You have to ignore the context, avoid the text as a whole, and read into the text a premise not found in the text. Exegesis is drawing out text's meaning in accordance with the author's context and discoverable meaning. This is the first episode of my new series called "Understanding the Bible!" But I soon learned that exegesis is the opposite of eisegesis. W hat is biblical exegesis and what is biblical eisegesis and why is the latter so dangerous when reading and studying the Bible?. Discovering the original, intended meaning of a given text through careful, systematic study is our primary task, one Fee and Stuart describe as “primarily a historical task.” (27) Exegesis is an effort at reaching back into history to … However it is important to know what these words mean, and the kind of … The word exegesis literally means “to lead out of.” That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text. Exegesis is the form of Biblical interpretation which requires the reader to conduct a careful and objective analysis of the verse they have read. Biblical Example: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis. Eisegesis is a mishandling of the text and often leads to a misinterpretation. (Exegesis means ‘to lead out of’) On the other hand, eisegesis is the interpretation of a text based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word means "to draw out." LogosTalk.com, "What Is Exegesis & Why Does It Matter?" (27) Exegesis is an effort at reaching back into history to the original author and audience. I'll cover 3 terms that are foundational in how we interpret Scripture. Exegesis interprets a text based on a careful, objective analysis, being led to a conclusion by following the text itself. Exegesis: The investigation and study of Sacred Scripture through tradition, history, archaeology, and criticism, to find the true meaning. The obtaining of the meaning of a passage by drawing the meaning out from rather than reading it into the text. Exegesis means using the words of the text in Scripture, through the lens of their original context, to determine their intent. Both terms refer to the interpretation of a text. Find more ways to say exegesis, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Even if they had, you didn’t use the right or most correct approach to discovering the truth. Eisegesis refers to interpretation of a passage of Scripture based on a subjective understanding of the text. Not only do we run the risk of harboring false beliefs if we apply an eisegetical method to Bible study, but we can lead others astray by teaching others in this way. Eisegesis (/ ˌ aɪ s ɪ ˈ dʒ iː s ɪ s /) is the process of interpreting text in such a way as to introduce one's own presuppositions, agendas or biases.It is commonly referred to as reading into the text. The only possible way to come to any other conclusion is eisegesis. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. The Letter of St. James. It is a mishandling of the text and leads to erroneous interpretation. More than 400 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids. 2 Ways to Read the Bible. Exegesis, then, demands one conclusion. Did You Know? The word exegesis literally means “to lead out of.” That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text. Exegesis and eisegesis are antonyms. Eisegesis is, in short, the exact opposite of hermeneutics. 1. Eisegesis is about putting into the text something never intended by the author. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. Exegesis, then, demands one conclusion. Eisegesis is when we read into the text ideas and concepts that are absent from the original intent, context and meaning of the text. Exegesis and eisegesis are two opposing views to the study of the Bible. Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. Eisegesis is an interpretive vice in which a biblical interpreter (usually unknowingly) leads or brings meaning into the text that is actually foreign to the text itself. Exegesis and eisegesis. What Is the Christian View of Circumcision? Exegesis is concerned with discovering the true meaning of the text, respecting its grammar, syntax, and setting. The … Politicians or other leaders may take a Bible verse out of context and interpret it using their own biased perspective to justify implementing a policy. Why is context so important in studying the Bible? The obtaining of the meaning of a passage by drawing the meaning out from rather than reading it into the text. Exegesis, on the other hand, is when you interpret the text with careful, interpretive analysis, and the word essentially means “to lead out of”. In other words, exegesis interprets a text by analyzing what the author intended to communicate. This then contaminates our interpretation. The word exegesis literally means “to lead out of.” That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text. Exegesis and eisegesis are two opposing views to the study of the Bible. Eisegesis is concerned only with making a point, even at the expense of the meaning of words. The terms “exegesis” and “eisegesis” refer to how you read the Bible. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. They let the text itself reveal what the writer is revealing to the reader. Reading into the Biblical text what isn't there in order to conform the interpretation of the text to certain preconceived ideas or theories. You have to ignore the context, avoid the text as a whole, and read into the text a premise not found in the text. For starters, let’s agree on the definitions for both eisegesis and exegesis. Eisegesis. eisegesis: [noun] the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas — compare exegesis. Exegesis and eisegesis On 14 January 2014 14 December 2020 By Donald In Bible Exegesis , Definitions , Dictionary , preaching , Scripture As a divinity student in 1980 I came across the term ‘exegesis’ in reference to the exegesis of Scripture. Learn more. Eisegesis is bad. TASK 1: Exegesis. However, we must be aware of the other side of the coin, that is if we don’t want to potentially ruin our interpretation. Exegesis tends to be objective when employed effectively while eisegesis is regarded as highly subjective. Which parts of the Bible apply to us today? Eisegesis is reading into the Bible one's own ideas or prejudices. Who were they writing too and what would these words have meant to them? Anecdotal Example: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis. (This is in contrast to what has come to be know as eisegesis, where one reads his own meaning into the text.) … Exegesis (/ ˌ ɛ k s ɪ ˈ dʒ iː s ɪ s /; from the Greek ἐξήγησις from ἐξηγεῖσθαι, "to lead out") is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious text.Traditionally the term was used primarily for work with the Bible.In modern usage, biblical exegesis is used to distinguish it from other critical text explanation. Eisegesis biblical interpretation approaches differ with exegesis. Homosexual behavior is sinful and marriage is between a male and a female. By Gary F. Zeolla. The right method matters because we cannot take God-breathed Scriptures lightly (2 Timothy 3:16). The rest of the article will cover the reasons for pursuing exegesis and avoiding eisegesis. Find out more about her here. Eisegesis. All rights reserved. An example would be in viewing 1 Cor. Eisegesis is best understood when contrasted with exegesis. There are two ways of handling a Bible passage. Deriving meaning OUT of carefully studying a text is called exegesis. How to use exegesis in a sentence. ), and eisegesis reads a meaning into a text (that’s bad!). Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. Biblical exegesis involves the examination of a particular text of scripture in order to properly interpret it. Of course, theologians frown upon this approach because it isn’t rooted in Scripture. Exegesis. Exegesis, as indicated by its etymology, is the act of critically interpreting a text in an attempt to "draw the meaning out" of the text. Reading into the Biblical text what isn't there in order to conform the interpretation of the text to certain preconceived ideas or theories. One who practices exegesis is called an exegete (/ ˌ ɛ k s ɪ ˈ dʒ iː t /; from Greek ἐξηγητής).The plural of exegesis is exegeses (/ ˌ ɛ k s ɪ ˈ dʒ iː s iː z /).Adjectives are exegetic or exegetical (e.g., exegetical commentaries). Exegesis, Eisegesis, and the Father of Cain. In other words, if one analyzes Scripture exegetically, they won’t come to the text with any conclusions. In this article I will break down the differences between Exegesis and Eisegesis and what kind of study should be used to be sure of correct Biblical Understanding, a term called Hermeneutics. Address and greeting: Romans 1:1-7. Importing meaning INTO a text either before or after carefully studying it is called eisegesis. Eisegesis comes from the Greek verb εἰσηγέομαι (eisegeomai) which literally means "to lead in" and is thus the exact opposite of exegesis. God ’s people need a good dose of the exegesis “vaccine” to restore the foundations of God ’s Word that the Christian worldview is built upon. The only possible way to come to any other conclusion is eisegesis. The word exegesis literally means “to lead out of.” That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text. Eisegesis. B. Usage. Exegesis vs. Eisegesis The word "exegesis" comes from the Greek verb εξηγησις (from εξηγεισθαι "to lead out"), which means "to draw out." Eisegesis Definition: Eisegesismeans reading into the text with a preconceived notion we may have. Someone who practises eisegesis is called an eisegete. Definition is Eisegesis: Interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. Answer: Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. Where hermeneutics is concerned with extracting the meaning out of biblical text, eisegesis (sometimes called “isogesis”) attempts to insert one’s own interpretation or meaning into the text. Exegesis refers to an explanation of the biblical text based on an investigation of the language, history, culture, and context of a passage in its original setting. What you are doing is described as being exegetical. Often among Bible scholars, one might hear these five-dollar words spoken in the same conversation: hermeneutics, eisegesis, and exegesis. EXEGESIS AND EISEGESIS: THE CHORAL COMPOSER AS SCRIPTURAL INTERPRETER WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SETTINGS OF THE MAGNIFICAT by Michael P. Dougherty A Dissertation Submitted to The Faculty of the Graduate School at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Musical Arts Greensboro 2008 Approved by _____ … Exegesis definition is - exposition, explanation; especially : an explanation or critical interpretation of a text. Answer: Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. n , pl -ses the interpretation of a text, esp a biblical text, using one's own ideas. Find more ways to say exegesis, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Usually, theologians pair hermeneutics with exegesis because you cannot have one without the other. Where hermeneutics is concerned with extracting the meaning out of biblical text, eisegesis (sometimes called “isogesis”) attempts to insert one’s own interpretation or meaning into the text. C. Only Exegesis does justice to the text. So which are you, an Exegete or an Eisegete? Homosexual behavior is sinful and marriage is between a male and a female. Eisegesis means reading into the text with a pre-conceived notion we may have. They examine the overall book in which the test was written, any large subdivisions, the remaining chapter, and the verses before and after it.… Or you’re just mad at your spouse that day, so they obviously stole the card from you. Exegesis would analyze all the clues presented before drawing a conclusion about who took the gift card. Before we go any further, we have to define these three concepts. Ever heard the terms Exegesis or Eisegesis? How can we know. Students 1 and 2 attempted exegesis, but committed a number of blunders. Exegesis definition: An exegesis is an explanation and interpretation of a piece of writing , especially a... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Exegesis refers to an explanation of the biblical text based on an investigation of the language, history, culture, and context of a passage in its original setting. Although they may seem similar, we need to draw a clear distinction between all three. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, He leads the text, not the text leading him. While exegesis is thought of as a task left to the “experts,” the authors insist there are ways for interested Christians to execute this task, too. What is wrong with looking at verses out of context? Define eisegesis. If there is a theological bias, the text will say exactly what the reader wants it to say. We’ll discuss why we need to follow exegesis instead of eisegesis and finally, ask ourselves why it matters. They come up a bit when discussing Biblical study, and put very simply, Eisegesis, meaning “to lead into” is when someone essentially approaches a text with their own notions, and makes that text fit their point of view. Exegesis: [Greek, exegeomai, = ex "to explain" ... Eisegesis: [Greek, eisagogilos, from eisago, "to introduce" = eis, "in", "into", and ago = "to lead"]. The practice of reading meaning into a biblical text, as opposed to the practice of drawing out the meaning that is already there (exegesis). As Martin Luther said: Copyright 2011-2021 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Exegesis (or hermeneutics) analysis of texts: the explanation or interpretation of texts, especially religious writings interpretation of specific text: an explanation or interpretation of a specific text Eisegesis an interpretation, especially of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text. Eisegesis is the process of interpreting a text such that one introduces their own assumptions and biases into its meaning. (Erickson, pp. by adminLP. Eisegesis is a form of Biblical interpretation where the reader uses his or her own feelings, or observations to give a verse meaning. Hermeneutics Definition: Hermeneuticsgoes somewhat hand in hand with exegesis. Hermeneutics is more concerned about how you interpret a passage (if you choose to do one process versus another), and exegesis means actually researching and discovering the meaning behind the text. Unlike exegesis, eisgesis introduces personal interpretations in the explanation of a text. I learned hermeneutics in my formal training; however, it was not until I did further study that I completely understood the four main terms in the interpretive process. Exegesis is about drawing out the true meaning of a Bible passage. In proper exegesis, the reader looks at the passage in context. Exegesis is what comes out of the Bible, as against what gets read into it. B. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. exegesis definition: 1. an explanation of a text, especially from the Bible, after its careful study 2. an explanation…. 1 year ago. "Biblical exegesis" is the act of drawing the meaning out of a Biblical text. Exegesis defined. Eisegesis is a means of interpreting content so as to support one’s own thinking, to support current events, or prove existing views. The preposition ek, with its object in the genitive case, means ‘out of.’ Eisegesis is an interpretive vice in which a biblical interpreter (usually unknowingly) leads or brings meaning into the text that is actually foreign to the text itself. Her column "Hope's Hacks," tips and tricks to avoid writer's block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young's blog. 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