An exegesis is both a process of research and a paper presenting
the results of that research. While it would be possible to
write up the results by presenting the material in the same order
in which it was studied, it is better to present it in a more
logical order. That order is as follows:
Introduction: The paper should begin with an introduction which
catches the readers' attention. This is a good place to present
questions which an initial look at the passage raised. Ideally,
it concludes with a thesis statement, in this case, a statement
of the main idea of the passage under study (i.e., a
macrostructure of the passage).
Text: Either at this point, or following one of the next two
headings, the paper should present, in block quotation, the text
of the passage under study in a literal translation. Depending
upon how it is translated, the translation can be from a formal
equivalence translation or can be a literal translation produced
by the researcher.
Background: It is logical to begin the paper with introductory
material to the book in which the passage is found to the extent
that such material has a bearing upon the meaning of the passage.
This may be as short as one sentence that mentions the author and
audience if introductory questions have little light to shed on
the meaning of the passage. This is also the place to present
any historical background material that sheds light on the
passage under consideration. In addition, this section is also
the place to present evidence of any customs, rituals, or other
cultural aspects that may have bearing on the passage.
Context: Next it is logical to present the greater context within
the book in which the passage is found. The paper should begin
with the greater context and narrow down to the immediate
context. This is the place to present any material at the
discourse level that has bearing on the understanding of the
passage being studied.
Exposition: Finally one begins the exposition of the text.
Ideally this is presented verse by verse. For each verse, one
should present any text critical issues that bear on the verse.
Note that minor variations that all editors agree are secondary
need not be presented. This is also the place to discuss word
meanings and grammatical issues that affect the meaning of the
verse. However, it is especially important to present not just
data but conclusions as to what the verse in question means, as
well as explanation of how this verse relates to other verses in
the passage. Repeat for each verse in the passage.
Conclusion: Like all papers, an exegesis should finish with
concluding remarks that summarize what has been discovered in the
research of this passage.