Biblical Exegesis: Step Five: Determine the Theological Principle(s) in the Text

Guiding Question: What is/are the theological principle(s) in this text?

1. Theological Principle

a. Identify/determine the broader theological principle(s) – the main theological point – reflected in the text. Interact appropriate sources to clarify any theological questions.

b. Write out the theological principle(s) in one or two sentences using present-tense verbs.

c. Provide a rationale or justification for the theological principle(s) by testing them using the criteria for formulating the theological principle. [1]

•  The principle should be reflected in the text.
• The principle should be timeless and not tied to a specific situation.
• The principle should not be tied to a specific culture.
• The principle should correspond to the teaching of the rest of Scripture.
•  The principle should be relevant to both the biblical and contemporary audience.

2. Revise the theological principle(s) if necessary.