Exegesis – drawing the meaning out of a text, especially Scripture, by paying attention to its context, grammar, and original intent. Eisegesis means reading your own ideas or assumptions into a text instead of letting the text speak for itself.
In plain language
- Exegesis: “What did the author mean?”
- Eisegesis: “What do I want this text to mean?”
Exegesis tries to understand the passage as its original audience would have understood it, while eisegesis starts with a preconceived idea and then looks for a verse to support it.
Why it matters
In Bible study and theology, exegesis is considered the careful and faithful method because it seeks the text’s intended meaning. Eisegesis is usually treated as poor interpretation because it can distort the passage by forcing outside ideas onto it.
Simple example
If a verse says something about “light,” exegesis asks how “light” functions in that passage’s historical and literary setting. Eisegesis would be taking your own favorite meaning of “light” and making the verse say that, even if the context does not support it.
Brother Roger
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