Write an 1800 – 2200-word exegetical analysis essay showing engagement with the Greek text by using relevant Greek language tools. This assignment will focus especially on working with the text of the passage itself (rather than on the wider literary context, historical context, or application of the passage). The purpose of this assignment is to draw out the meaning of the selected passage of Scripture, incorporating grammatical analysis, lexical analysis, comparison of translations, and evaluation of scholarly conclusions about various details of the selected passage.
Use at least 7 scholarly secondary sources, consisting primarily of exegetical commentaries and peer-reviewed journal articles.
Focus on what is most important first, and then fill in other details afterward. The paper should provide reasonable coverage of the most important details of the passage rather than moving word-by-word or phrase-by-phrase.
Format: Please include an introduction and a conclusion. The body of the essay should be made up of sections corresponding to the main sections of the passage. The introduction should include a brief statement of the main point of the passage and the main supporting points. The main point will function as a thesis statement about the meaning and purpose of the passage. The rest of the paper will support these claims with a detailed analysis. In the conclusion, please make the first attempt to bridge the gap from the ancient context to the present day. The focus is on the human author’s intended meaning as conveyed through the Greek text. But since scripture is inspired, the divine Author intended for this passage to mean something to Christians in this century as well (what it meant and what it means).
The passage might have 3 to 5 sections, so these can be used as headings/sections for the paper.
a. Within each section, describe the grammatical relationships of clauses to what has
come before and after. Describe how Greek grammar clarifies the meaning and purpose of the passage.
b. Analyze how various words should be translated to most accurately convey the ancient meaning/concept intended by the author in that context. This should involve both lexical analysis and comparison of English translations. Evaluate uncertainties and adopt a position on the most plausible option in those instances.
c. Evaluate the scholarly positions about how to interpret key aspects of your passage.
You should approach this as someone who is qualified to express your own conclusions about the evidence; you are not just neutrally reporting what the experts think. Base your claims, positions, and conclusions on careful analysis of the text and relevant evidence.