📖 Biblical Definition
Biblical exposition is explaining Scripture as intended by its divine and human authors. Nehemiah records the paradigm: the Levites "read in the book distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand" (Nehemiah 8:8). Jesus practiced exposition: "Beginning at Moses, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). Paul commanded: "give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:13).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The act of explaining or interpreting a text; the clear, systematic explanation of Scripture.
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EXPOSI'TION, n. A setting forth or explaining the meaning of an author. Applied to Scripture: the reverent unpacking of what God has said — the preacher serving the text rather than the text serving the preacher.
📖 Key Scripture
• Nehemiah 8:8 — "They read in the book distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand."
• Luke 24:27 — "Beginning at Moses, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."
• 1 Timothy 4:13 — "Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."
• 2 Timothy 2:15 — "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Exposition has been replaced in many churches by entertainment, topical talks, and motivational speeches.
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The abandonment of biblical exposition is the most destructive trend in modern Christianity. Expository preaching has been replaced by topical sermons, motivational talks, and entertainment. The result is biblical illiteracy. The recovery of the church always begins with the recovery of exposition.
Usage
• "Nehemiah 8:8 is the model for all faithful preaching: read the text clearly, explain its meaning, and help the people understand."
• "The decline of exposition has produced Christians who know self-help principles but cannot navigate the Scriptures."