eisegesis

[ ahy-si-jee-sis ]

noun

, plural eis·e·ge·ses [ahy-si-, jee, -seez].

1. an interpretation, especially of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text.

eisegesis

/ ˌaɪsəˈdʒiːsɪs /

noun

1. the interpretation of a text, esp a biblical text, using one's own ideas Compare exegesis

Other Words From

• ei·se·get·ic [ahy-si-, jet, -ik], eise·geti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eisegesis¹

1890–95; < Greek eisḗgesis, equivalent to eis- into + ( h ) ēge- (stem of hēgeîsthai to lead) + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of eisegesis¹

C19: from Greek eis into, in + -egesis, as in exegesis

Example Sentences

We’re usually more comfortable engaging in exegesis – reading out of the original text for its relevancy to the world today – than eisegesis – reading modern interpretations into the original text.

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