This research guide is designed around the basic types of Bible resources available to our students for beginning a biblical exegesis paper. Many instructors also design their assignments with these basic research resources in mind. Therefore this guide has several sections based on the most common types of Bible tools.
Be certain that you fully understand your professor’s instructions for your paper (often an exegesis of a text), since there is room in the process for individual variations. Needless to say, always follow your instructor's requirements and advice!
The typical steps involved in doing exegetical work can include the following:
Although your professor may have specific instructions that
differ from what this guide presents, here are the basic steps common to
most exegesis papers. You may go step-by-step, or jump to the topic of interest
to you.
1. Choose a Passage
2. Examine the Historical, Cultural, and Literary Background
3. Perform Exegesis of Each Verse
4. Offer an Overall Interpretation
5. Provide an Application of the Passage
There is an additional thing you need to consider:
* Document Your Sources Correctly (See Citing Materials tab above).
First, Choose a Passage.
The most respected and authoritative biblical reference titles now online
Oxford Biblical Studies Online
The Bible Gateway is a tool for reading and researching scripture online -- all in the language or translation of your choice!
Maintained by Biblica. Biblica is the new name for IBS-STL Global.
IBS-STL launched a new identity, including a new name—Biblica—to reflect its expanding visionandfocusfor transforming lives through God's Word. The new name is part of a rebranding process that began with the merger of International Bible Society and Send the Light in 2007.
Specifically Catholic commentaries on books of the Bible. Part of the larger Biblia Clerus resource.
The mission is to facilitate in-depth study of God's Word through an online interactive reference library continuously updated from the teachings and commentaries of selected pastors and teachers who hold to the conservative, historical Christian faith. The site includes 14 standard versions of the Bible, a dictionary, commentaries, devotionals, study tools, Hebrew/Greek access, single- and multiple-verse retrieval, images and maps of the Old and New Testaments and more.
Contemporary biblical hermeneutics : an introduction by 
The seminary student writes by 
Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation: Dei Verbum: by 
New Jerusalem Bible
Ignatius Bible
Lectionary for Mass.
