The difference between exegesis and eisegesis, two concepts in the field of hermeneutics, is the direction of the interpretation. Exegesis is the process of drawing the meaning out of a biblical text based on the author’s original intent, while eisegesis is the act of reading one’s own preconceived ideas or biases into the text. Essentially, exegesis asks, “What is God saying?” while eisegesis says, “This is what I want God to say.”
Exegesis: Letting the Word Speak
The word “exegesis” literally means “to lead out.” When we practice exegesis, we are acting like detectives trying to uncover what the original author meant for his original audience. We look at the historical setting, the grammar of the original languages, and the surrounding verses. This approach humbles us because it places the Bible in the driver’s seat; we are the students, and the Word is the teacher.
When we engage in exegesis, we are looking for the objective truth that exists regardless of our feelings. For example, if we are studying a parable of Jesus, we look at the cultural context of first-century Israel to understand why he used specific metaphors. By doing this, we ensure that our modern application is grounded in the actual message of the Bible rather than our own imagination.
2 Timothy 2:15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
Eisegesis: Forcing Our Own Ideas
In contrast, “eisegesis” means “to lead into.” This happens when we approach a Bible verse with a point we already want to prove. Instead of letting the Bible shape our worldview, we try to shape the Bible to fit our lifestyle, politics, or personal preferences. While it often happens unintentionally, eisegesis is dangerous because it can lead to “proof-texting”—taking a verse out of context to make it support something the Bible never intended.
Consider a person who is looking for permission to stay in an unhealthy relationship and finds a verse about “enduring all things.” If they ignore the context of that verse (which might be about Christian charity or apostolic suffering), they are committing eisegesis. They aren’t looking for God’s will; they are looking for God’s “rubber stamp” on their own will. This turns the Bible into a mirror of ourselves rather than a window into the mind of God.
Hermeneutics: The Rules of the Road
If exegesis is the act of interpreting a specific verse, then hermeneutics is the set of rules we use to do it. You can think of hermeneutics as the “science of interpretation.” It provides the framework that keeps our exegesis on track. Without a consistent hermeneutic, our Bible study becomes a “free-for-all” where everyone’s opinion carries equal weight, regardless of what the text actually says.
A sound biblical hermeneutic teaches us to let the Bible interpret the Bible. It reminds us to look for the literal meaning of a passage first, while acknowledging the different types of literature in the Bible, like poetry or prophecy. By following these established rules, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of eisegesis. Hermeneutics isn’t just for scholars; it is the essential toolkit every Christian needs to handle the Word of God with integrity and care.
Why the Difference Matters
The stakes are high when it comes to these two methods. Exegesis leads to spiritual growth and sound doctrine because it connects us to the actual voice of the Holy Spirit. It allows the Bible to correct us, challenge us, and change us. On the other hand, habitual eisegesis creates a “god” in our own image. If the Bible never disagrees with you, there is a good chance you are practicing eisegesis rather than exegesis.
One of the best ways to avoid eisegesis is to rely on the whole counsel of God. Since the Holy Spirit inspired all of Scripture, one part of the Bible will never truly contradict another. If your interpretation of a single verse seems to go against the clear teaching of the rest of the New Testament, you should stop and re-evaluate. Sound interpretation requires us to be honest about our biases and willing to set them aside for the sake of the truth.
2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
The Takeaway
The difference between exegesis and eisegesis is the difference between listening to God and listening to ourselves. Exegesis draws meaning out of the Bible by honoring the author’s intent and context, supported by a healthy hermeneutic. To grow as a follower of Jesus, we must commit to the hard work of exegesis, allowing the Word of God to speak for itself and transform our lives from the inside out.
