For departmental inquiries, please contact:
Ivy Ambat at ivya@aiias.edu
Department Administrative Assistant
The Biblical Studies Department exists to develop competent leaders and scholars with a solid biblical foundation who exhibit clear scriptural thinking and practice relevant to the needs of a global church.
The Biblical Studies Department envisions being a top choice by the global church for developing reliable biblical scholars and leaders who responsibly interpret the word of truth.
Master of Arts in Religion (MA-R), with concentration
Biblical Languages
Old Testament
New Testament
Master of Theology (MTh), with concentration
Old Testament
New Testament
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), with concentration
Old Testament
New Testament
Students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in Old Testament preparing for the exegesis examination will be required to prepare 26 chapters. The examiner will assign the chapters in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Hebrew Bible.
The Seminary will provide the examinee with a BHS and a Hebrew lexicon for the OT exam. Students are expected to know Hebrew vocabulary with a frequency of 50 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours.
Old Testament
Translation
Students will need to translate a section or pericope (normally between 10 to 20 verses) from the 26 selected chapters. When required, the exam should include a relevant discussion of the textual witnesses and critical apparatus notes of the BHS.
Literary Analysis
Literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand, including the textual marker for the delimitation of the chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection style of the language in light its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including a literary structure of the larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage.
In all reflections, the student must refer to and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in Old Testament preparing for the Biblical Theology Examination will be assigned to prepare 5 subjects from the OT and 4 OT books to explore their respective theology. The exam should include a discussion on the methodological trends in the study of a subject or book from a theological view.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours. The Seminary will provide the examinee with an English Bible during this exam.
Subjects in OT
OT Books
Students should be prepared to describe the theology of an assigned subject and a biblical book.
The exam should start with the discussion on the methodological trends and the process that led to the conclusive theology of a particular subject/book of the OT. The discussion should demonstrate an explicit and profuse use of biblical references to support the inferred biblical theology of the assigned subject or book.
Although the focus of the exam is on the theology of the Old Testament for example, the interaction with New Testament theology should not be neglected if it is needed. The discussion of the theology of a subject or theme should include the entire Old Testament. The theology of a theme should integrate basic exegesis insights as a starting point for elaborating the biblical theology of a particular theme in the OT.
In discussing the theology of a book, the focus of the exam is on the assigned book, and students should recognize that a biblical book includes more than a single theological subject.
Interaction with notable scholars is expected in the argumentation of theological ideas. Such interaction may include different perspectives from different schools of biblical theology (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Adventist, or other perspectives). References to relevant academic literature are highly expected. The presentation of the discussion or argumentation should show a logical organization.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in Old Testament preparing for the Historical Background and Archaeology Examination will be assigned to prepare 10 subjects on the history of people and civilizations connected to Old Testament times and 10 major biblical archeological sites.
The first part of the exam should include a review of the nature of the historical evidence and the methodological approaches to explore the Biblical history or the Archeological sites. The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours.
Old Testament
Ancient Near East Civilization:
Archeological Sites
The exam on the history of people and civilizations/cities related to Biblical periods requires students to write on one subject. It should include the description of methodological approach(es) to explore Biblical history and an explanation of the nature of the historical evidence.
Students should not only describe the different peoples and nations but also how they are connected to the OT accounts. The description of the nation/cities should include (1) Geography, (2) Sociology, (3) Political issues, (4) Religion, (5) Cultural and literary contribution, (6) Relationship to other nations and particularly to Israel/Judah.
The exam on Biblical Archeology includes the description of one archeological site. It should be integrated with the explanation of the nature of the evidence which relates to each period and its methodological work, the geographical distribution of the evidence, the history of expeditions and excavations, strata of the excavation and ages, architecture, main findings, and the importance of the finding in relation to biblical topics or sections. Discuss how archaeology illuminates some details about society, culture, politics, religion, and modes of livelihood.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
The Methods in Biblical Interpretation exam for students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in Old Testament corroborates that students are acquainted with and can explicate in broad-ranging terms some methodologies for biblical interpretation (Old and New Testament).
Students in Biblical Studies with a major in Old Testament will be assigned subjects on some major traditions in biblical interpretation and some selective methods of interpretation focused on working with the biblical text. The student will be asked to present an essential discussion on the subject listed below.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours.
Historical traditions in Biblical Interpretation
Selected methods
Students will be prepared to discuss in broad-ranging terms two subjects: a major interpretation tradition and a methodology of biblical interpretation. The discussion related to a particular tradition should include an introduction to the school of interpretation in its different stages, a description of the main approaches to the biblical text, basic presuppositions, standards procedures, as well as key figures who developed the field. The second part of the exam includes a primary discussion on a particular method in biblical interpretation. It includes the conceptual description of the method, the historical development of the method, methodological assumptions, methodological procedures, and practical
procedures to a particular interpretation of some section of the Bible.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Check with the program director.
Students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in New Testament preparing for the exegesis examination will be required to prepare 26 chapters. The examiner will assign the chapters in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Greek New Testament.
The Seminary will provide the examinee with a GNT for the exam. Students are expected to know Greek vocabulary with a frequency of 10 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours.
New Testament
Translation
Students will need to translate a section or pericope (normally between 10 to 20 verses) from the 26 selected chapters. When required, the exam should include a relevant discussion of the textual witnesses and critical apparatus notes of the GNT.
Literary Analysis
Literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand, including the textual marker for the delimitation of the chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection style of the language in light its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including a literary structure of the larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage.
In all reflections, the student must refer to and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in New Testament preparing for the Biblical Theology Examination will be assigned to prepare 5 subjects from the NT and 3 NT books to explore their respective theology. The exam should include a discussion on the methodological trends in the study of a subject or book from a theological view.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours. The Seminary will provide the examinee with an English Bible during this exam.
Subjects in NT
NT Books
Students should be prepared to describe the theology of an assigned subject and a biblical book.
The exam should start with the discussion on the methodological trends and the process that led to the conclusive theology of a particular subject/book of the NT. The discussion should demonstrate an explicit and profuse use of biblical references to support the inferred biblical theology of the assigned subject or book.
Although the focus of the exam is on the theology of the New Testament for example, the interaction with Old Testament theology should not be neglected if it is needed. The discussion of the theology of a subject or theme should include the entire New Testament. The theology of a theme should integrate basic exegesis insights as a starting point for elaborating the biblical theology of a particular theme in the NT.
In discussing the theology of a book, the focus of the exam is on the assigned book, and students should recognize that a biblical book includes more than a single theological subject. Interaction with notable scholars is expected in the argumentation of theological ideas. Such interaction may include different perspectives from different schools of biblical theology (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Adventist, or other perspectives). References to relevant academic literature are highly expected. The presentation of the discussion or argumentation should show a logical organization.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in New Testament preparing for the Historical Background and Archaeology Examination will be assigned to prepare 10 subjects on the history of people and civilizations connected to New Testament times and 10 major biblical archeological sites.
The first part of the exam should include a review of the nature of the historical evidence and the methodological approaches to explore the Biblical history or the Archeological sites. The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours.
New Testament
Nations and main cities:
Archeological Sites
The exam on the history of people and civilizations/cities related to Biblical periods requires students to write on one subject. It should include the description of methodological approach(es) to explore Biblical history and an explanation of the nature of the historical evidence.
Students should not only describe the different peoples and nations but also how they are connected to the NT accounts. The description of the nation/cities should include (1) Geography, (2) Sociology, (3) Political issues, (4) Religion, (5) Cultural and literary contribution, (6) Relationship to other nations and particularly to Israel/Judah.
The exam on Biblical Archeology includes the description of one archeological site. It should be integrated with the explanation of the nature of the evidence which relates to each period and its methodological work, the geographical distribution of the evidence, the history of expeditions and excavations, strata of the excavation and ages, architecture, main findings, and the importance of the finding in relation to biblical topics or sections. Discuss how archaeology illuminates some details about society, culture, politics, religion, and modes of livelihood.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
The Methods in Biblical Interpretation exam for students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a concentration in Old Testament corroborates that students are acquainted with and can explicate in broad-ranging terms some methodologies for biblical interpretation (Old and New Testament).
Students in Biblical Studies with a major in New Testament will be assigned subjects on some major traditions in biblical interpretation and some selective methods of interpretation focused on working with the biblical text. The student will be asked to present an essential discussion on the subject listed below.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 6 hours.
Historical traditions in Biblical Interpretation
Selected methods
Students will be prepared to discuss in broad-ranging terms two subjects: a major interpretation tradition and a methodology of biblical interpretation. The discussion related to a particular tradition should include an introduction to the school of interpretation in its different stages, a description of the main approaches to the biblical text, basic presuppositions, standards procedures, as well as key figures who developed the field. The second part of the exam includes a primary discussion on a particular method in biblical interpretation. It includes the conceptual description of the method, the historical development of the method, methodological assumptions, methodological procedures, and practical
procedures to a particular interpretation of some section of the Bible.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Check with the program director.
The cognate exam for students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a cognate area of studies in Old Testament are requested to take a two-parts exam on the same day.
For the first part, the exegesis examination, students will be required to prepare 13 chapters. The chapters will be assigned by the examiner in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Hebrew Bible.
The Seminary will provide the examinee a BHS and a Hebrew lexicon for the OT exam. Students are expected to know Hebrew vocabulary with a frequency of 50 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours.
The other part of the examination in a cognate area includes the Biblical Theology exam. Students are assigned to prepare 3 subjects from the OT to explore their respective theology. The exam should include a discussion on the methodological trends in the study of a subject from the theological view.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours. The Seminary will provide the examinee an English Bible during this exam.
The 13 chapters for the exegesis exam will be selected considering all sections of Old Testament
The subjects listed below should be considered in preparation for this exam
For the first part of the examination, the exegesis exam, the discussion should include a basic translation of a section or pericope (normally between 7 to 12 verses) from the 13 selected chapters.
The literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand including the textual marker for the delimitation of chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection on the style of the language in light of its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including a literary structure of the larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage. In all reflections, the student must refer to and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
For the second part of the examination, the biblical theology exam, it should start with the discussion on the methodological trends and the process that led to the conclusive theology of a particular subject or theme of the OT. The discussion should demonstrate an explicit and profuse use of biblical references to support the inferred biblical theology of the assigned subject.
Although the focus of the exam is on the theology of the Old Testament, for example, the interaction with New Testament theology should not be neglected if it is needed, and vice versa.
The discussion of the theology of a subject or theme should include the entire Old Testament. The theology of a theme should integrate basic exegesis insights as a starting point for elaborating the biblical theology of a particular theme in the OT.
Interaction with notable scholars is expected in the argumentation of theological ideas. Such interaction may include different perspectives from different schools of biblical theology (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Adventist, or another perspectives). References to relevant academic literature are highly expected. The presentation of the discussion or argumentation should show a logical organization.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
The cognate exam for students pursuing a PhD in Religion with a cognate area of studies in Old Testament or New Testament are requested to take a two-parts exam on the same day.
For the first part, the exegesis examination, students will be required to prepare 13 chapters. The chapters will be assigned by the examiner in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Hebrew Bible or Greek New Testament.
The Seminary will provide the examinee a GNT for the NT exam. Students are expected to know Greek vocabulary with a frequency of 10 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours.
The other part of the examination in a cognate area includes the Biblical Theology exam. Students are assigned to prepare 3 subjects from the NT to explore their respective theology. The exam should include a discussion on the methodological trends in the study of a subject from the theological view.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours. The Seminary will provide the examinee an English Bible during this exam.
The 13 chapters for the exegesis exam will be selected considering all sections of New Testament
The subjects listed below should be considered in preparation for this exam
For the first part of the examination, the exegesis exam, the discussion should include a basic translation of a section or pericope (normally between 7 to 12 verses) from the 13 selected chapters.
The literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand including the textual marker for the delimitation of chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection on the style of the language in light of its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including a literary structure of the larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage. In all reflections, the student must refer to and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
For the second part of the examination, the biblical theology exam, it should start with the discussion on the methodological trends and the process that led to the conclusive theology of a particular subject or theme of the NT. The discussion should demonstrate an explicit and profuse use of biblical references to support the inferred biblical theology of the assigned subject.
Although the focus of the exam is on the theology of the New Testament, for example, the interaction with Old Testament theology should not be neglected if it is needed.
The discussion of the theology of a subject or theme should include the entire New Testament. The theology of a theme should integrate basic exegesis insights as a starting point for elaborating the biblical theology of a particular theme in the NT.
Interaction with notable scholars is expected in the argumentation of theological ideas. Such interaction may include different perspectives from different schools of biblical theology (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Adventist, or another perspectives). References to relevant academic literature are highly expected. The presentation of the discussion or argumentation should show a logical organization.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing an MA-R degree with a concentration in Old Testament need to be prepared for an examination on the Exegesis of the Old Testament. That exam includes the preparation of 13 chapters assigned by the examiner in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Hebrew Bible.
The Seminary will provide the examinee with a BHS and a Hebrew lexicon for the OT exam. Students are expected to know Hebrew vocabulary with a frequency of 50 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours.
Old Testament
Translation
Students will need to translate a section or pericope (normally between 7 to 12 verses) from the 13 selected chapters. When required, the exam should include a relevant discussion of the textual witnesses and critical apparatus notes of the BHS.
Literary Analysis
The literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand including the textual marker for the delimitation of chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection style of the language in light its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including the literary structure of larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage.
In all reflections, the student must refer to and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing an MA-R degree with a concentration in Old Testament need to be prepared for an examination on Theology of the Old Testament. Students are assigned to prepare 3 subjects from the OT and 2 OT books to explore their respective theologies. The exam should include a discussion on the methodological trends in the study of a subject or book from the theological view.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours. The Seminary will provide the examinee with an English Bible during this exam.
The Subjects listed below should be considered in the preparation for this exam.
OT Books
Students should be prepared to describe the theology of an assigned subject and a biblical book.
The exam should start with the discussion on the methodological trends and the process that led to the conclusive theology of a particular subject/book of the OT. The discussion should demonstrate an explicit and profuse use of biblical references to support the inferred biblical theology of the assigned subject or book.
Although the focus of the exam is on the theology of the Old Testament for example, the interaction with New Testament theology should not be neglected if it is needed.
The discussion of the theology of a subject or theme should include the entire Old Testament. The theology of a theme should integrate basic exegesis insights as a starting point for elaborating the biblical theology of a particular theme in the OT. In the discussion of the theology of a book, the focus of the exam is on the assigned book and students should recognize that a biblical book includes more than a single theological subject.
Interaction with notable scholars is expected in the argumentation of theological ideas. Such interaction may include different perspectives from different schools of biblical theology (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Adventist, or other perspectives). References to relevant academic literature are highly expected. The presentation of the discussion or argumentation should show a logical organization.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing an MA-R degree with a concentration in New Testament need to be prepared for an examination on the Exegesis of the New Testament. That exam includes the preparation of 13 chapters assigned by the examiner in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Greek New Testament. The Seminary will provide the examinee a GNT for NT exam. Students are expected to know Greek vocabulary with a frequency of 10 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours.
New Testament
Translation
Students will need to translate a section or pericope (normally between 7 to 12 verses) from the 13 selected chapters. When required, the exam should include a relevant discussion of the textual witnesses and critical apparatus notes of the GNT.
Literary Analysis
The literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand including the textual marker for the delimitation of the chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection style of the language in light its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including a literary structure of larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage.
In all reflections the student must refer and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing an MA-R degree with a concentration in New Testament need to be prepared for an examination on Theology of the New Testament.
Students are assigned to prepare 3 subjects from the NT and 2 NT books to explore their respective theologies. The exam should include a discussion on the methodological trends in the study of a subject or book from the theological view.
The exam will be written using a computer. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours. The Seminary will provide the examinee with an English Bible during this exam.
The Subjects listed below should be considered in the preparation for this exam.
NT Books
Students should be prepared to describe the theology of an assigned subject and a biblical book.
The exam should start with the discussion on the methodological trends and the process that led to the conclusive theology of a particular subject/book of the NT. The discussion should demonstrate an explicit and profuse use of biblical references to support the inferred biblical theology of the assigned subject or book.
Although the focus of the exam is on the theology of the New Testament for example, the interaction with Old Testament theology should not be neglected if it is needed, and vice versa.
The discussion of the theology of a subject or theme should include the entire New Testament. The theology of a theme should integrate basic exegesis insights as a starting point for elaborating the biblical theology of a particular theme in the NT.
In the discussion of the theology of a book, the focus of the exam is on the assigned book and students should recognize that a biblical book includes more than a single theological subject.
Interaction with notable scholars is expected in the argumentation of theological ideas. Such interaction may include different perspectives from different schools of biblical theology (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Adventist, or other perspectives). References to relevant academic literature are highly expected. The presentation of the discussion or argumentation should show a logical organization.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing an MA-R degree with a concentration in Biblical Languages need to be prepared for an examination on the Exegesis of the Old Testament. That exam includes the preparation of 13 chapters assigned by the examiner in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Hebrew Bible. The Seminary will provide the examinee with a BHS and a Hebrew lexicon for the OT exam. Students are expected to know Hebrew vocabulary with a frequency of 50 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours.
Old Testament
Translation
Students will need to translate a section or pericope (normally between 7 to 12 verses) from the 13 selected chapters. When required, the exam should include a relevant discussion of the textual witnesses and critical apparatus notes of the BHS.
Literary Analysis
The literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand including the textual marker for the delimitation of the chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection style of the language in light its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including a literary structure of larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage.
In all reflections the student must refer and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
Students pursuing an MA-R degree with a concentration in Biblical Languages need to be prepared for an examination on the Exegesis of the New Testament. That exam includes the preparation of 13 chapters assigned by the examiner in agreement with the student. The chapters encompass a variety of genres and text types found within the Greek New Testament.
The Seminary will provide the examinee a GNT for NT exam. Students are expected to know Greek vocabulary with a frequency of 10 or more. The allotted time for the exam is 3 hours.
B. Sections of the Biblical Books
New Testament
Translation
Students will need to translate a section or pericope (normally between 7 to 12 verses) from the 13 selected chapters. When required, the exam should include a relevant discussion of the textual witnesses and critical apparatus notes of the GNT.
Literary Analysis
The literary analysis is the main part of the exegesis exam. Students will first describe the elements of the passage at hand including the textual marker for the delimitation of the chapter’s pericopes, the identification of the sentences or clauses of the pericopes, grammatical and syntactical analysis of the passage, as well as a reflection style of the language in light its respective literary genre.
Students will next explore the larger context of the passage, including a literary structure of larger setting within the biblical book, as well as a discussion on the relationship of the passage to the larger context of the book. A brief historical context of the passage can be added if it is relevant for a better understanding of the passage.
In all reflections the student must refer and discuss relevant academic literature (primary and secondary resources) to argue the exegetical points.
Please consult with your examiner for a recommended bibliography and other relevant academic resources.
*These guidelines provide general instructions for the examination. Students should contact the appointed examiner for detailed instructions regarding exam preparation.
Biblical Studies Department 02-22-23
