Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: What Is the Difference & Why Does It Matter?

How do we know we are interpreting the Bible correctly? One of the most common challenges Christians face is distinguishing between exegesis and eisegesis, even if they are unaware of it. Many people have never even heard the words exegesis and eisegesis, but they are two completely different approaches to handling the Scriptures that lead to drastically different results. Exegesis is the careful, faithful study of God’s Word in context, drawing out the original meaning as it was intended. Eisegesis, on the other hand, imposes previously held ideas and beliefs into the text, leading to personal interpretations that can stray from biblical truth.

Jen Wilkins, in her book Ten Words to Live By, reinforces the idea that Scripture doesn’t need our edits, but instead, Scripture requires our obedience.[1] This blog post will explore the essential differences between exegesis and eisegesis, show why this distinction matters, and guide you toward a more faithful approach to studying your Bible and teaching the Scriptures to others.

What Is Exegesis?

Exegesis comes from the Greek word exēgeisthai meaning “to lead out” or “to draw out.” In biblical studies, exegesis means drawing out the intended meaning of a passage, relying on careful study of the context, language, and culture of the time. Exegesis is about understanding what the biblical authors, inspired by God, sought to communicate in real space and real time to real people facing real life challenges.

When we practice exegesis, we are seeking God’s meaning, not our own. Timothy Keller challenges the Christian to acknowledge that God’s Word should disrupt us before it comforts us, citing God’s comfort during Paul’s trials as the “fruit that has grown out of Paul’s tears.”[2] True exegesis invites us to approach Scripture with humility, acknowledging its authority and allowing it to challenge and transform our lives. Acts 17:11 says, “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (NIV).

What Is Eisegesis?

Eisegesis on the other hand is a drastically different approach to reading Scripture. Instead of drawing out the intended meaning of Scripture, eisegesis involves bringing one’s own thoughts, beliefs, or desires into the text. The word eisegesis comes from a Greek term egeisthai meaning “to lead in.” In eisegesis, we interpret Scripture through the lens of personal experience or bias, which can, and usually does, distort God’s message.

Eisegesis can be particularly tempting when we want to see our views validated or seek comfort from Scripture without facing its full truth. A.W. Tozer cautioned, “Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”[3] Eisegesis often leads us to a fragmented understanding of Scripture, where only parts of God’s truth are acknowledged, but the reality is that the entirety of Scripture is necessary for the completeness of a disciple.[4] Confirmation bias is a dangerous practice that leads to an inaccurate view of God, and an unhealthy view of self. “Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar” (Proverbs 30:6, NIV).

Why the Difference Matters

Do not be mistaken, the difference between exegesis and eisegesis is not a mere technicality; it is foundational to how we approach and understand God’s Word. Exegesis respects Scripture as God’s message to us, free from our own interference. Eisegesis, however, risks distorting that message and limits our understanding to what we want to see. This difference between exegesis and eisegesis has real consequences for our faith and understanding. David Platt believes that when Scripture is misunderstood, God’s character is misrepresented.[5] These are troubling waters to wade in to say the least. Exegesis ensures that we receive God’s Word in its entirety, without alteration, making it possible for us to apply it accurately in our lives.

Exegesis and Eisegesis in Action: An Example

Let’s take a look at an example to see how exegesis and eisegesis differ. Consider the ever-popular Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What conclusions do exegesis and eisegesis lead us to?

Eisegesis—The Approach:

Through the lens of eisegesis, without considering the context, we might interpret Jeremiah 29:11 as a personal promise that God will make our lives comfortable and successful. After-all, this verse contains some awesome language. God declares his plan “for you.” Plans for prosperity, not disaster. A future. A hope. God wants to give you the absolute best all the time. This may be what you’ve heard all your life. The words are all there, yes, and many have embraced this interpretation which brings our desires into the text, but is this what Jeremiah 29:11 is really saying? Sadly, this type of interpretation results in a “prosperity gospel” that is far from the original truth in the text. Jeremiah 29:11 is an excellent example that highlights how eisegesis can lead us astray.

Exegesis—The Approach:

Through exegesis, however, we first look at the historical context. Jeremiah 29:11 was addressing the exiled Israelites in Babylonian captivity. This word was to, and for an enslaved people. Jeremiah 29:11 was God’s promise encouraging His people that, despite their current hardship, He had a long-term plan for them. God was not an enemy or an adversary with plans to destroy the nation of Israel. Instead, despite Israel’s perpetual unfaithfulness, God intended to bring the salvation of the entire world about through them. He was establishing His promise of protection and provision for Israel in accordance with His plan. Proper exegesis reminds us that this verse applies specifically to Israel’s situation, teaching us about God’s character and faithfulness rather than guaranteeing us personal success.

Practicing Exegesis: Key Steps

Now that you are ready to practice exegesis, here are four steps to get you started. First, read in context. Begin by reading the surrounding passages to understand the context. A single verse, or even a passage, can be easily misinterpreted without the broader picture. Research the historical background of what you are reading. Understanding the cultural and historical context can bring immense clarity to difficult passages. Next, examine the original language. Use a Bible with cross-references or a concordance to study key words and phrases for a deeper understanding of how they are used in the passage, and elsewhere throughout the Scriptures.

Finally, seek consistency in Scripture. Scripture should interpret Scripture. Look for other passages that align with your interpretation to ensure consistency and allow scripture to correct your theology when your theology clashes with the Scriptures. Remember Paul’s words, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV).

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

As you seek to approach the Bible with humility, it’s helpful to be aware of some common pitfalls that can lead you toward eisegesis. Watch out for confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is when we come to the Bible looking for verses to confirm our existing beliefs. This approach puts you in danger of intentionally reinterpreting Scripture or unintentionally misinterpreting it, and more likely to miss its true message altogether.

Be careful about overemphasizing application. Jumping straight to application without understanding the truth in the text first can often lead to misapplication. Application should always follow careful observation and proper interpretation, not the other way around.

Pay attention to the literary genre of the passage you are studying. Different genres contained in the Bible, like any literary work, each have incredibly unique features. Stay mindful of the genre you are reading when interpreting Scripture. Reading poetry as prophecy, or vice versa, can lead to serious confusion and inaccurate conclusions.

Embracing Exegesis for a Fuller Understanding of God’s Word

Learning to approach Scripture through exegesis can transform our faith. By honoring the Bible’s original meaning, we allow ourselves to experience God’s Word as He intended it. This not only protects us from misunderstanding but also gives us a richer, deeper relationship with Scripture.

Priscilla Shirer, in her book Fervent, suggests that the enemy’s greatest weapon is keeping Christians away from the Word of God because it is the spiritual weapon that we are given to go into battle with.[6] The Armor of God only comes with one offensive weapon, and it is the Word of God. Exegesis is a way to resist the temptation to misuse the Word of God, ensuring we hear God’s voice, not our own. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (119:105, NIV).

Practical Tips for Staying True to Exegesis

Let’s explore some practical tips to help you stay grounded in exegesis. First, pray for insight. Ask God to help you approach Scripture with humility and an open heart. Next, check your biases. Regularly reflect on whether you are bringing any personal biases to the text. Always use reputable resources. Commentaries and Bible dictionaries can provide helpful context, but verify their quality, and always weigh them against Scripture itself. Lastly, be patient. Exegesis can be a slow process. Trust that taking the time to properly understand Scripture deeply will yield great spiritual growth.

Two people smiling and studying the Bible with multiple resources

Conclusion: Embracing Exegesis, Avoiding Eisegesis

Understanding the difference between exegesis and eisegesis is essential for anyone who desires to faithfully interpret Scripture. While exegesis requires time, humility, and discipline, it leads to a more profound, accurate understanding of God’s Word. Approaching God’s Word through eisegesis, in contrast, will distort the message, leading you away from the truth.

By choosing exegesis, you honor God’s Word, align yourself with His intended meaning, and open your heart to life altering transformation. An old proverb says, “the Bible is the only book where the Author is present every time you read it.” How true! So let us live in the Bible faithfully, allowing God to bring us closer to His truth through faithful exegesis.

Key Takeaways

Exegesis means drawing God’s meaning out of Scripture, while eisegesis involves reading your meaning into it. Exegesis respects God’s intended message and protects you from your own personal bias. Practical steps for exegesis include reading all Scripture in context, understanding history, examining the original language, and ensuring interlinear consistency. Embracing exegesis leads to a fuller, more accurate understanding of Scripture, yourself, and a deeper relationship with God.

Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we’ll explore the Tiered Insight Mapping method. We will explore how to organize and prioritize your insights from personal Bible study. Let’s keep discovering the depth of God’s Word together.

Footnotes

[1] Jen Wilkin, Ten Words to Live By: Delighting in and Doing What God Commands (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 8.

[2] Timothy Keller, Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter (New York, NY: Viking, 2021), 273.

[3] A. W. Tozer, Of God and Men (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2015), 67.

[4] Jen Wilkin, Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds, updated edition (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 115.

[5] David Platt, Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need (Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah, 2019), 142.

[6] Priscilla Shirer, Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2015), 49.

Bibliography

Keller, Timothy. Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter. New York, NY: Viking, 2021.

Platt, David. Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah, 2019.

Shirer, Priscilla. Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2015.

Tozer, A. W. Of God and Men. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2015.

Wilkin, Jen. Ten Words to Live By: Delighting in and Doing What God Commands. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021.

________. Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds. Updated edition. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.