grand rapids theological seminarydedicated to
faithful interpretation

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m.a. biblical exegesis

one of the newest programs at grand rapids theological seminary, the m.a. in biblical exegesis prepares you to understand scripture in its original languages and contexts to become a better steward of interpretation. these are valuable skills for students interested in a pastoral role that requires preaching and teaching, or teaching at the collegiate level.

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degree type

master of arts

format
ⓘ

on-site
live
anytime

credit hours

46-47

0

total grts graduates in the 2019/20 school year.

0%

of grts students take classes part-time.

0%

of students receive a grant or scholarship.

transform the way
you read scripture

the m.a. in biblical exegesis program requires 46 to 47 credit hours and can be completed either on-campus or online in two to three years. whether you desire to strengthen your preaching and teaching or are preparing for further study toward a doctoral degree, the m.a. in biblical exegesis will transform the way you read and interpret scripture.

through rigorous course work and mentorship from your professors and peers, you will be guided through the language and history of the bible, looking deeply at scripture in the original languages and analyzing the text in its historical and cultural contexts. students in this program can expect to take courses in the following areas:

history and culture of the ancient near east.
history and culture of the greco-roman world.
hebrew and/or greek language study.
old testament and/or new testament exegesis.

careers

an m.a. in biblical exegesis is designed to strengthen the teaching and preaching of ministry professionals, to prepare students for further education or to equip students for a ministry career that requires engagement with the original languages of the bible.

opportunities

pastoral ministry
christian publishing
bible translation
ph.d. or d.min. studies

program highlights

strengthen preaching and teaching: foundational courses in biblical studies and theology will be immediately applicable to preaching and teaching ministries.

in-depth, original language exegesis: m.a. in biblical exegesis students take a 5-course sequence in greek, hebrew or both. this rigorous engagement of scripture helps students discern the original author’s intent. students are better equipped to creatively study scripture, arrive at a nuanced interpretation and communicate god’s truth to today’s world.

travel to the ancient world of the bible for credit: our students learn to read the bible with new eyes through a first-hand experience of the israel, palestine and jordan if you elect to participate in a faculty-led tour for credit.

a text
that transforms

at grts, we believe that god’s word has the power to transform lives. as someone called to teach or preach scripture, we want to equip you with both critical thinking and language skills so that you can serve god’s people well.

course list

the m.a. in biblical exegesis program features rigorous course work designed to equip you to engage the text of scripture in its original languages and context.

basic core courses

the basic core of the m.a. in biblical exegesis consists of 16/17 credits:

bbl-501 biblical hermeneutics

an introduction to the process of determining the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts.

bbl-601 experiencing the ancient world of the bible or bbl-506 the ancient world of the bible

through extensive travel and on-site study, a detailed study of the history, culture and geography of ancient israel, the ancient near east, and the mediterranean basin from the late bronze age through the roman period with an emphasis on illuminating the world of the bible.

the-501 program introduction seminar

this course prepares students for the rigors of graduate scholarship by honing the skills of graduate research, reading and writing.

the-540 systematic theology i

this course introduces and practices a metanarrative for doing theology. the biblical narratives and propositions are heard in the context of the story that begins with creation, is centered in jesus’ first coming and reaches its culmination in the new heavens and earth.

the-640 systematic theology ii

this course continues our metanarrative theology by examining the christian story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation, with special attention
added: given to the nature and task of humanity, the distortion of the world through sin and the redemptive work and person of jesus christ and the holy spirit.

the-641 systematic theology iii

this course will examine in detail the doctrine of salvation (soteriology), the church (ecclesiology), the basic elements of pastoral theology (internal and external call to the ministry, ordination, ministry of the word and sacraments, church discipline and pastoral spiritual formation) and the four last things (death, judgment, heaven and hell).

exegetical specializations

m.a. in biblical exegesis students will select a 30-credit specialization in old testament, new testament or a combination of both the old and new testaments.

old and new testament

bbl-516 hebrew i
bbl-517 hebrew ii
bbl-640 ot i: intro to hebrew exegesis
bbl-641 ot ii: exegesis in the pentateuch or bbl-642 ot iii: exegesis in the prophets
bbl-510 greek i
bbl-511 greek ii
bbl-672 nt i: intro to exegesis
bbl-677 nt ii: the gospels or bbl-678 nt iii: the general epistles
bible electives (select any two bbl courses)

old testament

bbl 516 hebrew i
bbl-517 hebrew ii
bbl-640 ot i: intro to exegesis
bbl-641 ot ii: exegesis in the pentateuch
bbl-642 ot iii: exegesis in the prophets
bible electives (select any six bbl courses)

new testament

bbl-510 greek i
bbl-511 greek ii
bbl-672 nt i: intro to exegesis
bbl-677 nt ii: the gospels
bbl-678 nt iii: the general epistles
bible electives (select any six bbl courses)

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program learning outcomes

program learning outcomes are the foundation of a grts degree. explore how our m.a. in biblical exegesis program prepares you to learn, serve and lead for a lifetime of ministry.

learn more

at grts, i learned that true discipleship requires courageous curiosity.

jennifer mccormick-bridgewater (’20)

faculty

our faculty at grand rapids theological seminary are prepared to help you answer big questions about the bible and faithfully interpret god’s word.

related programs

grts offers several programs that prioritize biblical interpretation. take a look at some of the other graduate programs we offer in this field.

admissions office

contact

p:: 800.697.1133
e:: seminary@cornerstone.edu

office location

3000 leonard street ne grand rapids, mi 49525

hours

mon - fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: closed

request info apply today

want to learn more about grts?

request info apply today

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