Old Testament Exegesis, Fourth Edition: A Handbook for Students and Pastors
For years, Douglas Stuart's Old Testament Exegesis has been one of the most popular ways to learn how to perform exegesis--the science and art of interpreting biblical texts properly for understanding as well as proclamation. Completely updated and substantially expanded, this new edition includes scores of newer resources, a new configuration of the format for the exegesis process, and an entirely new section explaining where to find and how to use the latest electronic and online resources for doing biblical research. Stuart provides guidance for full exegesis as well as for a quicker approach to provide information specifically tailored to the task of preaching. A glossary of terms explains the sometimes bewildering language of biblical scholarship, and a list of frequent errors guides the student in avoiding common mistakes. No exegetical guide for the Old Testament has been more widely used in training ministers and students to be faithful, careful interpreters of Scripture.
Reviews (47)
Start asking the right questions to find the answers you desire.
What is exegesis? A thorough analysis of a Bible passage that yields a useful interpretation. Exegesis is a learned skill, not an intuitive gift. Hence, without the proper tools and know-how, an exegete cannot go far. What does Old Testament Exegesis do? It equips you with those tools and shows you how to use them so that you will not only become more skillful in exegesis but also more proficient. In my opinion, what OT Exegesis does best is teach you an “exegetical formula” which is repeatable and easy applied to any passage of Scripture for any context. It primes your mind so that you start asking the right questions. What results are meaningful answers that enable you to expound the text with clarity and precision. Beyond the technical aspects, some examples of the “right” questions relate to historical context (e.g., “What is the date of authorship and relevant geographical significance?), literary context (e.g., “What is the literary form? How does the passage fit into the book and the OT cannon?”), theological context (e.g., “Where else is the passage quoted? How? And how does that inform proper interpretation?”) and contemporary application (e.g., “What are the life issues? What is the audience and scope of the application?”). The book roughly speaking is divided into four sections: Chapter 1 gives you a non-technical format for the process of exegesis. Chapter 2 gives examples on the steps one takes to exegete. Chapter 3 expands upon Chapter 2 but has an emphasis on sermon preparation. Chapter 4 details various other resources for consideration. I purchased this book as part of a post-graduate level seminary course, and it fit well within this context. This is a trustworthy little book that has earned a place in my pastoral library for all time. Also highly recommended for dedicated Bible teachers.
Good summary
The author provides a very good summary of the procedure for performing exegesis, with respect to the Old Testament. He also gives some good examples of types of issues--textual, grammatical, and background--that the exegete may encounter. He provides his solution along with supporting evidence. Where this book really shines is the very thorough and detailed section laying out resources for further reading and research. This book is a great introduction for those wanting to get their feet wet that provides a great springboard for the student who wants to dive into the deep waters.
Refreshing and VERY Helpful
Like having a lively study buddy when you analyze Scripture. Helps you appreciate what your pastor must go through if you're blessed enough to have one who actually EXEGETES the Bible in Bible class, rather than give you canned garbage telling you what you already know. I just love this book: it is clearly-written, succinct, well-organized, hits all the right questions so when you're thinking over something in Scripture, the succinctness helps jog your thinking. So do get this book, even if you're not a pastor. You'll never regret it: Scripture is meant to be PONDERED over and in the original-languages text. This book helps you do that, whether you're just a student, scholar, or teacher. It's as good as Thorleif Boman's Hebrew Thought Compared with Greek, which is my all-time favorite analytical book on Bible. That's a recognized classic also, and I believe it's still here at Amazon, where I bought it years ago. BOTH of these books will help you think clearly when studying. Worth a billion dollars.
Coded
I am having trouble trying to understand the layout and instructions. The book is not written for someone who has never used an Exegesis.
Good Source
I realized that I do not need to get involved in exegesis. Too complicated. I bought this book for a course.
Lives up to expectations
This is a handy, easy to follow guide for exegesis for someone who has mastered the basic understanding of Hebrew. As a Level 3 Hebrew student I can comfortably say that this edition lives up to expectations. Beginning Hebrew students may find the book a bit challenging.
Would recommend
Very resourceful. Font size was good. The book gives valuable steps for preparing exegetical material and sermons. It also includes the names of a number of exegesis aids and resources that can be used for research... takes a lot of the guess work out for beginners.
World standard in OT Exegesis
This book has been the world standard for OT exegesis for around 30 years and this new edition has tons of new content including dozens of websites and software programs useful for exegesis. Written very simply, this Biblical scholar has the heart of a pastor. After the 12 step exegesis process chapter, the author does an entire chapter on showing how to do an abbreviated exegesis to prepare for a sermon. Very helpful. The section on hermeneutical errors was also very insightful.
Perfect
SEU text book
Four Stars
GREAT TOOL.
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