What is Exegesis?

Col. 19:20

verses 9-12a, the prayer of Paul and Timothy: spiritual maturation of the believer

verses 12b-14, position of the believer through God’s redemptive work

verses 15-17, The Son as ultimate authority and sustainer of all creation

verses 18-20, all things reconciled to God through His divine Son

            The letter to the church in Colossians addresses life after salvation for the believer.  It can be seen not only as an exhortation to continue in the faith, but as also as an explanation concerning the role of God in the spiritual growth of the believer.  Paul writes the believers in Colossae to “present to [them] the word of God in its fullness” (Col 1:25b, TNIV).  The section spanning from verses 9-20, presents the new life of believers, which is a life of continual growth and freedom from darkness, as well as God’s activity in their salvation and perpetual growth.  Interestingly, throughout the section, we observe the motions of God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son in that process of maturation.  Paul, however, chooses to focus on who Christ is, and presents this discussion as the pivotal theme throughout the rest of the letter.  But, how does Christ express “the word of God in its fullness”?  And, what are the implications in this to the believers?

Exegesis

            “Exegesis” exists as a term to distinguish the practice of deriving an interpretation from out of a text (or some other means of language) as opposed to projecting or imposing our interpretations into the text, which is eisogesis.  Exegesis is the discipline of allowing the text to speak to the reader, rather than allowing our presuppositions to manipulate the text to conform to what we would like it to mean.

            Exegesis is investigation because it endeavors to explore the text both in its own historical and cultural context and as it relates to other relevant texts.  For example, we might ask, “How does Colossians 1-9 relate the rest of Colossians?” or “What are some ways that Paul’s words in verses 15 through 20 could have impacted its original audience?”  The investigation aspect of exegesis uses variety of methods and approaches—historical, literary, formal, etc—to derive meaning from a text.

            Exegesis is conversation because it enters into a dialogue with a community—particularly a literary community where various types of literature are discussed critically.  It is a community predominantly preoccupied with “literary theory” (which has oftentimes been defined as the application of theories, originally meant for another discipline, upon Literature; some examples include Freudian, Foucauldian philosophy, or Marxism.)  Exegesis persuasively addresses various topics, themes, and issues found within both a religious community as well as a literary one.

            Finally, exegesis is an art.  It is an art because it employs the sensitivity and imagination of the exegete, which is the one doing exegesis.  Because exegesis is a discipline, using “scientific” methodologies, it takes experience and practice on the part of the exegete to hone the skills for improvement.  Yet, it is also a creative practice, using the unique perspective and personality of the exegete as an enlightening quality of interpretation, rather than just a hindrance (this is also another way in which exegesis serves as conversation).  The experience, discipline, and creative talents of the writer, or the explorer, work together in the practice of critical interpretation.

Psalm 3

verses 1-2, enemies rise up, saying the LORD (YHWH) won’t deliver

verses 3-4, the LORD protects

verses 5-6, the LORD sustains

verses 7-8, the LORD delivers

Psalm 3 is an ancient Jewish poem (which seems to use chiasmus), written by King David, celebrating the LORD as deliverer, protector, and sustainer.

The Psalm can be seen as a general movement of intensification:  Verses 1-4 begins with an unknown number of scoffers, or enemies, which soon results in the LORD’s “answer” from His holy mountain.  Then, verses 5-7 begin with the interruption of a dramatic (and very curious) refrain, where David lies down to sleep—it is the LORD doing the work here.  David awakens, who will now not even fear the “tens of thousands” of enemies assailing him at all sides, and LORD’s breaking teeth and smashing jaws; thus, in verse 8, the LORD has delivered.