor at Duke Divinity School, Regent College, Carey Baptist College (New Zealand), Wesley Theological Seminary, and two theological schools in Africa. Gorman has led several study trips to Greece/Turkey/Rome and to France/Switzerland. A United Methodist, Gorman is an active layperson and a popular teacher at colleges, seminaries, churches, and conferences representing many traditions. In the mid-2010s, despite still being a Methodist, Gorman began teaching in a Roman Catholic context. His older son, Rev. Dr. Mark Gorman, is a pastor and theologian who is also on the faculty of St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute.
Gorman is the author of nearly twenty books and more than sixty articles on Biblical interpretation and on ethics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 30, 2014
I did not have high expectations for this book and presumed it would be decidedly noncommittal and dry. Michael Gorman’s Elements of Biblical Exegesis is anything but dry or noncommittal. Gorman is exceptionally nuanced in his explanations of the process of exegesis and his judgments are ecumenical and fair. I appreciate the amount and quality of the questions he offers as one works through the processes of exegesis. Despite the books seemingly intimidating title Gorman has masterfully crafted this book to be unassuming. No knowledge of the biblical languages is required to either read this book or to perform sound exegesis. Granted, knowledge of the biblical languages will aid in your studying and may increase the speed the quality of the process, so by all means go for them, but don’t allow yourself to be hindered from delving deeply into Scripture because you are yet to master the languages. The biggest thing I will personally walk away with from this book besides a new go-to method, is the liberating reminder that exegesis is an art and science which will look slightly different for every individual, and even for the same individual in different places and stages of life. The living and active Word of God will never be exhausted and as such we should never feel that the task has already been done better and more completely by scholars and commentators. A few other highlights of this book include but are not limited to: delightful quotations at the beginning of each chapter (which I rarely enjoy, but Biblical Exegesis was an exception), a wonderful format with a thorough summary at the end of every chapter and practical hints for getting to work exegetically. In addition, Gorman has an extended chapter with an annotated biography which does not claim to be exhaustive, but is pretty thorough. He has some helpful appendixes which included example exegetical papers. One minute change I would like to see in the book is an increase in the inclusive language concerning not just exegetical papers but sermons as well. Michael Gorman makes a few here and there, but an appendix dedicated to sermon prep (with the similarities and differences noted and perhaps steps which need to be performed only once instead of week in and week out, such as book overviews, book outlines, etc.) would have been welcome. This is my new favorite book on exegetical method by a fair margin (with Gordon Fee’s New Testament Exegesis in second place) which I recommend to any growing believer or serious student who wants to study scripture with humility, integrity, and creativity.
May 16, 2020
This book is a manual for how to write an exegesis paper. Considering that subject, this book was a pleasant surprise in that it is far more readable than expected and Gorman does present a fair and nuanced approach to the various interpretive methods.
In this book, Gorman breaks down the process of exegesis (interpreting the Bible) into seven steps. These are:
1) Survey
2) Contextual Analysis
3) Formal Analysis
4) Detailed Analysis
5) Synthesis
6) Reflection / Theological Interpretation
7) Expansion and Refinement
This book gives a couple of introductory chapters giving a basic introductory overview of what Biblical exegesis is, then he devotes a chapter each to the seven elements listed above. He then concludes with a few summary chapters that give warning against common mistakes and provides a review of a comprehensive list of resources an exegete might want to use.
This book is an excellent resource for anyone considering pursuing a Masters or Doctorate level of theological study. Even for someone who does not expect to be writing and exegesis papers in the near future, this book has a lot to offer on how to read and study the Bible.
In this book, Gorman breaks down the process of exegesis (interpreting the Bible) into seven steps. These are:
1) Survey
2) Contextual Analysis
3) Formal Analysis
4) Detailed Analysis
5) Synthesis
6) Reflection / Theological Interpretation
7) Expansion and Refinement
This book gives a couple of introductory chapters giving a basic introductory overview of what Biblical exegesis is, then he devotes a chapter each to the seven elements listed above. He then concludes with a few summary chapters that give warning against common mistakes and provides a review of a comprehensive list of resources an exegete might want to use.
This book is an excellent resource for anyone considering pursuing a Masters or Doctorate level of theological study. Even for someone who does not expect to be writing and exegesis papers in the near future, this book has a lot to offer on how to read and study the Bible.
May 31, 2022
Clear, concise, and helpful for the class I took with Dr. Nijay Gupta.
April 3, 2016
Много добре написана книга -едновременно като съдържание, като четливост и като полезност. Макар да е насочена най-вече към по-начинаещи студенти хора с повече опит също могат да имат доста полза от нея.
Майкъл Горман е едно от двете ми открития в богословието през последните 2 години (второто е Джаймс К А Смит)
Майкъл Горман е едно от двете ми открития в богословието през последните 2 години (второто е Джаймс К А Смит)
May 21, 2012
Gorman’s intent behind this book I believe is to equip as many people as possible, irrespective of their theological background, whether layperson, theological student, or minister, with the tools necessary to do careful exegesis of Biblical text in order to avoid misinterpretation and misapplication of scripture.
The main idea Gorman shows is that during your reading of the Bible, you will find passages that are nearly impossible to understand and others that you think you understand. The fact is everyone interprets text differently. So we need to investigate and ask the right questions, follow a proven strategy to determine the correct existential goal of the text (2001:7-9).
Gorman discusses successful exegesis in ten chapters with chapter eleven and the appendixes given as invaluable resource material and examples.
Chapter one defines the task and how one approaches text, whether synchronic or diachronic or existential, and whether you approach scripture from a trusting or suspicious point of view, and how each of these affects your resulting exegesis when approaching scripture.
In chapter two, Gorman shows how selecting the right translation of the Bible for exegesis is crucial and he draws a distinction between functional and formal translations and the need for each as the translation itself is already an interpretation. He presents a pretty detailed comparison between the various translations.
With chapter three Gorman explains how to survey the text, reading it in context, taking into account it’s place in the particular book in the Bible, taking into account what the aims are of the book, reading the text several times, recording your initial observations and questions along the way.
Chapter four builds on the previous chapter when it focuses on the most difficult elements of exegesis, contextual analysis. This involves finding the historical, social and cultural contexts. Gorman shows that we need to determine the social network and common cultural beliefs and values that would’ve influenced the authors or hearers interpretation of the text (2001:67). In addition to this, Gorman also shows that we need to evaluate scripture in its literary context, larger and immediate context as this might carry additional significance.
Chapter five focuses on formal analysis of the text. That means analyzing the form, literary form, structure and creating an outline of the natural movement of text being examined. This is a very technical chapter and definitely worth a second or third reading.
Chapter six explains how to do a detailed analysis of the text. This chapter builds on the previous as under this chapter we start looking at, and analyzing the text in more granular detail from words to phrases to sentences to text segments and then eventually to the text itself. Every part of the text is examined. Key words are examined in context, as different words can have different meanings depending on its context, the writer, and the time period used.
Chapter seven focuses on synthesis, or bringing all the previously mentioned elements of exegesis in the previous chapters together, and drawing a conclusion about the passage’s essential meaning, purpose and function.
In chapter eight the attention is focussed on reflection, answering the question “So what?” He explains the five interpretive postures taken with scripture, as well as what he calls the “two horizons”, engaging the text until its horizon merges with our own where putting the text in our own words, in order for it to become a living exegesis, affecting and impacting our lives personally.
Chapter nine covers the last element necessary for exegesis, the tools that can be used to refine the exegesis, lexicons, scholarly publications, commentaries, books, articles and journals.
Chapter ten addresses some of the errors to avoid while doing exegesis.
Chapter eleven provides a comprehensive list of resources for each of the steps for exegesis.
Appendix A provides an example of how to chart exegetically. Showing example charts of synchronic, diachronic as well as the existential approaches.
Appendix B provides practical guidelines for writing a research exegesis paper.
Appendix C provides a sample of a short exegesis paper based on John 11:45-53.
Appendix D provides a sample of a longer sample exegesis paper.
Appendix E supplies a list of selected internet resources for Bible Studies.
Appendix F lists another comprehensive list of resources after the first release of the book.
Every chapter is introduced by a series of quotes relating to the topic and topical questions pertaining to that specific chapter. The body of each chapter is used to elaborate on the various points and sub points covered by the specific topic for the chapter and good cohesion is maintained throughout. The conclusion of each chapter includes a summary of the chapter as well as practical hints and practical exercises to hone your skills on the specific topic covered by that chapter.
This is an excellent resource to add to anyone’s library. The chapters are short and to the point. Clear examples are given. A comprehensive list of reference material is provided to assist with every step of the exegetical process.
Though this is a very technical subject, Gorman seems to be able to simplify it enough for anyone to understand. He compiled each chapter in order to provide something for everyone, whether you are an expert in the field or whether this is your first time encountering the subject.
His language and writing style is that of someone intimately familiar with the subject and reflects years of studying and teaching of the subject.
He uses very graphic illustrations and explanations in order to emphasize the point he wants to make, for instance his example of polyvalence (2001:119) or the two horizons (2001:27).
He opened my eyes to evaluate my own approach and interpretation of scripture as existential and from a trusting perspective.
Something that really hit me whilst reading this book was the fact that everyone should and can know how to do sound exegesis. It isn’t just some out of reach gift that only a select few preachers can have access to.
Gorman deals with all the issues one would expect from this book. He shows how to do sound exegesis and clearly shows the errors to avoid and provides a comprehensive list of reference material that will definitely aid anyone interested in careful exegesis, as well as sample exegetical papers.
The author’s conclusions are well argued, and seem to be based on solid research.
In addition to the already mentioned appendixes that assist with comprehensive resource lists and sample material for the use of solid exegesis, the book also has an index for easy reference to topics contained in the book.
Something I gained and felt worth remembering and applying is that you shouldn’t just read scripture for the sake of reading. It should be investigated. Your interpretation of a piece of scripture might be wrong if you don’t apply careful exegesis to text. No one has all the answers as even scholars disagree, but careful exegesis can definitely limit the mistakes made during each person’s own interpretation.
Another valuable point I gained from this book is that each Bible translation has a specific intended purpose and not all are created equal when it comes to the subject of exegesis. Update your library and use them in tandem. Not all people are Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic literary scholars, but this shouldn’t prevent them from being able to understand and interpret the Bible, and whether using a translation that tries to capture the intended thought (functional) or literal (formal) translation, its intended purpose should be taken into account and each translation should be viewed with the correct use in mind. Translations are just that, translations. They are done by people who bring with them their own interpretations and however careful they might be each translation has its limitations.
My overall evaluation of this book is that it is definitely a must read and will be an excellent tool and resource tool for reference with future exegesis.
The presentation of the book makes it easy to find and focus on a particular area where a person might need improvement with practical exercises and invaluable tips, for use of layperson, student, or professor alike.
As for the structure of the book, the introduction isn’t too lengthy and Gorman motivates the need for careful exegesis. His content is factual and relevant to the topic being discussed. He is to the point and he really argues his opinion well. The chapters tie neatly into each other, each developing on the previous which was good as this was my first encounter with the subject.
In my opinion, Gorman was successful in reaching the objectives he set out to accomplish with this book. I didn’t feel lost reading it, and, though it was also very technical, each term is explained well.
Gorman starts off by saying that he doesn’t believe that he is presenting the only method for exegesis with this book (2001:3), but in my opinion, the book was extremely thorough.
I can see that I will definitely refer to this book a lot. I’ve read it twice already. This book has opened my eyes in a lot of ways and also highlighted the weighty responsibility of interpreting and presenting the word correctly. Gorman presents a complete resource that has provoked a hunger within me to read up more about the subject.
In my opinion, I would give this book a ten without hesitation and recommend it to anybody as a definite must read.
The main idea Gorman shows is that during your reading of the Bible, you will find passages that are nearly impossible to understand and others that you think you understand. The fact is everyone interprets text differently. So we need to investigate and ask the right questions, follow a proven strategy to determine the correct existential goal of the text (2001:7-9).
Gorman discusses successful exegesis in ten chapters with chapter eleven and the appendixes given as invaluable resource material and examples.
Chapter one defines the task and how one approaches text, whether synchronic or diachronic or existential, and whether you approach scripture from a trusting or suspicious point of view, and how each of these affects your resulting exegesis when approaching scripture.
In chapter two, Gorman shows how selecting the right translation of the Bible for exegesis is crucial and he draws a distinction between functional and formal translations and the need for each as the translation itself is already an interpretation. He presents a pretty detailed comparison between the various translations.
With chapter three Gorman explains how to survey the text, reading it in context, taking into account it’s place in the particular book in the Bible, taking into account what the aims are of the book, reading the text several times, recording your initial observations and questions along the way.
Chapter four builds on the previous chapter when it focuses on the most difficult elements of exegesis, contextual analysis. This involves finding the historical, social and cultural contexts. Gorman shows that we need to determine the social network and common cultural beliefs and values that would’ve influenced the authors or hearers interpretation of the text (2001:67). In addition to this, Gorman also shows that we need to evaluate scripture in its literary context, larger and immediate context as this might carry additional significance.
Chapter five focuses on formal analysis of the text. That means analyzing the form, literary form, structure and creating an outline of the natural movement of text being examined. This is a very technical chapter and definitely worth a second or third reading.
Chapter six explains how to do a detailed analysis of the text. This chapter builds on the previous as under this chapter we start looking at, and analyzing the text in more granular detail from words to phrases to sentences to text segments and then eventually to the text itself. Every part of the text is examined. Key words are examined in context, as different words can have different meanings depending on its context, the writer, and the time period used.
Chapter seven focuses on synthesis, or bringing all the previously mentioned elements of exegesis in the previous chapters together, and drawing a conclusion about the passage’s essential meaning, purpose and function.
In chapter eight the attention is focussed on reflection, answering the question “So what?” He explains the five interpretive postures taken with scripture, as well as what he calls the “two horizons”, engaging the text until its horizon merges with our own where putting the text in our own words, in order for it to become a living exegesis, affecting and impacting our lives personally.
Chapter nine covers the last element necessary for exegesis, the tools that can be used to refine the exegesis, lexicons, scholarly publications, commentaries, books, articles and journals.
Chapter ten addresses some of the errors to avoid while doing exegesis.
Chapter eleven provides a comprehensive list of resources for each of the steps for exegesis.
Appendix A provides an example of how to chart exegetically. Showing example charts of synchronic, diachronic as well as the existential approaches.
Appendix B provides practical guidelines for writing a research exegesis paper.
Appendix C provides a sample of a short exegesis paper based on John 11:45-53.
Appendix D provides a sample of a longer sample exegesis paper.
Appendix E supplies a list of selected internet resources for Bible Studies.
Appendix F lists another comprehensive list of resources after the first release of the book.
Every chapter is introduced by a series of quotes relating to the topic and topical questions pertaining to that specific chapter. The body of each chapter is used to elaborate on the various points and sub points covered by the specific topic for the chapter and good cohesion is maintained throughout. The conclusion of each chapter includes a summary of the chapter as well as practical hints and practical exercises to hone your skills on the specific topic covered by that chapter.
This is an excellent resource to add to anyone’s library. The chapters are short and to the point. Clear examples are given. A comprehensive list of reference material is provided to assist with every step of the exegetical process.
Though this is a very technical subject, Gorman seems to be able to simplify it enough for anyone to understand. He compiled each chapter in order to provide something for everyone, whether you are an expert in the field or whether this is your first time encountering the subject.
His language and writing style is that of someone intimately familiar with the subject and reflects years of studying and teaching of the subject.
He uses very graphic illustrations and explanations in order to emphasize the point he wants to make, for instance his example of polyvalence (2001:119) or the two horizons (2001:27).
He opened my eyes to evaluate my own approach and interpretation of scripture as existential and from a trusting perspective.
Something that really hit me whilst reading this book was the fact that everyone should and can know how to do sound exegesis. It isn’t just some out of reach gift that only a select few preachers can have access to.
Gorman deals with all the issues one would expect from this book. He shows how to do sound exegesis and clearly shows the errors to avoid and provides a comprehensive list of reference material that will definitely aid anyone interested in careful exegesis, as well as sample exegetical papers.
The author’s conclusions are well argued, and seem to be based on solid research.
In addition to the already mentioned appendixes that assist with comprehensive resource lists and sample material for the use of solid exegesis, the book also has an index for easy reference to topics contained in the book.
Something I gained and felt worth remembering and applying is that you shouldn’t just read scripture for the sake of reading. It should be investigated. Your interpretation of a piece of scripture might be wrong if you don’t apply careful exegesis to text. No one has all the answers as even scholars disagree, but careful exegesis can definitely limit the mistakes made during each person’s own interpretation.
Another valuable point I gained from this book is that each Bible translation has a specific intended purpose and not all are created equal when it comes to the subject of exegesis. Update your library and use them in tandem. Not all people are Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic literary scholars, but this shouldn’t prevent them from being able to understand and interpret the Bible, and whether using a translation that tries to capture the intended thought (functional) or literal (formal) translation, its intended purpose should be taken into account and each translation should be viewed with the correct use in mind. Translations are just that, translations. They are done by people who bring with them their own interpretations and however careful they might be each translation has its limitations.
My overall evaluation of this book is that it is definitely a must read and will be an excellent tool and resource tool for reference with future exegesis.
The presentation of the book makes it easy to find and focus on a particular area where a person might need improvement with practical exercises and invaluable tips, for use of layperson, student, or professor alike.
As for the structure of the book, the introduction isn’t too lengthy and Gorman motivates the need for careful exegesis. His content is factual and relevant to the topic being discussed. He is to the point and he really argues his opinion well. The chapters tie neatly into each other, each developing on the previous which was good as this was my first encounter with the subject.
In my opinion, Gorman was successful in reaching the objectives he set out to accomplish with this book. I didn’t feel lost reading it, and, though it was also very technical, each term is explained well.
Gorman starts off by saying that he doesn’t believe that he is presenting the only method for exegesis with this book (2001:3), but in my opinion, the book was extremely thorough.
I can see that I will definitely refer to this book a lot. I’ve read it twice already. This book has opened my eyes in a lot of ways and also highlighted the weighty responsibility of interpreting and presenting the word correctly. Gorman presents a complete resource that has provoked a hunger within me to read up more about the subject.
In my opinion, I would give this book a ten without hesitation and recommend it to anybody as a definite must read.
December 5, 2021
I just finished "Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers," by Michael J. Gorman.
Remember when that guy stopped you in Walmart and asked you what "exegesis" meant (because it was on your shirt or a tattoo)? Gorman wrote a book to help us in the exegetical process. To begin he defines it as to "lead out" or read out of the text (in this case short episodes roughly "chapter length").
The exegete is always in conversation, investigating, and must love to ask questions, especially historical ones. Exegesis must prescribe to a method though this is closer to an artistic than a scientific method. The purpose of this text is to develop an exegesis methodology.
This is for me to reference later. If it helps you then great.
Exegetical approaches--
Synchronic:
Literary Criticism
Genre analysis
Form analysis
Narrative Criticism
Rhetorical Criticism
Lexical, grammatical, and syntactically analysis
Semantic or discourse analysis
Social-scientific analysis
Diachronic Approach:
Textual criticism
Historical linguistics
Form criticism
Tradition criticism
Source criticism
Redaction Criticism
Historical criticism
Existential Approach:
Canonical Criticism
Theological exegesis/spiritual reading
Embodiment/actualization
Advocacy criticism, liberation exegesis and ideological criticism
Gorman lists seven elements of exegesis along the hermeneutical circle (I still like Osborne's hermeneutical spiral illustration because a spiral gets tighter and finally ends at a point) and they are:
Survey
Contextual analysis
Form analysis
Detailed analysis
Synthesis
Reflection
Expansion and refinement
In chapter 2 Gorman speaks to how the exegete is to pick a text, a pericope or discourse unit. This is logical: follow the flow of thought in the original text. Notice "next", "then" and "therefore" as pointers to conclusions of thought. For a paper keep it between 5-25 verses depending on how thick the mud is.
Gorman then says that if the exegete doesn't know Greek and/or Hebrew then here are English versions ton use/use with caution/don't touch in a very public tar and feathering. It was fun. RSV, NRSV: sure, go ahead; The Message, NLT: meh, be careful; Living Bible, KJV: people, you're killing me (to my KJVO crew).
Upon first glance through a pericope Gorman would have us reflect on SQ3R:
Survey
Question
Read
Recite
Review
Read your passage several times independent of chapter, verse and headings. Breeze through its context: the book its found in. Next the goal is to try as best we can to reconstruct the social, cultural and historical context so that we can view it properly before we add the Rhetorical aspect. We then begin at the smallest unit--the word--and start to discern the writers intent. The word is not a homogeneous unit of meaning. Writer and context matters. So a word study may get one close but they are never contextually focused. The exegete then moves on to the sentence and then the paragraph.
Synthesis comes next. This is trying to understand the text or pericope as a whole: understanding the word and the words in context and then the context and making sense of that in context of the whole.
Next comes the exegetes reflection on the work. The main take away here is asking the questions about how to be a community/person who reflects the text or preforming the text. We are to be living exegesis or counter exegesis, depending on the text.
Then we read about the expansion and refinement of the exegesis. This is the place that the exegetes work is compared and contrasted with other exegetes in the form of commentary and scholarly articles.
Errors to avoid in exegesis for the exegete are to work in your strengths and not your weaknesses. Don't choose a passage that is so emotionally invested that the paper becomes more about your psychological sulfate than the topic.
Resources for exegesis is the go-to chapter for all the tools the exegete would need sorted so they are easy to find and with comments as to if they resource uses the historical critical method etc.
This is a great intro read for exegesis.
#ElementsOfBiblicalExegesis #MichaelJGorman #MichaelGorman #Exegesis #BiblicalScholarship
Remember when that guy stopped you in Walmart and asked you what "exegesis" meant (because it was on your shirt or a tattoo)? Gorman wrote a book to help us in the exegetical process. To begin he defines it as to "lead out" or read out of the text (in this case short episodes roughly "chapter length").
The exegete is always in conversation, investigating, and must love to ask questions, especially historical ones. Exegesis must prescribe to a method though this is closer to an artistic than a scientific method. The purpose of this text is to develop an exegesis methodology.
This is for me to reference later. If it helps you then great.
Exegetical approaches--
Synchronic:
Literary Criticism
Genre analysis
Form analysis
Narrative Criticism
Rhetorical Criticism
Lexical, grammatical, and syntactically analysis
Semantic or discourse analysis
Social-scientific analysis
Diachronic Approach:
Textual criticism
Historical linguistics
Form criticism
Tradition criticism
Source criticism
Redaction Criticism
Historical criticism
Existential Approach:
Canonical Criticism
Theological exegesis/spiritual reading
Embodiment/actualization
Advocacy criticism, liberation exegesis and ideological criticism
Gorman lists seven elements of exegesis along the hermeneutical circle (I still like Osborne's hermeneutical spiral illustration because a spiral gets tighter and finally ends at a point) and they are:
Survey
Contextual analysis
Form analysis
Detailed analysis
Synthesis
Reflection
Expansion and refinement
In chapter 2 Gorman speaks to how the exegete is to pick a text, a pericope or discourse unit. This is logical: follow the flow of thought in the original text. Notice "next", "then" and "therefore" as pointers to conclusions of thought. For a paper keep it between 5-25 verses depending on how thick the mud is.
Gorman then says that if the exegete doesn't know Greek and/or Hebrew then here are English versions ton use/use with caution/don't touch in a very public tar and feathering. It was fun. RSV, NRSV: sure, go ahead; The Message, NLT: meh, be careful; Living Bible, KJV: people, you're killing me (to my KJVO crew).
Upon first glance through a pericope Gorman would have us reflect on SQ3R:
Survey
Question
Read
Recite
Review
Read your passage several times independent of chapter, verse and headings. Breeze through its context: the book its found in. Next the goal is to try as best we can to reconstruct the social, cultural and historical context so that we can view it properly before we add the Rhetorical aspect. We then begin at the smallest unit--the word--and start to discern the writers intent. The word is not a homogeneous unit of meaning. Writer and context matters. So a word study may get one close but they are never contextually focused. The exegete then moves on to the sentence and then the paragraph.
Synthesis comes next. This is trying to understand the text or pericope as a whole: understanding the word and the words in context and then the context and making sense of that in context of the whole.
Next comes the exegetes reflection on the work. The main take away here is asking the questions about how to be a community/person who reflects the text or preforming the text. We are to be living exegesis or counter exegesis, depending on the text.
Then we read about the expansion and refinement of the exegesis. This is the place that the exegetes work is compared and contrasted with other exegetes in the form of commentary and scholarly articles.
Errors to avoid in exegesis for the exegete are to work in your strengths and not your weaknesses. Don't choose a passage that is so emotionally invested that the paper becomes more about your psychological sulfate than the topic.
Resources for exegesis is the go-to chapter for all the tools the exegete would need sorted so they are easy to find and with comments as to if they resource uses the historical critical method etc.
This is a great intro read for exegesis.
#ElementsOfBiblicalExegesis #MichaelJGorman #MichaelGorman #Exegesis #BiblicalScholarship
March 11, 2022
The third edition of Elements of Biblical Exegesis by Michael J. Gorman truly functions as the subheading notes, A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. The structure of the book lends itself to easy study and application on the part of the reader. Gorman divides the eleven chapters of the book into three parts. Beginning with an in-depth exploration of the nature and task of exegesis, Gorman then moves into the process of choosing a biblical text for exegetical work. A thorough analysis of various biblical translations is provided, including highlights of helpful study bibles.
After laying the necessary groundwork for the task and text at hand, Gorman then moves into the second part of the book, “The Elements.” Each chapter begins with a quote, question and introductory paragraph that encompass the overall intention or tone of the element being explored. As well, each chapter concludes with a summary, practical hints and a practice guide to aid the reader in their own honing of interpretive skill. Gorman includes an exhaustive bibliography at the conclusion of most chapters, providing fertile ground for deeper exploration for an interested reader.
Gorman is adamant that each element need not be completed in a particular order (thus they are elements, not stages or steps) but compound one another throughout the exegetical journey. The first exegetical element is survey. This is the introductory stage in which the exegete formulates a first impression of the text they have chosen to study, from which they draw out a working thesis about the meaning of the text. The second element is contextual analysis. Here the exegete explores the historical, literary and canonical contexts of the text. The third element of exegesis is formal analysis. It is the in-depth study of the form, structure and movement of the text. The fourth element is a detailed analysis. Gorman notes this element to be the heart of exegesis itself. It is where the exegete gives scrutiny to every word, phrase, allusion, grammar point and syntactical feature of the text.
After satisfying the analytical elements, the exegete is ready to engage the fifth element, synthesis. At this point, Gorman notes, "In analyzing the details of a text with the greatest amount of care and precision possible, you have been dealing with the proverbial trees rather than the forest. After doing so, however you must now (re)turn to the forest and attempt to see what the trees look like collectively. To recall another metaphor we have used, it is time to look at the big picture, at the puzzle as a whole."
After proper synthesis has been completed, the exegete is ready for the sixth element, reflection. Alternatively labeled theological reflection, this is where the exegete is tasked with linking the past significance of the text with a challenging or hopeful insight for today’s hearers or readers. The seventh and final element is expansion and refinement. Gorman invites exegetes to be open to differing opinions and explore various interpretations of a text (and even the Bible itself). While this is not intended to open a door to heretical views, it keeps the exegete open-minded.
The final section of the book includes both warnings, hints and resources for exegetes as they traverse the journey of learning the skill of biblical interpretation. Gorman follows the two concluding chapters with four helpful and exhaustive appendices. Ranging from tables to guidelines and examples, the appendices (and the book in totality) are packed to the brim with helpful tools for anyone looking to hone the craft of biblical exegesis.
After laying the necessary groundwork for the task and text at hand, Gorman then moves into the second part of the book, “The Elements.” Each chapter begins with a quote, question and introductory paragraph that encompass the overall intention or tone of the element being explored. As well, each chapter concludes with a summary, practical hints and a practice guide to aid the reader in their own honing of interpretive skill. Gorman includes an exhaustive bibliography at the conclusion of most chapters, providing fertile ground for deeper exploration for an interested reader.
Gorman is adamant that each element need not be completed in a particular order (thus they are elements, not stages or steps) but compound one another throughout the exegetical journey. The first exegetical element is survey. This is the introductory stage in which the exegete formulates a first impression of the text they have chosen to study, from which they draw out a working thesis about the meaning of the text. The second element is contextual analysis. Here the exegete explores the historical, literary and canonical contexts of the text. The third element of exegesis is formal analysis. It is the in-depth study of the form, structure and movement of the text. The fourth element is a detailed analysis. Gorman notes this element to be the heart of exegesis itself. It is where the exegete gives scrutiny to every word, phrase, allusion, grammar point and syntactical feature of the text.
After satisfying the analytical elements, the exegete is ready to engage the fifth element, synthesis. At this point, Gorman notes, "In analyzing the details of a text with the greatest amount of care and precision possible, you have been dealing with the proverbial trees rather than the forest. After doing so, however you must now (re)turn to the forest and attempt to see what the trees look like collectively. To recall another metaphor we have used, it is time to look at the big picture, at the puzzle as a whole."
After proper synthesis has been completed, the exegete is ready for the sixth element, reflection. Alternatively labeled theological reflection, this is where the exegete is tasked with linking the past significance of the text with a challenging or hopeful insight for today’s hearers or readers. The seventh and final element is expansion and refinement. Gorman invites exegetes to be open to differing opinions and explore various interpretations of a text (and even the Bible itself). While this is not intended to open a door to heretical views, it keeps the exegete open-minded.
The final section of the book includes both warnings, hints and resources for exegetes as they traverse the journey of learning the skill of biblical interpretation. Gorman follows the two concluding chapters with four helpful and exhaustive appendices. Ranging from tables to guidelines and examples, the appendices (and the book in totality) are packed to the brim with helpful tools for anyone looking to hone the craft of biblical exegesis.
November 14, 2019
I'm a layman. I've never studied Biblical exegesis. But I have several friends who do, and have a decidedly religious reason for wanting to understand scripture. I saw this book on the curriculum for a class I wish I had taken in college, so I decided to give it a read. What I found was something excellent: a very committed take on understanding scripture, that is still respectful of other ways of reading; not only is Gorman respectful, but he finds real value in newer and contemporary takes, without caving to the idea that that's the only way to read scripture. He also provides a really great framework and set of questions to ask about scripture: literary questions, historical questions, and theological questions. His writing is brisk and interesting, and rarely got too technical for me (again, a layman). So he succeeded! And I was grateful for that. I feel better equipped for asking questions–REAL questions–about what scripture meant to them, there, and then, and therefore better equipped to reach responsible conclusions about what scripture might mean for us, here, and now.
February 22, 2023
A decent introductory guide to biblical exegesis but is ultimately outdated since this book is from 2002. When it gives advice on translations, so many good translations have come out after this advice was given (most notably the ESV). When talking about resources for dictionaries, lexical guides, and dealing with the original languages, it neglects many online resources that now exist that are far more accessible and useful for many pastors (e.g. Accordance, Logos, Blue Letter Bible, etc.). All in all, a useful introduction to exegesis, but one that is in dire need of an updated new edition.
October 18, 2018
I used this while teaching a course on biblical exegesis. Gorman explains and demonstrates each of the major synchronic approaches to reading and interpreting the Bible, namely historical/contextual analysis, literary/form analysis, and detailed/grammatical analysis. In the revised and expanded edition which I read, each chapter ends with a few suggested exercises for practice. He also devotes a section to recommended resources for each method.
I had to supplement it with other sources, but it worked well as a foundation.
I had to supplement it with other sources, but it worked well as a foundation.
November 16, 2022
A thick read for certain. I had to take it quite slow and re-read a number of areas. This will become a resource on my shelves however as I continue my Biblical studies and spend more time analyzing scripture both for pastoral and academic purposes.
There is an extensive list of resources included in a late chapter which will be immensely helpful in continuing studies. Also included in the appendices are several sample exegesis papers. These help clarify much of what is said in the body of the book.
There is an extensive list of resources included in a late chapter which will be immensely helpful in continuing studies. Also included in the appendices are several sample exegesis papers. These help clarify much of what is said in the body of the book.
December 11, 2019
While an excellent source of work for any preacher or student of God’s word, I would caution future readers regarding Gorman’s position on authorial intent and plurality of interpretation. Overall, a very easy and enjoyable if taken with caution and in conjunction with other exegetical/hermeneutical works.
July 13, 2020
The fact that I skimmed this in undergrad and thought it was boring is but another example of my spiritual and intellectual immaturity.
This is a FANTASTIC book replete with both theoretical and practical wisdom. Gorman is humble, intellectually comprehensive and Christian which is special combination.
This is a FANTASTIC book replete with both theoretical and practical wisdom. Gorman is humble, intellectually comprehensive and Christian which is special combination.
July 28, 2020
I found this a very encouraging book as a lay preacher doing a licensed lay ministry course. It is useful in helping all those who read the Bible to engage with Scripture. I can see it as being helpful not only to students & ministers but also to Bible Study & House Group leaders.
The discussion on different Biblical versions I found very enlightening.
The discussion on different Biblical versions I found very enlightening.
March 29, 2022
His purpose is to help laypeople and students learn how to exegete (figure out what the Bible is saying). Some of it is very student-driven, with how-to's on writing exegetical papers, but most of it is very down to earth and practical, with relevant tools to access, how to choose a translation, and steps to understanding a passage. Well-written and accessible.
August 24, 2025
Another school read there was a section of this on reading every scripture through the lense of
Faith: what does this text want me to believe?
Hope: what does this text want me to hope for my future?
Love: how is this text leading me to love God and my neighbor?
That was worth reading the whole book. Hermeneutics is no joke and I have a ways to go before I’ll feel like a true Bible scholar.
Faith: what does this text want me to believe?
Hope: what does this text want me to hope for my future?
Love: how is this text leading me to love God and my neighbor?
That was worth reading the whole book. Hermeneutics is no joke and I have a ways to go before I’ll feel like a true Bible scholar.
November 17, 2018
Gorman's "Elements of Biblical Exegesis" is an invaluable guide on how to perform good exegesis and a comprehensive guide on how to write an excellent exegesis paper. This is the book to reference in the future when writing such a paper!
December 4, 2021
This was one of my texts for two of my courses at ADC, and was used in both classes because it provides an excellent step by step proess to research and write an exegetical paper on any passage of the Old or New testament, whether essay or sermon.
April 29, 2023
Similar to exegesis instruction I have heard before but gives extremely clear steps and parameters for reading scripture. Also includes important reflections on choosing translations for reading for various purposes.
December 10, 2024
I bought this book 3 years ago; I think I've finished it. I read about eight chapters for class this semester. I'm going to say it's done. very informative text and would be a good aid for anyone who is looking to get into biblical exegesis. could have used a few more battle scenes, though
November 10, 2017
Very helpful text for anyone new to exegesis.
March 12, 2019
This is a great way to begin a study of exegesis, but there was a bit of a bias that was difficult to ignore, but the method is sound and understandably explained.
July 3, 2019
I read this for an exegesis class in seminary. It provides an introduction to a good solid framework for doing exegesis. It is a book I expect to come back to often over time.
October 30, 2019
Very useful.
April 16, 2020
Dull but necessary for seminary. Blessings to you for helping seminary students, Gorman.
November 10, 2020
Very insightful...
April 19, 2021
A great introduction to exegesis.
October 7, 2021
Read this book in connection with a class. Book did a good job of teaching.
March 31, 2023
Great book with accessible direction and examples for writing an exegetical paper. Easy to read and understand.
July 24, 2024
While Professor Gorman is to the theological left of me, this guide is valuable. It is clearly written with helpful examples. Recommended for both pastors and seminary students.
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