What does exegesis mean?
Exegesis refers to the careful, systematic explanation or interpretation of a text — above all sacred scripture, but by extension any demanding body of writing, from classical poetry to legal documents. The word entered English in the early seventeenth century from Greek, where it meant an explanation or narrative account; its underlying verb suggests 'leading out' meaning from the text rather than imposing it. Exegesis is a formal, scholarly term: it implies close attention to language, historical context, and structure, often carried out verse by verse or clause by clause. It sits alongside the related word hermeneutics, which concerns the theory of interpretation, while exegesis names the practice itself. A scholar who performs exegesis is called an exegete. Because religious traditions have long debated how scripture should be read — literally, allegorically, historically — exegesis carries connotations of rigor, tradition, and sometimes controversy. For anyone interested in how meaning is drawn from texts, it is an indispensable word.
nounCritical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of a religious or literary work such as the Bible.
- Critical explanation or interpretation of a religious text, especially scripture.
- By extension, a detailed critical interpretation of any complex text, legal document, or work of art.
"The scholar devoted her career to a line-by-line exegesis of Paul's epistles."
"The seminar focused on medieval exegesis of the Book of Genesis."
"His exegesis of the contract revealed clauses the negotiators had overlooked."
The plural follows the standard -es pattern for words ending in -sis with a stressed long i sound; it is used chiefly in scholarly contexts.
"The volume collects his exegeses of the Psalms written over four decades."
The word exegesis comes from a Greek verb meaning 'to lead out' — the interpreter draws meaning out of the text rather than reading their own ideas into it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exegesis
Exegesis derives from Greek exēgēsis, meaning 'interpretation' or 'explanation', formed on the verb exēgeisthai, 'to lead out, explain', from ek- ('out of') plus hēgeisthai ('to lead, guide'). The term passed into English in the early seventeenth century largely through scholarly and theological use, retaining its academic character ever since. Cognates include exegete (a practitioner of exegesis) and the adjective exegetical.
Related word forms
How exegesis is actually used
Formal and academic in register; most at home in theology, classical studies, literary criticism, and law. The plural 'exegeses' is used but uncommon. An exegete is a person skilled in exegesis.
Easily confused with exegesis
Hermeneutics is the general theory and methodology of interpretation, while exegesis is the practical application of those principles to explain a specific text.