Senses of Scripture

Exegesis Critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture. Two main Senses of Scripture  Literal and Spiritual. Spiritual = Moral, Allegorical, Anagogical.

Literal The meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture, and discovered by exegesis, following the rules of sound interpretation Note:"All other senses of Sacred Scripture are based on the literal Ask yourself: What is literally being said? What meaning is intended by the authors of the scripture? What is the historical context of the scripture?

Moral The events reported in Scripture ought to lead us to act justly. As St. Paul says, they were written ‘for our instruction’” Ask yourself: What does this say about how one should act?

Allegorical Understanding a passage within its context of Jesus. “We can acquire a more profound understanding of events by recognizing their significance in Christ.” CCC 117 Ask yourself: How does this scripture passage apply to Christ? Example: Crossing of the Red Sea = Baptism of Christ Isaac carrying wood up the mountain =?

Anagogical Ask yourself: Understanding scripture within in context of our human nature and destiny. We can view realities and events in terms of their eternal significance, leading us toward our true homeland.” CCC 117 Ask yourself: How does a scripture passage apply to our destinies as human beings?

“The Letter speaks of deeds; Allegory to faith; The Moral how to act; Anagogy our destiny” -Medieval Couplet

With your group Use your new interpretive tools to do an exegesis on scripture. Choose one passage, read out loud in your group Materials: 1 paper 1 writing utensil Round Robin Write Person #1 starts as scribe – write down group answer Person #2 shares thought/idea Person # 3 shares Person #4 shares Rotate scribe - #3 shares first then #4 then #1 – Rinse and repeat! Each person will have written in two of the sections.