Referencing- The Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago) 17th edition
Students are to write an exegesis that analyses the pericope: Psalm 23- The Divine Shepherd. (Scripture passage seen below). An exegesis seeks to offer a reasoned and studied interpretation of a piece of Scripture.
The best exegeses will:
- Demonstrate a keen awareness of the canonical context of the pericope
- Provide a close analysis of the passage, verse by verse
- Highlight key images and words and attempt to explain their meaning
- Offer a sound explanation of the literal and spiritual senses, and in the process, will explain why the pericope is relevant and important for Catholics today
- Utilise good quality sources for their exegesis
Structure of Exegesis:
- Canonical context- the meaning of the text when read in the light of its place in the canon, how does it relate to other biblical texts?
- Characters- what characters appear in the story, what do we know about them?
- Texts and images- compare translations of the pericope, significant differences between various translations, what images and symbols are used and what do they signify?
- Literacy form/s- what is the purpose of this genre?
- Historical content- setting of the passage, historical events that influenced the write, what social and historical information can be drawn from the text?
- Traditional interpretations of the text
- Literal sense- what is the message that the author wishes to convey to the reader? [Important part of the exegesis]
- Spiritual sense-
- MORAL SENSE- what does the passage teach us regarding the moral life. i.e. how to live?
- ANAGOGICAL SENSE -What does the passage teach us about heaven, hell, purgatory, life after death, judgement, etc.?
- ALLEGORICAL SENSE- What does the passage teach regarding Jesus and His Church?
