What Genre is the Book? The Bible isn’t just one book. It is a collection. Different genres use different tools to convey the same message. What are some of the basic tools that different genres use?

Questions to Ask Before Interpreting a Passage What genre is the book? What is the context of the book? Where does the book fit in the Bible as a whole? What is the book about? What is a quick summary of the book? Where does this passage take place in the book? What happened right before it? What happens right after it?

Questions to Ask Before Interpreting a Passage How does the Church use this passage? If it’s used liturgically what other passages is it paired with? Are there any references/parallels to other texts in the Bible? Are there any of those little footnotes with citations elsewhere in the Bible? If so, what other passages does it send you to?

What does the passage mean??? Literal Sense Spiritual Sense – Allegorical sense – Moral – Anagogical

Typology Type God is outside of time and doesn’t make things up as He goes along Scripture refers to Scripture Even St. Paul does it ALL the TIME – 1 Cor. 10:2, Romans 5:15 Examples: Isaac-Jesus, Ark of the Covenant- Mary

Pro-tips Priests and people used to working with Scripture use commentaries which are books that help immensely with this process! While this long process is VERY helpful for understanding Scripture this is NOT how you pray with Scripture.

Exegesis This process is called exegesis from the Greek word meaning to “lead out”. Important note: means the meaning should come out of the text. There is a bad habit some people (even some theologians and priests) have of taking the message they want and forcing it the text. DO NOT PUT WORDS IN GOD’S MOUTH!

Our Attitude When interpreting Scripture our attitude to the text can make a huge difference. Suspicion vs. belief How do we view the supernatural aspects of the texts?

Let’s give this a shot! Exodus 20:1-20

Genre The genre of Exodus is a historical narrative. It makes use of symbolic language tied into a historical account that has been passed down for generations. Now it’s YOU’RE TURN!!!!!

Allegorical Sense What does the parallel between this passage and the Sermon on the Mount tell us about Jesus’ role?

Anagogical sense This one can be tricky, particularly with this particular text. What can a text about God gathering a people to Himself, giving them an identity as “His People” and uniting them in one way of life tell us about our eternal destiny in Heaven?