Exegesis vs. Eisegesis

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis

There are two primary ways of interpreting Scripture that academics describe using two sophisticated terms: exegesis and eisegesis. Because the use of these words has increased significantly over the past two decades, it is imperative that their meanings are understood in relation to Scripture for proper interpretation and application. 

What is Exegesis?

Exegesis is a noun describing the interpretation of a text as the original author intended for the reader. One might wonder how the intentions of an author who lived 2000 or more years ago could be known. There are tools we can use when reading a text to assist in coming to an accurate conclusion:

  1. Consider the genre of the text. There are many types of literature in the Bible; knowing the genre is important for interpretation. Scripture can be categorized in one or more of the following categories: Historical Narrative, Law, Poetry, Wisdom, Prophetic, Gospel, Letters, and Apocalyptic. Within those categories, we also find prayers, prophecy, speeches, sermons, and parables.
  2. Consider the context of the text. The circumstances surrounding the time and place of authorship should be examined when considering the context. This includes asking background questions such as: where was the text written, what was the culture like at the time, what events were occurring in society, who was the intended audience, and/or what was happening with the author? Additionally, a verse should be read and interpreted in the broader context of the entire passage rather than in isolation. 
  3. Consider literary devices that the author might be using. Some authors used forms of figurative language more than others. For example, Ezekiel’s text is filled with symbolism, whereas Deuteronomy simply presents the Law in a forthright manner. The Apostle Paul is known for his use of sarcasm to rebuke dissenters, while John records Jesus’ use of metaphors to describe His divine nature.
  4. Remember, Scripture interprets Scripture! This principle asserts that the Bible, despite being penned over the course of 1500 years by more than 40 authors from all walks of life, because it is divinely inspired, is consistent in its message of a loving Creator who fulfills His promise to rescue, redeem, and reconcile humans to Himself. Passages that are difficult to interpret should be looked at within the context of the whole of Scripture and specifically compared to those passages that give more clarity to their meaning.

What is Eisegesis?

Eisegesis is a noun describing the interpretation of a text that includes the reader’s own ideas and opinions, largely influenced by modern culture. Eisegesis ignores critical analysis of the text that considers the genre, context, and broader redemptive story; rather, it is a subjective method often based on the following factors:

  1. The reader’s presuppositions. Readers who practice eisegesis often begin with the presupposition that the Bible is a handbook or love letter written to them for applying to modern-day life. They interpret God’s promises for Israel or the Church and apply them to themselves. They believe, for example, that if they have enough faith, God will heal them; if they give or do enough, God will give back to them by opening the floodgates and blessing them, usually with material wealth. This type of interpretation minimizes Jesus’ sufficient work on the cross to obtain our salvation and the blessing of eternal life, and it glorifies temporal, earthly comforts, happiness, and treasures.
  2. The inclusion of personal experiences and feelings. Human experiences and emotions frequently change. While a reader may identify with the lament of the psalmist and find comfort in the reminder of God’s refuge, using one’s past or current experience to interpret a passage of Scripture increases the risk of misinterpreting Scripture, reading oneself into a passage, or rejecting some verses altogether because they feel harsh, hurtful, or unkind.
  3. The practice of isolating verses. It is common for those who practice eisegesis to prooftext; that is, taking a verse out of a passage, stripping it of its original context, then using it to support a particular argument or belief. In this case, the historical background and the author’s original intent are completely ignored. This practice is often combined with an overemphasis on the literal interpretation of Scripture, particularly verses that were intended as hyperbole and symbolism.
  4. The practice of making Scripture about themselves. Strong personal connections are made to Bible figures and their circumstances for those who eisegete the Scriptures. For example, they might imagine themselves as a modern-day David, who has the faith and courage to knock down whatever it is that is holding them captive in fear, or, as Esther, who was born “for such a time as this.” But these Bible figures serve as a type of Christ. When Scripture is made about self, emphasis is placed on the reader rather than God’s sovereign plan of redemption.

A Practical Application.

Consider the following words of Jesus:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ESV).

In this verse, a contrast is made between the devastating acts of Satan and the life-giving promises Jesus bestows on those who place their trust in Him. Most Christians agree that Satan is a thief, murderer, and destroyer, and that Jesus is the author and giver of an abundant life. But the deeper meaning and application differ greatly between those who interpret the text using eisegesis and those who use exegesis.

Example of eisegeting the text:

  • The verse is read in isolation from the surrounding verses with the contrast noted.
  • Emphasis is placed on the second part of the verse where Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 
  • “They” refers to believers in Christ; “abundantly” means in large quantities or amounts (Miriam-Webster Dictionary).
  • The conclusion is that believers will experience abundant blessings in this life that Satan cannot steal or destroy. 
  • The reader identifies the blessings as good health and material possessions because of cultural influence and its definition of an abundant life

Example of exegeting the text:

  • The genre is gospel narrative written by the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples who was present with Jesus throughout His earthly ministry.
  • Context of the book: John’s gospel was written to bolster the faith of believers (John 20:31) with the emphasis on Jesus’ divinity as seen in the many “I am” statements (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51; 8:12; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5; 18:5, 6).
  • Context of the verse: In chapter 9, Jesus healed a blind man who was subsequently cast out of the Temple for failing to attribute his healing to God instead of Jesus, whom the religious leaders proclaimed a sinner. Jesus responds in chapter 10 by telling a parable about the Good Shepherd who also acts as the Door guarding the sheepfold. The parable is filled with metaphors and is understood to be a comparison between the lackluster care of Israel’s leaders (the hired hands) and the perfect care provided by Jesus. In the middle of the parable is the contrasting verse ending with “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” A search in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon reveals that the term “abundant” here means “over and above; more than necessary,” leading the reader to ask what Jesus meant by the abundant life.
  • When searching other verses to assist in the interpretation, we find:
        • Jesus says our treasure is in heaven (Luke 12:32-34).
        • Peace and righteousness are found when we seek the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:31-34).
        • Paul explained that, by sharing in Christ’s sufferings, we share in His glory (Romans 8:12-17).
  • Furthermore,
        • When sending out the Twelve, Jesus told them to take nothing with them (Matthew 10:5-11). 
        • Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all his possessions and give to the poor (Matthew 19:16-22).
        • Jesus warned that the world would hate and persecute His followers (John 15:18-21).
  • A logical conclusion, then, is that the abundant life Jesus promises does not consist of health and material possessions, but the exceeding peace and joy believers experience knowing their salvation is safe and secure in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. This conclusion fits the context of the passage and is consistent with the broader, cohesive message of Scripture.

Of the two ways for interpreting Scripture, only one leads to a healthy understanding of a holy God whose plan was, from the beginning, to reconcile man to Himself by sending His Son to bear the sin of mankind and appease His wrath–an act that no human could achieve on their own. Exegeting Scripture does require more time and effort, but it is the one method that reveals the true hope and peace found in none but Jesus.

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