Eisegesis () 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. It is often done to justify or
confirm a position already held.
Eisegesis is best understood when contrasted with ''
exegesis
Exegesis ( ; from the Ancient Greek, Greek , from , "to lead out") is a critical explanation or interpretation (philosophy), interpretation of a text. The term is traditionally applied to the interpretation of Bible, Biblical works. In modern us ...
''. Exegesis is drawing out a text's meaning in accordance with the author's context and discoverable meaning. ''Eisegesis'' is when a reader imposes their interpretation of the text. Thus exegesis tends to be objective; and eisegesis, highly subjective.
Although the terms ''eisegesis'' and ''exegesis'' are commonly heard in association with Biblical interpretation, both (especially exegesis) are used across literary disciplines.
In Biblical study
While
exegesis
Exegesis ( ; from the Ancient Greek, Greek , from , "to lead out") is a critical explanation or interpretation (philosophy), interpretation of a text. The term is traditionally applied to the interpretation of Bible, Biblical works. In modern us ...
is an attempt to determine the historical context within which a particular verse exists—the so-called "
Sitz im Leben" or life setting—eisegetes often neglect this aspect of
Biblical study.
Protestants and fundamentalist Christians have likewise accused Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians of eisegesis for viewing Scripture through Holy Tradition, and may accuse Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians of fabricating or distorting tradition to support their view, which they see as opposed to the doctrine of ''
sola scriptura'', where scripture is believed to speak for itself without Holy Tradition. Jews, in turn, might assert that Christians practice eisegesis when they read the Hebrew Bible as anticipating Jesus of Nazareth.
[ Kaiser, W. C., Jr., ''The Majesty of God in the Old Testament: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching'' ( Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007)]
pp. 16–17
See also
*
Cafeteria Christianity
*
Cherry picking
*
Quoting out of context
References
Further reading
* "Exegesis, Biblical",
Erwin Fahlbusch and
Geoffrey W. Bromiley, ''The Encyclopedia of Christianity'' (Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leiden, Netherlands:
Wm. B. Eerdmans; Brill, 1999–2003). 2:237.
External links
* {{Wiktionary-inline, eisegesis
Biblical exegesis
Hermeneutics