Exegesis is the careful explanation of the meaning of a given text. The term comes from a Greek term, exegesis, that means “explanation.” Exegesis involves analyzing a text in its historical, cultural, and literary setting with concern for its lexical, grammatical, and theological content. The exegete focuses primarily on explaining the text’s message for its initial audience. In a real way, exegesis is the foundation for both biblical theology and systematic theology. Yet anyone who has been a seminary student or has sat in a biblical studies class knows that often exegesis and theology seem to be operating on different agendas. This is simply because these disciplines are asking questions from differing perspectives. Understanding how each works helps relieve some of the tension felt in the differences of approach. There is nothing wrong with examining a text from various angles in order to appreciate the various dimensions of that biblical text.
Spirit and life” (John 6:63).
The Greek word translated “words” in John. 6:63, is rhema, which means spoken word. So it is the spoken word of the Spirit in our hearts which releases life to us.“ This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
The Greek word translated “know” is ginosko, which is the word for intimate knowing, and is used when describing a man “knowing” his wife and conceiving a child. Eternal life is intimately experiencing God, walking with Him in the garden in the cool of the day, fellowshipping with Him. That was the initial design (Gen. 3:8), and it has not changed! His hunger is for His sheep to hear His voice and to live by His Spirit’s guidance.
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will _ow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive…” John 7:38-39