Exegesis Vs Eisegesis: How To Study The Bible

An article by

Pastor Bobby Clark

The Bible is filled with many thought-provoking scriptures, and passages in it. As Christians we know that the Bible is God holy word. So, if course everything in the Bible is important. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says,"[16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."(ESV). As this verse says we can use all scripture, all of God's holy word is for teaching and to get closer in our relationship with God. With that being the case, reading and studying the Bible is really important. When you first become a Christian, it is important just to be open and be in God's word. But after some time, you need to develop good Bible reading and studying skills. One of the first things should learn is what exegesis and eisegesis is. These two things are how to read and study the Bible. And spoiler alert one of these is the correct way to read and study the Bible. While the other is the wrong way. In this article we will look at both exegesis and eisegesis, why one of these is the correct way to study and read the Bible, and then we will do an example of how to study Scripture correctly. And remember this is all so that we can get to know and understand God in a deeper and more impactful way. While also making sure that we are not twisting scripture to fit our own narrative.

But first, why should we study the Bible? Now I did mention a couple reasons before, so I will be repeating some of these reasons. The first reason we should study and read the Bible is because it's God's word. This means that the entire Bible was supernaturally inspired by God. Look at it this way, the Bible spans a time period of 1600 years. With around 40 authors. On top of that, the Bible has been around for 3000 years. When looking at this information all I can see is a book that truly is and was inspired by God. That is why it's been around for so many years. I truly believe that it's because it is a highly supernatural book that is connected to God. You can also think of this as well. For many years the Bible was not written down. But was told word of mouth. There is only a supernatural reason why we got the Bible. That Reason is because it truly is the word of God. So, God will protect it for his people. The second reason we need to study the word is because it teaches us about all three parts of God. This includes God the father, Jesus the Savior, and the Holy Spirit. When you study the Bible, you learn so much about God. For example, you learn things like that God is all loving, "“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (ESV). You learn about God's mercy, "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love." Micah 7:18 (ESV). Then you learn things about Jesus being God, "25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me,[a] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:25-30 (ESV). And there is so much more we can learn about God. These things we learn about God can bring us closer in our relationship with God. Which should be the designer of every Christian. The want and the need to get closer to God Himself. Then the third reason it is important to study the Bible is to know what you believe. I read a study recently that said less then 40% of Christians read their Bible outside of church. Which you can then infer that most Christians do not know what or why they believe what they do. Things like why Jesus is both God and man, or why Jesus is our Lord and Savior in the first place. And so, the Bible is a perfect place to read and study why you believe what you do. Studying and reading scripture is one of the best ways to learn why you believe what you do. As well as it is one of the ways to hear God talk to you. And one of the best ways to know when someone is trying to teach something that is false and goes against the Bible. There are so many more reasons why it is important to study the Bible. And I am sure while you read this article, you will have more reasons as well. However, the main point still stands. Reading and studying the Bible is an important spiritual discipline that all Christians should have.

But as I said before, we must do it the correct way. This is where the terms exegesis and eisegesis come in. both are methods of interpreting texts. But they differ significantly in their approach of how to interpret and get the meaning of the text. So let's first look at eisegesis, and what this method of interpreting scripture looks like. Eisegesis or also known as narcigesis is when you look at a passage of scripture and putting one's own ideas or beliefs into the text. It's essentially reading meaning into the text that is not actually there. Your basically twisting scripture into what you want it to mean. This is definitely something that we don't want to do when interpreting scripture. The first reason is you are not interpreting with the proper context that you need. Now I will talk more about context shortly. But the main thing to know about context is that when reading the Bible we need to know the context. Knowing the context helps us understand the meaning of the passage, and why it was written. But when you are using eisegesis, you are not looking at the context that it was written in or any other content. The main theme of eisegesis is what does this verse mean for me, or how can I use this verse for my benefit. Now this might seem a little harsh, but this is just the nature of eisegesis and not looking at the context of a passage. For example Jeremiah 29:11 says " [11] For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV). This verse is one of the most popular life verses out there. And for good reason. It is a really good and encouraging verse. However, most people that read this verse, only read it with eisegesis. So when they read it, they read it as, " God has great plans for you, and nothing bad will ever happen to you. Says the Lord." Which is really, really cool. But that is not what this verse is saying, and is not the context that this verse is written in. Again, I'll talk more in depth about context later. But this verse comes from the prophetic book of Jeremiah. Which was written to the Israelites. This passage of scripture is to the Israelites that was exiled, because of their disobedience and sinful ways. So Jeremiah is telling the Israelites that God still has a plan for His chosen people. One that is not surrounded by sin and disobedience. Is this true for us as well, yes of course it is. God has plans for us as well. But and this verse in particular he is talking to the Israelites. Now this was an example to show how easy it is to do eisegesis and read a passage out of context. Theologian Wes Huff says, " The Bible is written for us, but not to us." Which means, the Bible is for us to grow, learn, and deepen our relationship with Christ. But in a sense of context, each book in the Bible has a different audience. So as we saw the book Jeremiah was written to the Israelites during the exile. The book of Romans was written to the churches that started in Rome. So it is important that we know the audience and the context, so that we do not twist scripture to fit our own meaning.

The second reason you do not want to use eisegesis when interpreting scriptures is because it's easy to turn scripture into false teachings. Or you might fall into a group which is promoting false teachings. You might do this with or without knowing that you are doing so. Like I said before, knowing context is key. This is a big part of not doing eisegesis. But you must also keep all your own ideas, biases, or agendas out of the text. This is how bad people start cults, movements to get rich, or how they use the Bible to control others. The Bible is not evil, but man is filled with sin. So a lot of people will try to twist the Bible to have their way. You can see this throughout history. One of the biggest "Christian" movements of this time is the prosperity. Which says that God wants you to be prosperous and wealthy. And they get this from John 10:10 which says,"[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (ESV). If you read this passage and full context. Jesus is telling his disciples that he is the door to eternal life. And it's only through him that people will experience fellowship with God. And then in this verse, Jesus tells of a thief that is trying to deceive them and take their life. This thief is the devil, and the devil wants their soul. While Jesus as I said, wants them to be able to spend the eternal life with God in the next. However, the prosperity gospel teaches that God wants his people to be financially blessed and healthy, and that faith, positive speech, and donations can increase one's material wealth and health. It often presents financial success as proof of God's blessing and favor. Now I am not here to judge anyone's hearts. But when I read this verse in context and with exegesis. I do not see this verse or Jesus saying that He wants us to be rich. And so, I believe that this is a false teachings that people are using just so they can become rich. The truth is its been working for them. Because as I said people are just reading this one verse and do not read it in context. Eisegesis allows false teachers to twist and bend passage so that they can control and use their followers.

If eisegesis is the wrong way to study scripture, exegesis is the right way to study scripture. Exegesis can be defined as the critical explanation or interpretation of scripture to understand its original meaning and the author's intent. It involves careful analysis of the text, including its historical, cultural, literary, and Biblical context, to bring out the meaning rather than imposing one's own interpretations. And so, exegesis is a lot of looking at the scripture in context and finding what God wanted to say in the scripture. You're taking yourself out of the scripture. As 2nd Timothy says, there are many things you can learn from God's word. But you are taking out your personal bias, and beliefs out of the scripture. And letting God talk to us through His word. This allows us through the Holy Spirit for God to change us for His will. When looking at scripture and studying the Bible we should try hard to always interpret the scripture through the eyes of exegesis. You might be asking yourself, doesn't it take a long time to do exegesis and looking at all the contexts. The truth is it might. But the more you interpret scripture through exegesis, and through the help of Holy Spirit. The more you will know. So, the easier it will be to study scripture this way.

To do this correctly we must look at the four types of contexts. The first is that I try to look at is what I call biblical context. As believers we should all believe that the Bible tells one complete story. The story of God righteousness, and love for His people. There are a bunch of different view, different authors, different genres, and different books. But it is still one complete book or story. That is inspired by God. And no matter what other people say. There are no contradictions in the Bible. Now one of the reasons some might see that the Bible has contradictions is because they are not reading it in contexts or as one book. So, when I am looking at a passage and trying to find the biblical context. I ask myself first how this passage fits with the rest with passages surrounding it. To see how it flows and to see the complete thought. Then I look to see how if fits in with the rest of the book or letter. This is really easy to do when you are studying a complete book. For an example, in your study time you are going through the book of Romans. Even if you're just studying a couple verses a day. You can still be able to see the flow and the complete thought of the book. I think one of the reasons that eisegesis is on the rise is because when people read the Bible for their daily Bible reading. They are doing what called cherry picking or roulette. This is where they are just randomly choosing a passage in the Bible to read. The problem is that you are not getting how the passage fits in the rest of passages around it. As well as, not seeing the complete thought that the author and God is trying to say. Then after looking at how the passage fits in the rest of the book or letter. You then look and see how it fits in with the rest of the Bible. As I said the Bible will never contradict itself. So how does this passage fit into the rest of the Bible and the whole story of God's love.

The next type of context you should look at when doing exegesis is literary context. This is looking how the passage was written. This mainly means looking at the genre a book the passage is coming from, the form the passage was written in, and the style it was written. first thing to do when looking at the literary context, is finding the genre of book the passage your studying comes from. There are eight main genres in the Bible. There is narrative, law, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, gospels, epistles (letters), and apocalyptic. When studying the New Testament, it is easier to tell the genre because the first five books are gospels. The next 21 books are the epistles (letters). Then the last book of the New Testament is apocalyptic gene. The Old Testament is a little more challenging. However, you can find a lot of clues in the text. There is also a lot of outside sources to help you figure out the genre. Then you want to look at the passage and find the form and style. Some questions to ask would be is it a sermon, is it a narrative, is it a prophecy, is it a parable, and so on. And then look at who is talking. One of the main reasons you want to look at the literary context is to know if the passage you interrupting are imagery langrage or literal.

Cultural context and historical context really go hand and hand with each other. Cultural context is looking at the customs, social structures, and religious practices of the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world. For example, understanding the patriarchal society of the Old Testament helps explain the roles and responsibilities of family members. While historical context looks at the time period, the location, religious beliefs, and so on. In these contexts, you are also looking at who the audience that it was written to. When look at the cultural and historical context you want to look at clues from the text. However, there are a lot of good outside sources to use as well. This is really easy when looking at the letters, because usually the audience is in the title. Like the book of Romans were written to the churches in Rome, the letters 1st and 2nd Timothy was written to Timothy. Then once you know you can easily find out what's going on to these group of people during this time. You can figure out their beliefs, where they are located, and what is happening to the audience of the passage. I believe that these two contexts are really important when interrupting scripture. Because it truly helps you get in the shoes of the audience, and then in return it helps you understand the true meaning that God is trying to say in the passage. There are other minor types of contexts that you can look at as well. But when I am doing exegesis, these are the main ones I like to focus on.

One last thing to look at when doing proper exegesis and interrupting scripture is, what does this say about Jesus? Jesus is the most important thing in our life. So, when reading scripture, it is important to look at the passage in the lens of Jesus. For an example, all of the Old Testament is pointing the way to Jesus's birth. While the New Testament is pointing the way to Jesus's return, and His disciples spreading His gospel. Some might say that this sounds like taking things out of context, but I can guarantee all of scripture is pointing to Jesus. For an example, the daily verse of my Bible app of writing this article is Romans 10:14. Which says, "[14] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (ESV) This passage is talking about the salvation that only Jesus Christ can give us, from His sacrifice upon the cross. This was an easy passage to do this with. However as I said, all passages points towards Christ. And it's because the Bible that we are interpreting is the true word of God. Since Jesus is God, it is the word of Jesus as well. John 1:1-3, 14, "[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

[14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (ESV).

Since we have been looking at how to interpret the Bible correctly by exegesis. Let do a practice passage together. Let's look at a very popular verses John 3:16-17, "[16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." (ESV). There are different ways you can start looking at this passage. But for us, first let's look at that literary context. So what type of genre is the book that this passage is coming from? It comes from John, so it is a gospel. Which is telling us about Jesus. The form or style of this passage is a teaching and conversation that Jesus is having with Nicodemus who was a Jewish leader. Now what is the biblical context of this passage? This passage comes at the beginning of John. And as I said is a part of a teaching that Jesus is doing to Nicodemus. In which He is trying to get him to realize that He is the Savior and the Messiah. And that God sent Him so that no one would perish and would have eternal life through and because of Jesus. Then looking at the cultural and historical context. This passage audience since it comes from a gospel it's to all people telling of the good news of Jesus. But in particular as I said Jesus is talking and teaching Nicodemus. Finally through exegesis how can we interpret this verse saying? God loves His people so much. That He became flesh to die for our sins. Not to condemned anyone, but so everyone can be saved through Jesus Christ. All we need to do is put our trust and faith in the name of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Again, I know that this verse might seem like it was really easy to exegesis and interpret. And some passages are easier than others to interpret this way. But most biblical scholars believe that this is the proper way to interpret scripture from the Bible. So that we can truly understand what God is saying to us through His word. And that should be the most important thing for us all who claim to be Christians. So, I hope and pray that this will help you in your process of studying scripture and getting closer in your relationship with Jesus.