How do exegesis and eisegesis differ?

Quick answer

: Exegesis is an objective, systematic method to understand the original meaning of a passage. In contrast, eisegesis is a subjective, selective approach where the reader imposes their own ideas on the text.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Second Timothy 2:15 teaches, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." Those who follow Christ are called to study His Word with diligence and to handle it rightly. Exegesis is a method of study that promotes this.

Exegesis (Greek: "to lead out") of a passage aims to discover the author's intended meaning for the original audience. This is done by carefully analyzing its historical, cultural, linguistic, and literary context, aiming to draw the meaning out of the text itself.

On the other hand, eisegesis (Greek: "to lead into") involves reading one's own preconceived ideas, beliefs, or biases into the text, often distorting its intended message to fit a desired conclusion. The broader context and original meaning are often ignored. Eisegesis can lead to false teachings and misinterpretation, as the two examples below show.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

One example of exegesis versus eisegesis is seen in how many people read Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” The context of that passage is that God had exiled Judah to Babylon. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord tells the exiles that He will bring them back after seventy years. It is in that context that the Lord gives the message of hope about the plans he has for the nation’s future. However, many people use eisegesis for that passage to read into it God’s promise for them right now. God does have a purpose and plan for us, but that passage is not written to readers today.

Another example of a passage readers often eisegete rather than exegete is Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Many people read that as a hopeful message about what God will do in their lives today. However, that message was to the Hebrew people whom God was freeing from Egypt. God was about to perform the miracle of parting the Red Sea for them to escape from the Egyptian army chasing them. God assured His people that they wouldn’t need to fear because they had Him on their side to fight for them.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

People frequently read their own biases into Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, that you be not judged." Using eisegesis, some argue that all forms of judgment are wrong. However, this interpretation ignores the broader context of the passage, which warns against hypocritical judgment. Jesus is not condemning all judgment but rather urging people to examine their own faults before criticizing others.

Many people read John 14:14 as if it is a promise Jesus makes directly to them: “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” They read into that passage that all prayers should end with “In Jesus’ name” as if those words are a magic formula to get what they’ve asked for in their prayers. But in the context, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and emphasizing His unity with the Father and that all that we ask should glorify the Father through the Son (John 14:13).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Have you seen the internet meme of a cat looking into a mirror and seeing a Lion? Let’s face it: Internal biases can affect perception of objective realities. This happens with reading, too. In college literature class, reading into the text might frustrate the teacher and result in a C for the paper. But doing that with the biblical text can have more serious consequences as it leads to misreading the word of God.

The result of exegesis is a balanced and historically grounded understanding of the text, while the result of eisegesis is likely a skewed or biased interpretation of the text. The key difference can be expressed as this: Exegesis asks, “What does this passage actually say?” while eisegesis asks, “How can I make this passage support what I already believe?” or "What does this verse mean to me?" Exegesis often takes more time than eisegesis, yet is certainly the approach to Bible study the Scripture affirms.

UNDERSTAND

Exegesis is a way of reading the Bible that focuses on author intent and the historical and cultural milieu in which it was written.

Eisegesis focuses on the reader’s subjective response to the text, reading into it what may not have been intended.

Exegesis is the approach that aligns best with what the Bible affirms.

REFLECT

How do you ensure that you’re not reading your own feelings/biases into Bible passages?

What resources have you used to provide a better understanding of the context of Scripture passages?

How do you respond when you hear a Bible passage being used out of context?

ENGAGE

What are some ways that church leaders and teachers should encourage exegetical reading of Scripture?

What are some resources that provide historical and cultural context for the books of the Bible?

What are the dangers of using eisegesis when reading the Bible?