In the next section, we discuss the usefulness of the digital Study Bible for the more advanced Bible user. In particular, it concerns the undertaking of verse-by-verse exegesis (read also the article "The Explanation of Scripture") and the usefulness of the given Greek text with variant readings (see also the article "The New Testament Text").
Using the tools in the Study Bible, we will take you through all the areas of study that can shed light on the explanation of a particular passage. Please note, therefore, that this is exclusively about explaining a specific text and not, for example, thematic approaches. We take a short and therefore well-organized Bible verse, namely Matt. 26:32. We systematically go through the fields that can be examined using the information provided by the Study Bible.
Step 1
We must begin by establishing the Greek text, the so-called text establishment. About this the second column on the left page informs. It appears that the four text editions compared in the SB have no differences here. This, of course, is often the case. For a detailed exemplary discussion of a Bible verse with a text difference, see below, section 9.1.
Step 2
Next, we look at the translation of the text. The interlinear translation under the Greek words in the left window gives a word-for-word translation and shows us the structure of the Greek sentence: after - however - the - rising - I - will go before - you - to - Galilee. Under the Translations tab in the right window you will find several modern translations. We note here that especially 'the rising up' is translated differently. We find the following translations: 'after I will be resurrected' (SV), 'after I will be raised' (NBG), 'when I am raised by God' (GNB) and 'after My resurrection' (WV). In this there is quite a difference. In the SV the resurrection is described as an act of Jesus, in the NBG as the act of another, in the GNB as an act of God, and the WV keeps it neutral. It appears that this is the translation of the Greek word egerthçnai. Clicking on the Greek word takes us to the word study of that word. There we find that it is about the verb egeirō, which means "to arouse, to cause to rise. In the concordance (make sure it is checked) we click on the number after the text portion of our verse (.28), then we get to the word forms and see that it concerns the passive or suffering form (to be raised). So it refers to an act of another. So, according to this information, the NBG and the GNB (which translates slightly more explanatory) are closest to the intent of the text.
Step 3
Next, we consider the literary form (genre) of the text. This is also important for the explanation of "being raised," for in word study 1304 egeirō we read that in addition to a literal raising from the dead, "raising" can also be used metaphorically (cf. Matt. 11:11; Acts 13:22; Ezek. 37). If Jesus, as a wisdom teacher, is giving a wise saying or parable here, a metaphorical use is obvious. If he speaks a prophetic word here, a literal resurrection along the lines of the prophetic promise of the resurrection from the dead is obvious. In the commentary (see commentary window) we read that the latter is the case. Jesus here freely quotes Zech.13:7c.
Step 4
Next is the question of sources. Are there more sources that mention the same statement of Jesus and does this bring clarification? For this we go to the "synopsis" (click on "Synopsis" in index after Mat.28 - [Mat.26:32 should be the active entry]) to see if this verse also appears in other gospels. This is indeed the case; Marc.14:28 also gives this verse. However, it appears that there is only one difference: Mark adds the word "but" at the beginning of the verse. This does not change or clarify the meaning of the statement.
Step 5
Then we turn to historical research. Are there any issues of significance in this area? Now it has sometimes been suggested that in addition to the province to the northeast, there would be a village near Jerusalem named Galilee. Is this correct and what place is Jesus talking about here? We look this up in the word studies by clicking on the Greek word Galilaian in the Greek text window. Under the name Galilee we find an account of the province, but nothing about a village near Jerusalem. Nothing is known about the existence of a village of that name. We can therefore confidently consign that to the realm of the fables.
Step 6
We have arrived at the redaction study. First, here we look at the literary context to see if it clarifies the meaning of this verse. To do this, we go to the "Introduction to the Gospel to Matthew" (via the Articles tab in the right window). In the 'Outline' section we find the structure of the gospel explained and see that our verse is located in the pericope 'The denial of Peter' (26:69-75), a part of 'The execution of Jesus' (26:57-27:25), which in turn is a part of 'The suffering of Jesus' (26:-27:66). Furthermore, in the commentary window of our verse we can read a reference to Matt. 28:7b,10,16, which shows that the words Jesus utters here were fulfilled after Jesus' resurrection from the dead.
Step 7
For the explanation in terms of salvation historical context, we must consult the commentary in the commentary window. Matt.26 verse 32 is a free rendering of Zech.13:7c "but I will turn my hand to the little ones" (SV). Just as in Zech.13:7-9 the emphasis is on forming a believing remnant, so in Matt.26:31-32 the emphasis is on the promise in verse 32. Jesus' death heralds an era of scattering and tribulation (vs.31), but his resurrection the beginning of the salvation time promised by the prophets.
Step 8
With the discussion of the salvation-historical context, we have arrived at the second main form of explanation that we could distinguish among the apostles, namely theological interpretation (see the article "The Explanation of Scripture"). Through articles and word studies (and summarily also in the commentary window) you can find the more theological information. However, this category of explanation is less prominent than the linguistic and historical. This is a choice that comes from the design and structure of the Study Bible. In view of our sample verse, the theological information is limited to the commentary window. Nevertheless, from Zech.13, we can say the following in this context: the resurrection and "going before" Jesus to Galilee is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah that speaks of a shepherd, who is pierced by the people (Zech.12:10; cf. Matt.26:31), but whose death leads to the time of salvation (Zech.13:1-6). In principle, with the resurrection of Jesus, the promised salvation time begins.
Step 9
Finally, that leaves us with current interpretation. You will understand that this information is not within the scope of this study work. This interpretation should be sought prayerfully and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit "together with all the saints. Following our verse, we may perhaps think of a typological analogy between Jesus' first and his second coming. Just as Jesus would precede us to "Galilee" after His death on the cross and resurrection, so He will precede us to "Jerusalem" after the great tribulation in the last days and the great resurrection that takes place at His return.