Assignment Brief: Interpretation Paper for BIBL 350 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

For module leaders in BIBL 350, this Interpretation Paper remains a central assignment that tests students’ ability to apply hermeneutical principles systematically. It follows the interpretive journey model from the core textbook, requiring careful attention to historical-cultural context, literary analysis, theological meaning, and contemporary application. The task encourages disciplined exegesis while discouraging proof-texting or eisegesis. Assign it after covering the hermeneutical process in detail, allowing time for research. In moderation, prioritize verification of accurate contextual analysis, sound theological synthesis, proper source engagement, and clear separation between original meaning and modern relevance.

Assignment Overview

Complete an Interpretation Paper by selecting one biblical passage and applying the four steps of the interpretive journey: observe the text in its context, determine the meaning for the original audience, identify theological principles, and propose faithful contemporary applications.

Assignment Instructions

1. Select one passage from the approved list: Psalm 23 (Poetry), Isaiah 52:13–53:12 (Prophecy), or Ephesians 2:1-10 (Epistle).
2. Structure the paper in four main sections corresponding to the interpretive journey steps: Step 1 – Grasp the text in their town (historical-cultural and literary context with observation); Step 2 – Measure the width of the river (differences between then and now); Step 3 – Cross the principlizing bridge (timeless theological principles); Step 4 – Grasp the text in our town (contemporary application).
3. Support analysis with at least four scholarly sources beyond the Bible and course textbook, including commentaries or hermeneutics works.
4. Use current Turabian format for all citations and include a bibliography. Integrate sources to strengthen exegesis rather than dominate the paper.
5. Submit as a single document via the course platform by the due date. Demonstrate original work and rigorous application of course methods.

The paper must be 1,500–1,800 words (a 6–7 page hermeneutical analysis paper), excluding title page and bibliography. Significant deviations incur penalties.

Marking Rubric

Use this rubric for transparent and consistent evaluation. Total: 100 points.

• Structure and Organization (15 points): Clear adherence to interpretive journey steps with logical flow. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.
• Contextual Analysis (Step 1) (25 points): Thorough historical-cultural and literary observations with textual evidence. Excellent: 23–25; Good: 18–22; Fair: 13–17; Poor: Below 13.
• Theological Principlizing (Steps 2–3) (30 points): Accurate identification of differences and timeless principles grounded in the text. Excellent: 27–30; Good: 21–26; Fair: 15–20; Poor: Below 15.
• Application (Step 4) (20 points): Faithful, specific, and realistic contemporary applications. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Source Use and Citation (10 points): Effective integration of at least four scholarly sources with correct Turabian formatting. Excellent: 9–10; Good: 7–8; Fair: 5–6; Poor: Below 5.

Study Notes

Psalm 23 portrays the Lord as a shepherd who provides guidance, sustenance, and protection through life’s valleys. Historical-cultural context reveals shepherding imagery familiar to ancient Israel, drawing on God’s covenant care seen in leaders like David. Literary features include metaphor, parallelism, and a shift from third-person description to direct address. The original meaning assured Israelites of Yahweh’s personal provision amid peril. The river width involves differing views of security and afterlife language. Timeless principles affirm God’s sovereign care and presence in suffering. Applications today encourage believers facing anxiety to trust divine guidance and find comfort in God’s rod and staff. As Duvall and Hays explain, crossing the principlizing bridge requires identifying truths that remain valid across cultures while avoiding direct transfer of cultural specifics (Duvall, J. S. and Hays, J. D., 2020. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible).

References

Duvall, J. S. and Hays, J. D., 2020. Grasping God’s Word: A hands-on approach to reading, interpreting, and applying the Bible. 4th edn. Zondervan Academic. DOI: 10.2307/j.ctv1ddctg8.

Klein, W. W., Blomberg, C. L. and Hubbard, R. L., 2017. Introduction to biblical interpretation. 3rd edn. Zondervan Academic. Available at: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/introduction-to-biblical-interpretation.

Fee, G. D. and Stuart, D., 2019. How to read the Bible for all its worth. 4th edn. Zondervan. Available at: https://www.zondervan.com/9780310517825/how-to-read-the-bible-for-all-its-worth/.

Virkler, H. A. and Ayayo, K. G., 2021. Hermeneutics: Principles and processes of biblical interpretation. Baker Academic. Available at: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/hermeneutics-3rd-edition/123457.