I'd like to get back to where I was with NT exegesis:
So far we have looked at:
1) Spiritual preparation.
2) General introduction.
3) Literary context.
4) Provisional translation
the next step is:
5) Grammatical Analysis.
The way I approach this is to make a grammatical diagram of the verses I am studying.
This can get quite complicated, but I shall give a simple example below:
a) - write out the verse with main clauses [will stand as a sentence on its own] starting on the very left of the page, and subordinate clauses starting a little bit indented into the page.
For example:
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
.........................baptizing them in the name of the ......
b) move all modifying elements underneath and to the right of the word they modify.
Go therefore and make disciples
......................................of all nations,
.............................baptizing them
................................ in the name
.....................................of the Father
.................................... and of the Son
....................................and of the Holy Spirit,
This works best in Greek, but can also work in English translations especially in the NASB.
The benefits of this is that it helps you to see how the individual words and phrases connect to one another, and the author's flow of thought.
It helps you to get inside the text too, and to see things that otherwise you may have glossed over.
Having made your diagram, you can then consult a Greek Grammar, Wallace's "Greek Grammar beyond the Basics" is very easy to use, and is geared to linking Greek grammar with exegesis.
BDF is also good, and A.T Robertson' grammar, as well as his word pictures.
I have not met anyone yet who has not benefited immensely from these type of diagrams. You have to find your own style of how to do them, and it can take some getting used to and developing your method, but it is so worth it in order to help you to...
'Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.' 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
God bless
D
