exegesis

American  

[ek-si-jee-sis] / ˌɛk sɪˈdʒi sɪs /

noun

plural

exegeses

1. critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible.

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exegesis British  

/ ˌɛksɪˈdʒiːsɪs /

noun

1. explanation or critical interpretation of a text, esp of the Bible Compare eisegesis

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Etymology

Origin of exegesis

1610–20; < Greek exḗgēsis an interpretation, explanation, equivalent to ex- ex- ³ + ( h ) ēgē- (verbid stem of hēgeîsthai to guide) + -sis -sis

Compare meaning

How does exegesis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• exegesis vs. eisegesis
• hermeneutics vs. exegesis

Example Sentences

In all this exegesis, there are at least four myths and one important truth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

Because he decided he wasn’t obligated to, based on his own personal exegesis of whatever rules he chose to consider that one day.

From Slate • May 3, 2023

Although also woefully out of print, Mayo’s 1933 exegesis is, along with James M. Cain’s essay “Paradise” and Louis Adamic’s “Laughing in the Jungle,” among the great early studies of the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2023

In such a widening gyre, Mounk’s calm mix of storytelling, political theory and social psychology exegesis, peppered with some charming insights, has a comforting seriousness.

From Washington Post • Apr. 29, 2022

I provided an exegesis, not as brief as it might have been, of why at the moment I found the college satisfactory for my purposes.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt