eisegesis

Eisegesis is a method of interpretation in which a reader projects their own ideas, biases, or desires into a text, rather than extracting the meaning intended by the author. The term comes from Greek elements meaning “into” (eis) and “leading” or “interpretation” (hēgesis). It is commonly discussed in contrast to exegesis, which aims to determine a text’s meaning by examining language, historical context, genre, and authorial intent.

In practice, eisegesis occurs when readers read their own framework—moral, political, cultural, or personal—into the text and treat their interpretation as if it were the text’s actual message. This can lead to readings that seem plausible but are not supported by the text’s wording or historical setting. While eisegesis can appear in any field, it is a frequent topic in biblical and theological studies, where readers may impose modern agendas on ancient writings.

Exegesis and eisegesis are not mutually exclusive, but the former seeks to minimize the latter by applying rigorous methods: analyzing original language, context, genre, and source material; cross-checking with scholarly scholarship; and considering the historical audience. Critics view eisegesis as a methodological flaw that distorts meaning and undermines textual reliability, though some scholars acknowledge that all interpretation involves some degree of reader perspective. Recognizing eisegesis involves examining whether inferences stem from the text itself or from the reader’s preconceptions.