FOUNDATIONS OF BIBLE STUDY

1. FOUNDATIONS OF BIBLE STUDY Learning to "Observe" the Biblical Text: Active vs. Passive Reading

3. Observing Genre and Literary Form Much attention is being given to genre and literary form in contemporary biblical studies.  The Bible includes a number of literary genres including: Historical Narrative Prophetic literature Wisdom literature Gospels Epistles Apocalypse  Each genre requires a different interpretive approach.

4. Observing Terms A "term" is a word or expression (not a lengthy phrase nor a clause), which has a precise meaning.  The context always determines the exact meaning.  Ex: In Mark 1:8 there is Spirit baptism; in Mark 1:9 there is water baptism; in Mark 10:39 there is a baptism of suffering. The Greek text of Mark 7:4 speaks of "baptisms" (washings) of cups.  It is the process of "interpretation" which more fully isolates the meaning of a given term.

5. Observing Terms In observation we should be especially aware of certain kinds of terms. Some terms are naturally technical, that is, specialized according to our discipline of biblical studies. (Ex: �Son of Man�, Mark 8:31-38) Other terms seem less important in themselves, but their usage makes them consequential and noteworthy. (Ex: �many things�, Mark 8:31) Some terms are difficult to understand in their contexts. (Ex: �lose" and "forfeit�, Mark 8:35-36)

6. Observing Terms Texts on hermeneutics often give much attention to identifying figurative terms.  Since it is impossible to speak of spiritual or heavenly things apart from earthly analogies, theological language is pregnant with figurative expressions.  Usually the context will make immediately evident which terms are to be understood literally and which, figuratively. See: �Figures of Speech as Terms� pp. 31-33 in the Study Guide

7. Observing Grammatical Relations Our interest at this point pertains more to observing within given paragraph units, rather than between paragraphs. We are concerned with how "parts of speech" connect. Ex: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1).

8. Observing Grammatical Relations In observing grammatical relations it is crucial to observe the connectives between the clauses or sentences. There are four categories: Temporal or chronological connectives  Local or geographical connectives  Logical connectives  Emphatic connectives  See pp. 34-36 in the Study Guide

9. Observing Grammatical Relations We should note the following qualifications: It is possible that at times the above four categories may overlap in how they are understood. Many of the same relations introduced by connectives are operative within as well as between clauses. Clauses and sentences may be related implicitly, that is, without a connective present.

10. Observing Literary Relations Literary relations concern the materials of the following. Biography (data describing or referencing persons) Geography (references to places and locations) Chronology (references to time concerning when events occur) History (data referencing or describing occurrence of events) Ideology (presentation of ideas, including beliefs, etc.) See the extensive list of literary relations pp. 37-43 in the Study Guide.

11. Working with Observed Literary Relations You will often recognize that more than one literary relation can explain the same text.  In such cases, try to determine whether one relation is more exact or helpful. Keep in mind that literary relations must work with something.

12. Observing Atmosphere It is important to observe the emotional or attitudinal tone of a passage in order to understand it.  This kind of observation goes beyond purely grammatical or literary analysis. The context of the passage should be considered in order to appreciate the tone of the author. We are not present to observe voice tone, facial expressions, or gestures. All we have is what has been written.  On other occasions the atmosphere of a passage may be somewhat more readily observed by the author's choice of words.

13. Observing from Two Perspectives Observations may be made from the viewpoint of what happened, or from the viewpoint of how the author has chosen to record what happened. Ex: Mark 1:1 It may not always be possible to make a sharp distinction between these two perspectives. But we ought to attempt to see the difference.

14. Distinguishing between Observation and Interpretation Try to make sure that what you regard as an "observation" is not actually an interpretation of what you are reading.  Strictly speaking it is impossible to separate thoroughly interpretation or meaning from what we are observing. But we ought to minimize as much as possible the interpretive process when we are "observing."  Thus for practical purposes, in this course we shall distinguish between "observation" and interpretation."

15. Recording Your Observations Statements of observation ought to be clear and concise with the single point of your observation obvious.  Do not simply repeat the words of the biblical text.  Identify the particular relationship and also document it precisely from the biblical text. All statements are to be made with the best grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. Often two to four lines is sufficient for recording an observation.

16. Recording Your Observations A Good Observation In 1:4-5 there is a cause-effect relation between John preaching in the wilderness and masses of people going out to him, being baptized, and confessing their sins. A Poor Observation In Mark 1 John preaches in the wilderness and people are baptized and confess their sins.

17. Recording Your Observations A Good Observation Following Jesus' announcement of the imminent arrival of God's kingdom (Mark 9:1), Mark immediately indicates that a "transfiguration" event occurred six days later, using the temporal connective, "after" in 9:2. A Poor Observation In 9:1-8 of his Gospel, Mark relates Jesus' announcement of the imminent arrival of God's kingdom and also describes the "transfiguration" event which occurred six days after the announcement, with the "transfiguration" covering verses 2-8.

18. Recording Your Observations A Good Observation Psalm 1:1-3 contrasts the character and prosperity of the godly person with the sad end of the ungodly in verses 4-5. The contrast is accented with the "but" in verse 4. A Poor Observation We have two groups of people described in Psalm 1. (This is true, but it does not get us very far! It is the contrast between the two that we ought to observe, along with other possible observations from the Psalm.)

19. Assignment Read ALL instructions completely before beginning assignment Read Study Guide ch. 2 (and ch. 1 if not yet read) Read Mark chs. 1-8 twice. Read as if for first time. Record 6 � general observations from these first 8 chapters (incl. verse references.)

20. Assignment (cont.) Things to look for: Kind of events People involved Varied atmospheres How Mark presented his material Read only Mark 1:1-13 several times. Make 6 � 10 observations from this passage No More Than 10 Number the observations Write observations in complete sentences.

21. Assignment (cont.) Things to look for: Important repeated terms Repeated ideas Contrasts Movements of thought (i.e. cause-effect, or climax) How clauses and/or sentences seem to relate to each other. Again, at least 6 but no more than 10 observations