Exegesis
ἐξήγησις (exēgēsis)
Critical explanation or interpretation of a biblical text.
Exēgēsis means 'to lead out' and describes the careful, methodical process of drawing meaning out of a biblical text by examining its language, context, and original intent.
"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." — John 1:18 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 1:18
“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”Read in context
Nehemiah 8:8
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”Read in context
2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”Read in context
Etymology and Origin
Exēgēsis comes from ex (out of) and hēgeomai (to lead, guide). To do exegesis is to 'lead meaning out of' the text, as opposed to eisegesis — reading meaning into it. In John 1:18, the verb exēgeomai is used of Jesus: He 'declared' (exegeted) the Father to humanity.
Theological Significance
Sound exegesis is the foundation of faithful theology. It involves studying the original languages, historical context, literary genre, and canonical context of a passage. It asks: 'What did this text mean to its original audience?' before asking: 'What does it mean for us today?' Without exegesis, interpretation becomes subjective and error-prone.
Practical Application
Every Bible reader practices exegesis, whether they know it or not. Good exegesis involves reading carefully, considering context, comparing translations, using study tools, and praying for illumination. It transforms Bible reading from casual scanning to deep, transformative encounter with God's Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is exegesis in Bible study?
Exegesis is the careful, systematic interpretation of a biblical text, drawing meaning out of the text by examining its language, historical context, literary genre, and original intent.
What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?
Exegesis draws meaning out of the text (what it actually says), while eisegesis reads meaning into the text (imposing one's own ideas). Sound Bible study aims for exegesis.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Exegesis"?
John 1:18 — "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (KJV). It also appears in Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 2:15.
Why does the Greek word behind "Exegesis" matter?
Exēgēsis comes from ex (out of) and hēgeomai (to lead, guide). English uses one word, "Exegesis", where the Greek ἐξήγησις (exēgēsis) carries the fuller sense: critical explanation or interpretation of a biblical text.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Exegesis (ἐξήγησις (exēgēsis))
Critical explanation or interpretation of a biblical text.
2 Timothy 2:15 Commentary
In-depth study • Bible Study
Hermeneutics (ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō))
The science and art of biblical interpretation.
What Is Biblical Exegesis?
Theology & Doctrine
Biblical Meaning of Dogs in a Dream (KJV)
Loyalty when tame, but also false teachers and unclean influence.
Biblical Meaning of Money in a Dream (KJV)
Provision, stewardship, and the pull of the heart.
Where to go next
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- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
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