Exegesis is the critical interpretation and explanation of a biblical text. The word comes from the Greek exegesis, meaning to lead out. It means to draw out the meaning of the text. It is not eisegesis. Eisegesis is reading meaning into the text. Exegesis is reading meaning out of the text. It is careful. It is methodical. It is disciplined. It asks: what did the author intend? What did the original audience hear? What does the text say?

Exegesis involves many steps. It begins with textual criticism. It establishes the original text. It studies the historical context. It studies the literary context. It studies the grammar and syntax. It studies the words. It studies the genre. It studies the theology. It draws conclusions. It applies the text. Exegesis is both science and art. It requires knowledge. It requires skill. It requires prayer. It requires humility. It requires the Holy Spirit. The Spirit illuminates the text. The Spirit applies the text. The Spirit transforms the reader.

Steps in exegesis

• Textual criticism: establish the original text.
• Historical context: understand the world of the text.
• Literary context: understand the flow of the book.
• Grammar and syntax: understand the structure of sentences.
• Word study: understand the meaning of key terms.
• Theology: understand the message.
• Application: apply the text to life.

Exegesis is hard work. It is slow. It is detailed. It is rewarding. It opens the text. It reveals the treasure. It feeds the soul. It equips the teacher. It guards against error. It builds the church. Exegesis is not for scholars only. It is for every believer. Every believer should read the Bible carefully. Every believer should ask: what does this mean? Every believer should pray: Spirit, teach me. That is exegesis. It is the love of the word. It is the pursuit of truth. It is the discipline of the disciple. It is exegesis.