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BNT716 Greek Exegesis: Galatians
Cincinnati Bible Seminary
Spring, 2008
Dr. William R. Baker
Tuesdays: 6:30-9:10 PM
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A careful study of the Greek text of the Epistle of Galatians, emphasizing the contribution of the language to the message of the letter. 3 hours.
RATIONALE
As the final level of the Greek language program, this course assumes students have a firm grasp of grammar and translation of the Greek text and have been exposed to syntax issues, textual criticism, and word study processes but recognizes the need for students to gain greater facility with these crucial aspects of Greek New Testament studies as well as the need to learn how to employ their Greek in exegesis and exposition. After working so hard to learn Greek, students will receive help to transition this knowledge into preaching and teaching.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course students will:
1) demonstrate proficiency in translating the Greek text of Galatians.
2) demonstrate expertise in interpretive syntax, textual criticism, and word studies.
3) demonstrate thorough interactive reading of Greek exegetical commentaries.
4) complete a full exegesis of one significant passage in Galatians.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Baker, William. Exegesis Project Handbook. (Moodle)
Bruce, F. F. Commentary on Galatians. New international Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.
Fee, Gordon. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1993.
Kubo, Sakae. A Reader's Greek-English Lexicon. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975. (Students should already have this from Advanced Greek)
Wallace, Daniel. The Basics of New Testament Syntax. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000. (Students should already have this from Advanced Greek.)
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Galatians: Greek Exegetical Commentaries
Betz, Ernst. Galatians. Hermeneia. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1979.
Burton, Ernest DeWitt Burton. The Epistle of Galatians. International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1921.
Longenecker, Richard. Galatians. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX: Word, 1990.
Matera, Frank. Galatians. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1992.
Martyn, J. Louis. Galatians. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1997.
Galatians: English-Based Commentaries
Cole, R. A. The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians. Tyndale New Testament Commentariies. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989.
Cousar, Charles. Galatians. Interpetation. Atlanta: John Knox, 1982.
Fung, Ronald. The Epistle to the Galatians. New International Critical New Testament Commentary). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.
Guthrie, Donald. Galatians. New Century. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1973.
Hanson, G. W. Galatians. IVP New Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1994.
Stott, John R. W. The Message of Galatians. Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1968.
MAJOR LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Due the first day of class
1) Read the Epistle of Galatians through in English in one sitting. Write a paragraph on elements of the book which spark your interest.
2) Read Bruce’s “Introduction,” pp 1-58, plus the introduction to one of the other Greek exegetical commentaries in the bibliography, the section on Galatian in Donald Guthrie, New Testament Introduction (Downers Grove, InterVarsity, 1965), Werner George Kummel, Introduction to the New Testament, trans. Howard Clark Kee (Nashville: Abingdon, 1987), or Carson, Moo, Morris, An Introduction to the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992). Write one-paragraph summaries of the key issues involving authorship, dating, recipients, and occasion.
B. Due each week as we go along for the appropriate sections.
1) Prepare to translate the Greek and discuss syntax and commentary issues. The optimum in translation is to be able to do so without notes, reading from the Greek text with a clear knowledge of difficult grammatical parsings as well as syntax issues. A prepared note sheet should be ready for consultation as needs demand and will be turned in each week for evaluation. You should have a written-out translation in yor notes, but you SHOULD NOT READ FROM IT when you are reciting. If you don’t do so already, prepare each verse by writing down each word you don’t know or can’t parse in your head on the left column of your paper. Write out the lectionary form of each word, its meaning, and parsing to the right. At the end write out your translation. Be sure to utilize Kubo to speed up the translation process.
2) Also, be sure to PRACTISE READING EACH VERSE OUT LOUD, since you will be evaluated on your ability to do this. First, be sure you can read all consonant and vowel sounds correctly. Second, be able to emphasize the accented syllable(s) of each word. Third, work on natural phrasing of prepositional phrases, subject/verb, noun and modifiers. Be sure to utilize Kubo to speed up the translation process.
3) Add to your analysis for each verse, your understanding of the syntax for key words, but especially all genitives, imperfects, and participles, using Wallace. A syntax guide of terminolgy from Daniel Wallace, Basics of New Testament Greek Syntax is provided with this syllabus, but other syntax orientations are acceptable.
4) Exegetical preparation should include reading the relevant portion of Bruce, and one other exegetical commentary of your choice, taking written notes on key interpretive issues. There should be some for EVERY verse. Awareness of the occasional textual issue of consequence should be considered as well.
5) Corrections and additions (perhaps in a different color pen or something) to this work should be done as we go through the passages in class.
C. Due at a few peg dates through the semester
1) Tasks which lead toward your exegetical paper. By the second week of the semester, each student will choose a portion of Galatians as the base for their exegetical project. This should consist of a brief paragraph, or portion of a paragraph, covering between 8-12 lines in the Greek New Testament.
2) Orientation of sequential task in the exegetical process will occur in class and be coordinated
with reading from Fee. Due dates spread through the semester will move each student through the
semester to a completed exegetical paper..
GRADING
In-Class Translation/Syntax/Commentary Preparation, Vocab Quizzes 40%
Exegesis Project 40%
Final Exam 20%
ODDS AND ENDS
Attendance Policy: No absences are allowed without valid reasons which are communicated to me before or immediately after the absence. Absences do not change due dates for required work. Extensive absences will result in grade loss or lack of credit for the course. Check handbook.
Late Work Policy: No late work is acceptable. Appropriate grade reductions will be assessed, usually one letter grade per week. This includes work due the first day of class.
Extensions: See the seminary office for official extension for course work beyond the final due date.
Cell Phones: TURN THEM OFF. DO NOT ACCEPT OR MAKE CALLS DURING CLASS
Social Activity: Night out after class on April 29th.
Contact: On Mondays and Tuesdays, sometimes Wednesday I am available in my office (lower level of the grad building). Home phone: 513-683-6058; e-mail:
COURSE SCHEDULE
Jan 15 Syllabus/ Introduction to Galatians
Jan 22 Gal 1:1-10 DUE: TASK 1 AND EXEGESIS CHOICE
Jan 29 Galatians 1:11-24 DUE: TASK 2
Feb 5 Galatians 2:1-10 DUE: TASKS 3, 4, 5
Feb 12 Galatians 2:11-21 DUE: TASK 6
Feb 19 Galatians 3:1-14 DUE: TASK 7
Feb 26 Galatians 3:15-25 DUE: TASKS 8, 9
Mar 4 Galatians 3:26-4:7 DUE: TASKS 10a, 10b
Mar 11 SPRING BREAK
Mar 18 Galatians 4:8-20 DUE: TASK 10c
Mar 25 Galatians 4:21-5:1 DUE: TASK 11, 12
Apr 1 Galatians 5:2-14 DUE: TASK 13
Apr 8 Galatians 5:16-26 DUE; TASK 14
April 11-12 SCJ Conference (Extra Credit, Help Preside)
Apr 15 Galatians 6:1-10
Apr 22 Galatians 6:11-18
Apr 29 Exegesis Oral Presentations DUE: EXEGESIS PAPER AND ALL TASKS
(Night out after class)
May 6 Final Exam
SYNTAX (Daniel Wallace, Basics of New Testament Syntax, Zondervan, 2000)
Greek Exegesis. BLA 615
NOMINATIVE
Primary
Subject
Predicate Nominative
Nominative in Simple Apposition
Grammatically Independent Uses
Nominative Absolute
Nominative Pendent
Parenthetic Nominative
Nominative for Vocative
Nominative of Exclamation
VOCATIVE
Direct Address
Simple
Emphatic
Exceptional Usage in Acts
Apposition
GENITIVE
Adjectival
Descriptive
Possessive
Relationship
Partitive
Attributive
Attributed
Material
Content
Simple Apposition
Predicative
Subordination
Ablative
Separation
Source
Comparison
Verbal (Related to a Verbal Noun)
Subjective
Objective
Plenary
Adverbial
Time
Means
Agency
Absolute
Reference
Association
After Certain Words
After Certain Verbs ( as Direct Object)
After Certain Adjectives (and Adverbs)
After Cerain Prepositions
DATIVE
Pure Dative
Indirect Object
Interest (including Advangtage and Disadvantage)
Reference
Destination
Possessions
Simple Apposition
Local
Sphere
Time
Instrument
Association
Manner
Means/Instrument
Agency
Measure
Cause
Cognate
After Certain Words
After Certain Verbs (Direct Object)
After Certain Nouns
After Certain Adjectives
After Certain Prepositions
ACCUSATIVE
Substantival
Direct Object
Double Accusative of Person-Thing
Double Accusative of Object-Complement
Predicate
Subject of Infinitive
Retained Object
Simple Apposition
Adverbial
Manner
Measure (extant, space, time)
Respect (reference)
Special Uses
After Certain Prepositions.
PARTICIPLES
Adjectival
Adjectival Proper (Dependent)
Substantival (Independent)
Verbal
Adverbial
Temporal
Manner
Means
Cause
Condition
Concession
Purpose (Telic)
Result
Attendant Circumstance
Indirect Discourse
Periphrastic
Redundant (Pleonastic)
Absolute
Nominative Absolute
Genitive Absolute
INFINITIVES
Adverbial
Purpose
Result
Time
Cause
Complementary (Supplementary)
Substantival
Subject
Direct Object
Indirect Discourse
Appositional
Epexegetical
Articular Infinitive
INDICATIVE VERBS
Present
Narrow-Band
Instantaneous (Aoristic or Punctiliar)
Progressive (Descriptive)
Broad-Band
Extending from Past Present
Iterative
Customary
Gnomic
Special Uses
Historical
Perfective
Conative (Tendential, Voluntative)
Futuristic
Present Retained in Indirect Discourse
Imperfect
Narrow-Band
Progressive (Descriptive)
Ingressive (Inceptive)
Broad-Band
Iterative
Customary
Special Uses
Conative
Imperfect Retained in Indirect Discourse
Aorist
Constative
Ingressive
Consummative
Epistolary
Proleptic (Futuristic)
Immediate Past/Dramatic
Future
Predictive
Imperatival
Deliberative
Perfect
Intensive (Resultive)
Extensive (Consummative)
Aoristic (Dramati or Historical)
Perfect with Present Force
Pluperfect
Intensive
Extensive
Simple Past
GUIDELINES FOR TERM PAPERS
Dr. William R. Baker
Cincinnati Bible Seminary
October 15, 2005
This is not intended to replace all the information graduate students receive in the “Mini-Manual of Form and Style Rules at CBC&S.” It is intended as a supplement to clarify particular concerns that may puzzle students. It only applies to my courses as standards for grading.
The Best Guide for Term Papers in Biblical Studies
The Chicago Manual of Style, which is the official manual for most graduate schools, is not itself readily available. Most schools depend on books that explain this standard, including especially the Manuel of Form and Style by Kate Turabien, which has been edited and revised many times. In biblical studies, however, the most helpful adaptation of Chicago is the SBL Handbook of Style, edited by Patrick Alexander et al. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1999). This provides how to’s for various footnote/bibliography issues but also supplies standard abbreviations for biblical and extra-biblical books commonly employed in the field. Not only that, but a student can look at copies of the Journal of Biblical Literature on any library shelf for examples of how everything is done. If you plan to do an M.A. thesis in biblical studies and continue on in this field you absolutely must purchase a copy of this. It is worth your while to get used to doing things according to the stylebook as soon as possible. I will include their biblical book abbreviation guide with this document.
Changes from CBC&S Guide
1) Please use Times New Roman font at either 11pt or 12pt size.
2) Please use Ibid when a footnote source is exactly the same as the source in the previous footnote. You simply write Ibid. or Ibid, with the different page number if that is not the same.
3) Put books, journals, etc in italics not underlined.
Form Expectations (Points taken off if not followed)
1) Include a title page plus one blank page (for my comments) at the beginning. The title page should include the student’s e-mail address and postal address. This includes papers turned in attached from e-mail.
2) Repeat the title of the paper on the first page.
3) Number each page, except the title page and blank page. It is very common for students to turn in unnumbered term papers since this must be inserted in documents and is not done automatically.
4) Use a one-inch margin all around the paper. Word automatically does 1 ¼” on the left and right, but this is not necessary unless you plan to have your paper bound (as you would a thesis). The only exception is the first page, which should have a two-inch top margin.
5) If a paper is more than 5 pages in length, it should have subdivisions: Introduction, Body, Bibliography, Conclusion. The introduction should orient readers to the subject plus contain a thesis statement (what you think or what you will prove) plus a layout of how this thesis will be proved or examined (subsection titles.). The Conclusion should summarize what the paper has done, reaffirm or state a modified form of the thesis based on the results in the paper, and then look to wider areas of application, theologically, biblically, in the church, personally, or for current culture.
Style Expectations (Points taken off if not followed)
1) Use SBL abbreviations for Bible books. Do not use a period after the abbreviation.
2) When referencing a single psalm do not use the plural: Psalm 140:1
2) When starting a sentence with a biblical reference, write out the name of the book in full: First Timothy 3:4 is a great verse. Otherwise, it may be abbreviated: I love 1 Tim 3:4. When mentioning the chapter only, you must write out book name: I love 1 Timothy 3
3) Do not capitalize pronouns that refer to God.
4) Capitalize Bible and Scripture but not biblical and scriptural,
5) Do not punctuate a subordinate clause as if it is a complete sentence.
6) Do not begin sentences with “but” or “and.” Change “but” to “However,” Eliminate “And”.
7) When using “but” in a complex sentence, do not precede it with a comma, unless the subsequent clause is complete (has a subject and a verb): He went to the store but did not buy bread. He went to the store, but he did not buy bread.
8) Make sure your verb and subject are in agreement (plural-plural, singular-singular)
9) Do not quote lengthy portions from your resources. Only quote when the author says something particularly well, and even then, keep it to the best part, maybe a sentence, or a portion of a sentence you can include in your sentence. You can summarize in your own words what the author says as much as you want. If it is a primary, hard-to-access ancient resource, like from Qumran or Greek philosophers or something, lengthier quotations are acceptable but they usually should be done as a block quote.