Exegesis or Eisegesis? Definition is Eisegesis: Interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. These three cities, Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae, were so close to one another that they are mentioned as a triad in Colossians 4:13. So someone might understand “cold” in Revelation 3:15-16 to mean a non-believer, or someone who is not committed to God. What Do We Know about the Shepherds at Jesus’ Birth? What Are Principalities and Powers in the Bible? and a recent graduate of Taylor University's professional writing program. Eisegesis is, in short, the exact opposite of hermeneutics. At the most basic level, exegesis relies on the original context of a biblical passage to determine that passage’s meaning, while eisegesis uses things other than the original context of a biblical passage to determine that passage’s meaning. For example, in Revelation 3:15-16, John is talking to the church in Laodicea, which was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Exegesis, on the other hand, looks to the original context of Revelation 3:15-16. Exegesis: The investigation and study of Sacred Scripture through tradition, history, archaeology, and criticism, to find the true meaning. How do exegesis and eisegesis differ? In other words, if one analyzes Scripture exegetically, they won’t come to the text with any conclusions. The hot water of Hierapolis was used by the Romans as a health spa, similar to the way natural hot springs are used today. Anecdotal Example: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis. Finally, since lukewarm is between hot and cold, we might understand “lukewarm” to mean someone who is religious but who is not fully committed to God, or who does not display the outward signs of religious fervor that we associate with someone who is “on fire” for the Lord. It is often done to "prove" a pre-held point of concern, and to provide confirmation bias corresponding with the pre-held interpretation and any agendas supported by it. I have come to the conclusion that there are two definitions for each one of these words. SCOTUS Gets It Right on Religious Liberty: Church IS Essential. Now to be clear, this binary of exegesis and eisegesis is a simplification of a much more complex discussion. People also love these ideas Biblical Example: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis. As nouns the difference between eisegesis and exegesis is that eisegesis is an interpretation, especially of scripture, that reflects the personal ideas or viewpoint of the interpreter; reading something into a text that isn't there compare exegesis while exegesis is an exposition or explanation of a text, especially a religious one. Eisegesis: Is the antonym for exegesis, which means reading into a text something that simply is not there. Exegesis and Eisegesis are both ways of studying the Bible.However it is important to know what these words mean, and the kind of Bible study that emerges from using them. By doing this, we don’t read anything into Scripture that wasn’t there before, and we study the meaning of the passage that was intended for a specific audience. *ThoughtHub is provided by SAGU, a private Christian university offering more than 60 Christ-centered academic programs - associates, bachelor's and master's and doctorate degrees in liberal arts and bible and church ministries. Wikipedia. Her column "Hope's Hacks," tips and tricks to avoid writer's block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young's blog. In other words, they were lukewarm Christians who talk a big game, but are not being helpful to other people. So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16 NIV). But at the most fundamental level, exegesis & eisegesis reflect whether you consider the original context of Scripture to understand Scripture, or you are bringing your own meaning to Scripture, regardless of what it meant to its original author and audience. Much I was taught was good and I am so thankful for it. Trending. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants. Definition: A process where one leads into study by reading a text on the basis of pre-conceived ideas of its meanings. Exegesis and eisegesis are antonyms. Andy Naselli, 2017. You blame them, only to find out later that they probably weren’t the ones to take it. In modern religious circles, we might say someone is “on fire” for the Lord. W hat is biblical exegesis and what is biblical eisegesis and why is the latter so dangerous when reading and studying the Bible?. Anecdotal Example: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis. 1. It had to pipe water into the city, and when the water got there it was neither hot nor cold, but was lukewarm. Exegesis vs Exposition More from The Exchange. Politicians or other leaders may take a Bible verse out of context and interpret it using their own biased perspective to justify implementing a policy. Someone stole your $25 gift card, and you want to find out who. As you can see from the meanings above; Exegesis would be the true and correct way to read and gain truth from the bible. Eisegesis means reading into the text with a pre-conceived notion we may have. Here you’ll find a variety of articles on subjects such as business, ministry, archaeology, communication, psychology, education and many more. Someone stole your $25 gift card, and you want to find out who. Exegesis means using the words of the text in Scripture, through the lens of their original context, to determine their intent. Exegesis Definition: Exegesisessentially means using the words of the text in Scripture, through the lens of their original context, to determine their intent. If you’ve ever been in a hot place during the summertime, you understand the value of cold water. The terms “exegesis” and “eisegesis” refer to how you read the Bible. Category: Exegesis vs Eisegesis. Eisegesis vs. Exegesis This blog will highlight some of the misunderstandings and outright lies that are being taught as scripture. Exegesis and eisegesis On 14 January 2014 24 November 2020 By Donald In Bible Exegesis , Definitions , Dictionary , preaching , Scripture As a divinity student in 1980 I came across the term ‘exegesis’ in reference to the exegesis of Scripture. It wasn’t useful, hot water for healing, and it wasn’t useful, cold water for refreshing. “Come now and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18) If God is the author of the Bible, (and He is) then all diligent students who read the Bible correctly will eventually come to the same conclusion . When it says “I wish you were either one or the other,” John is saying that Jesus wishes they were useful, that they were either healing or refreshing to people. Exegesis would analyze all the clues presented before drawing a conclusion about who took the gift card. Often among Bible scholars, one might hear these five-dollar words spoken in the same conversation: hermeneutics, eisegesis, and exegesis. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, He leads the text, not the text leading him. Eisegesis vs Exegesis. Exegesis vs. Eisegesis The word "exegesis" comes from the Greek verb εξηγησις (from εξηγεισθαι "to lead out"), which means "to draw out." We’ll discuss why we need to follow exegesis instead of eisegesis and finally, ask ourselves why it matters. This is an example of eisegesis. Not only do we run the risk of harboring false beliefs if we apply an eisegetical method to Bible study, but we can lead others astray by teaching others in this way. What Are Exegesis and Eisegesis? exegesis vs eisegesis What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? And John, in Revelation 3:15-16, uses that embarrassing situation to make a point about the Christians in Laodicea. . We study… It is rare for someone to be called an 'eisegete', because eisegesis has a well-earned negative reputation. (See 'exegesis'.)] More than 400 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids. We’ll dive into the definition of exegesis and how it differs from eisegesis and hermeneutics. Answer me this, what does it mean in this passage to be hot, to be cold, and to be lukewarm? The Bible: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis Discuss the pros and cons associated with emailing or texting an important message verses an actual in person conversation. Hermeneutics Definition: Hermeneuticsgoes somewhat hand in hand with exegesis. Exegesis tries to listen to the text, and let meaning come from the text itself in its original, historical context. Say you’re trying to solve a mystery of some sort. So for all their wealth and prestige in the ancient world, Laodicea had an embarrassing situation with their water. Welcome to your Bible Interpretation Course – Lesson 1.2. In this article I will break down the differences between Exegesis and Eisegesis and what kind of study should be used to be sure of correct Biblical Understanding, a term called Hermeneutics. In the original context of Philippians 4:13, as mentioned in the article, Paul was on house arrest, ready to go on a trial that may end his life. Family Bible Study Bible Study Tools 5 Solas Bible Translations Reformed Theology Religious Studies Bible Truth Knowing God Word Of God. Exegesis (noun) An exposition or explanation of a text, especially a religious one. Or you’re just mad at your spouse that day, so they obviously stole the card from you. They were not helping other people. What Is Eisegesis? It looks into the original historical context of the passage, it looks to how this passage fits into the rest of the message in Revelation, and it is making a case for how this passage would have been understood in its original context. Exegesis (pronounced “ex-see-jesus”) is the much more accurate technique of interpretation of the Bible – using only the Bible and it’s context – without “reading into it” from what you already believe. Exegesis would analyze all the clues presented before drawing a conclusion about who took the gift card. In this lesson we want to define two very important terms that have to do with interpreting the Bible: Exegesis and Hermeneutics. Before we go any further, we have to define these three concepts. Let’s think about these two conflicting approaches to studying the Bible in the form of an illustration. Hermeneutics and Exegesis Hermeneutics requires the rules of exegesis, aiming to establish the principles of biblical interpretation. Laodicea, unfortunately, did not have enough water for its population. At the most basic level, exegesis relies on the original context of a biblical passage to determine that passage’s meaning, while eisegesis uses things other than the original context of a biblical passage to determine that passage’s meaning. Saved by Acts of 20/20 Vision - Christopher Mabe. Exegesis focuses primarily upon the word and grammar of texts. Eisegesis is when a person interprets and reads information into the text that is not there. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. It is the analysis of God's Word to see what it really says and means in full vs Eisegesis that would have a person trying to pull out only "what they … They weren’t being good witnesses to Jesus. Exegesis and eisegesis are two opposing views to the study of the Bible. One word is what we attempt to do every Sunday. The trick is learning what you can do with your own skills and how to use the work of others. Eisegesis. LogosTalk.com, "What Is Exegesis & Why Does It Matter?" Although they may seem similar, we need to draw a clear distinction between all three. It is good to have a Bible in the home and to read it. We begin our study today with two big words. Eisegesis vs. Exegesis It concerns me how many times people succumb to a practice known as eisegesis . All of this makes sense, in English. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 8:5 which says, "For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many," (KJV). It has taken much time and the truth is we all are hindered to one degree or another by the things we have been taught. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." In these verses, John uses the terms “hot,” “cold,” and “lukewarm.” He says this, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. Hermeneutic, as a singular noun, refers to some particular method of interpretation (see, in contrast, double hermeneutic). Colossae, on the other hand, had cold, refreshing water. Say you’re trying to solve a mystery of some sort. Where hermeneutics is concerned with extracting the meaning out of biblical text, eisegesis (sometimes called “isogesis”) attempts to insert one’s own interpretation or meaning into the text. Eisegesis, on the other hand, would draw a conclusion about who took that gift card based on your own bias. 19. I wish you were either one or the other! California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. My journey of coming to understand God's Word more fully has not been a easy one. The rest of the article will cover the reasons for pursuing exegesis and avoiding eisegesis. On November 23, 2020 November 23, 2020 By SpaniardVIII In Exegesis vs Eisegesis 3 Comments [A professing believer stated this] “Even prior to the 2020 election, I’ve heard pastors and bishops quote and even misinterpret 2 Chronicles 7:14. I imagine that just about everyone who reads here owns a Bible. Peruse a Christian message board. It is even better to read it properly. It brings meaning to the text, without asking whether this meaning is coming from the original, historical context or not. This can often mean coming to the Scripture with a biased cultural lens that didn’t exist during the time the Bible was written. Has anyone else seen Catholics use these terms (especially Cristoiglesia) on this site? Hope Bolinger is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E. What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Mark of Cain? This reading of Revelation 3:15-16 is an example of exegesis. So if there is differences, we must decide to see if it is because of eisegesis or exegesis. Eisegesis is a related term of exegesis. Find out more about her here. Maybe you just simply don’t like the tone in which your teenager speaks to you, so maybe she took it. They let the text itself reveal what the writer is revealing to the reader. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2020, Christianity.com. ThoughtHub is a collection of knowledge to help you learn more about your favorite topics. Apparently, based on the rest of this section in Revelation, this rich city of Laodicea was content to be blessed, but they were not doing anything with it. “Eisegesis vs exegesis” is the most important conversation that no one in the Church is having. The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. All rights reserved. Eisegesis (pronounced “eye-see-jesus”) is the very poor technique of interpretation of the Bible – according to what you already believe, whereas. Simply put, exegesis is about drawing out from the text the true meaning of a biblical verse or passage. In this case, hot, cold, and lukewarm are probably referring to water temperature, using the water situation at Laodicea as a metaphor for the people in the church at Laodicea. For all of its wealth and prestige, however, it also had hard, unpleasant water (Strabo, Geog, ). You will quickly find that there are seemingly endless differences in the interpretation of scriptures. There are books to read and classes to take if you are interested in pursuing this philosophical question in greater detail. Obviously, only exegesis does justice to the text. Two Methods Of Interpreting Scripture. According to biblical experts Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, we may define exegesis as: “the careful, systematic study of the scripture to discover the original, intended meaning” (How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, p. 22). An eisegetical method would use a modern understanding of those terms in a religious context to understand what that passage means. An example would be in viewing 1 Cor. Even if they had, you didn’t use the right or most correct approach to discovering the truth. Of course, theologians frown upon this approach because it isn’t rooted in Scripture. It looks at the original Greek words for hot, cold, and lukewarm and explores how they would have been understood by the original author and audience of this passage of Scripture. Most people have been taught to approach Bible study with the attitude of “how does this apply to me?”, or “what can I get out of this?” While exegesis is thought of as a task left to the “experts,” the authors insist there are ways for interested Christians to execute this task, too. Her modern-day Daniel, “Blaze,” (Illuminate YA) just released, and they contracted the sequel for 2020. B. C. Only Exegesis does justice to the text. The right method matters because we cannot take God-breathed Scriptures lightly (2 Timothy 3:16). Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. GotQuestions.org, "What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?". Take Philippians 4:13 for instance: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As RelevantMagazine.com pointed out, we may try to read into the text that God will give us the strength to win that tennis match we have on Tuesday or “(close) a business deal.” This and other verses are often quoted, using this misinterpretation. How can we determine the theological importance of the Bible if we can’t settle on what it actually means? Studies from the ancient world tell us that Hierapolis was known for its hot springs. November 26, 2020. It takes contemporary connotations of modern, English expressions for “hot,” “cold,” and “lukewarm,” and brings those connotations to Revelation 3:15-16. At its worst, it can be used to twist Scripture to assert a certain belief. Eisegesis is practiced when an individual looks at a Biblical passage and reads into the text their preconceptions or desires. Two neighboring cities, Hierapolis and Colossae, had much better water. Is it Important to Know Jesus’ Family Tree at Christmas? Eisegesis (/ ˌ aɪ s ɪ ˈ dʒ iː s ɪ s /) is the process of interpreting text in such a way as to introduce one's own presuppositions, agendas or biases.It is commonly referred to as reading into the text. Laodicea was a rich city with many industries thriving in it. Exegesis on the other hand aims to fix the meaning of the biblical passage.41 James Orr points out that if hermeneutics is the science of interpretation, exegesis is “the practical application” of this science.42 Bernard Ramm relates hermeneutics… Some may have a variety of Bible versions and translations. Eisegesis Definition: Eisegesismeans reading into the text with a preconceived notion we may have. But despite all those difficult circumstances, Paul showed how Christ gave him strength during a dire season. The terms “exegesis” and “eisegesis” refer to how you read the Bible. So, someone might understand “hot” to mean “on fire,” religiously zealous, or 100% committed to God. Eisegesis vs Exegesis. ADVERTISEMENT. While exegesis is the process of drawing out the meaning from a text in accordance with the context and discoverable meaning of its author, isogesis or eisegesis occurs when a reader imposes his or her interpretation into and onto the text. The other is a trap that many well-meaning people fall into. Exegesis defined. Eisegesis brings meaning to the text, and does not concern itself with the original historical context of a biblical passage. 2 Ways to Read the Bible. Usually, theologians pair hermeneutics with exegesis because you cannot have one without the other. Introduction. Eisegesis [ < Greek eis-(into) + hègeisthai (to lead). Eisegesis often leads to wrong conclusions and can lead many astray. In modern religious circles, we also say that someone is spiritually “cold” when they are not religious, or not committed to God at all. Exegesis refers to an explanation of the biblical text based on an investigation of the language, history, culture, and context of a passage in its original setting. (27) Exegesis is an effort at reaching back into history to the original author and audience. SAGU - 1200 Sycamore St., Waxahachie, TX 75165, How to Win Your Audience's Attention for…, The Electronic Age and its Effect on Com…, 7 Reasons to Study Biblical Hebrew and B…, 5 Questions Asked by Visitors in a New C…, 5 QUESTIONS ASKED BY VISITORS IN A NEW C…. Hermeneutics is more concerned about how you interpret a passage (if you choose to do one process versus another), and exegesis means actually researching and discovering the meaning behind the text. They weren’t even looking to Jesus for their provision, but instead boasted in being able to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. Does the Candy Cane Have a Spiritual Meaning?