1. Overview

In Christian theology:

• Exegesis — the process of drawing out the intended meaning of a biblical text. 

• Hermeneutics — the theory and method behind how we interpret Scripture.

Put simply:

• Hermeneutics = rules of interpretation   • Exegesis = the act of interpreting

EXEGESIS

2. Definition

Exegesis comes from the Greek exegeisthai, meaning “to draw out” or “to lead out.”

It means letting Scripture speak for itself—discovering what the text meant to its original audience before applying it today.

Key goal:   Understand what the biblical author intended to communicate.

3. Influential Voices on Exegesis

St. Augustine

• Interpretation must seek the mind of the Spirit 

• Avoid personal fantasies 

Quote: "In all our interpretations, let us not depart from what is said in the Holy Scriptures... The authority of the Divine Scriptures is greater than human ingenuity."

Martin Luther

• Champion of the plain meaning (sensus literalis) 

• Scripture’s words retain their meaning 

Quote: "God's Word does not err, it is living and powerful... The Scriptures cannot lie."

John Calvin

• Rigorous, historically grounded exegesis 

• Let the author speak for himself 

Quote: "The chief business of the interpreter is to let the author speak for himself... not to obtrude our own ideas."

Karl Barth

• Scripture is God speaking through human words 

• Exegesis is listening to God’s Word 

Quote: "Exegesis means letting God speak... It is an act of obedience to the Word of God in the words of men."

4. Tools of Exegesis

• Historical context 

• Grammar and original languages 

• Literary structure 

• Audience and purpose 

• Cross-references 

• Genre (poetry, law, prophecy, narrative, etc.)

Exegesis seeks accuracy, not imagination.

HERMENEUTICS

5. Definition

Hermeneutics comes from the Greek hermēneuein — “to interpret.”

It refers to the principles, frameworks, and philosophy behind interpretation.

Hermeneutics asks:

• What does this type of text mean? 

• How should Scripture be interpreted? 

• How do culture, language, context, and genre shape meaning? 

• How do we understand ancient texts today?

6. Influential Voices on Hermeneutics

Origen

• Father of Christian hermeneutics 

• Scripture has literal, moral, spiritual layers

 Quote: "The divine nature is capable of three conditions: body, soul, and spirit... So also the Scriptures were written containing the body of the Word of God, and the soul, and the spirit."

St. Thomas Aquinas

• Four-fold sense of Scripture 

• Scripture has multiple meanings because it proceeds from God 

Quote: "So in Holy Writ a word may have several senses... because it proceeds from the Spirit of God."

Martin Luther

• Scripture interprets Scripture 

Quote: "The best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself with Scripture."

Friedrich Schleiermacher

• Modern hermeneutics pioneer 

• Interpretation reconstructs authorial intention 

Quote: “To understand the text at first better than its author.”

N.T. Wright

• Emphasizes historical context 

Quote: "We must let the text speak for itself in its own context... the Bible in its world."

7. Exegesis vs. Eisegesis

Exegesis

• Drawing meaning out of the text • Faithful interpretation

Eisegesis

• Reading your own meaning into the text • Universally rejected

8. How the Two Relate

• Hermeneutics = blueprint   

• Exegesis = construction work

Or:

• Hermeneutics tells you how to read 

• Exegesis is actually reading

9. Why It Matters for Christian Faith

• Protects against false teaching 

• Honours Scripture’s authority 

• Enables accurate preaching and teaching 

• Supports spiritual transformation

10. Summary

Exegesis is the careful, disciplined interpretation of Scripture. 

Hermeneutics is the philosophy and method behind that interpretation. 

Both ensure Christians understand God’s Word as He intended.

In Daily Faith:   Study Scripture carefully, seeking God’s intended message.

In Daily Faith

Every Christian is called to handle God’s Word faithfully, carefully, and prayerfully.

1. Approach Scripture With Humility and Prayer

Biblical truth

• Psalm 119:18 

• James 1:5

Daily Application

• Begin with surrender 

• Depend on the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12–14)

Why It Matters

Humility opens your heart to God’s voice rather than your assumptions.

Encouragement

God delights to give wisdom to those who ask.

2. Seek the Original Meaning Before Modern Application

Biblical truth

• 2 Timothy 2:15 

• Matthew 12:3, 5

Daily Application

• Ask: What did it mean then? 

• Resist jumping to personal interpretation 

• Use the three-question method:

• What does it say?

• What did it mean?

• How does it apply?

Why It Matters

Understanding the original meaning protects you from distortion.

Encouragement

God’s Word becomes clearer when you honor its historical context.

3. Read Scriptures in Their Context

Biblical truth

• Proverbs 30:5 

• Acts 17:11

Daily Application

• Read before and after 

• Identify the main idea 

• Let Scripture interpret Scripture

Why It Matters

Context prevents misinterpretation and misuse.

Encouragement

God rewards those who search His Word diligently.

4. Avoid Eisegesis—Don’t Read Your Own Ideas Into the Bible

Biblical truth

• Jeremiah 17:9 

• John 17:17

Daily Application

• Ask: Am I reading what God says or what I want it to say? 

• Be willing to be corrected

Why It Matters

Eisegesis blinds you to God’s truth and reinforces your biases.

Encouragement

God’s Word brings freedom when you let it challenge you.

5. Cross-Reference to See the Whole-Bible Story

Biblical truth

• 2 Timothy 3:16 

• Luke 24:27

Daily Application

• Use cross-references 

• Look for repeated themes 

• Connect OT foundations to NT fulfillment

Why It Matters

The Bible is one unified story — cross-referencing reveals its beauty.

Encouragement

The more you connect Scripture, the more alive it becomes.

6. Recognize Genre to Avoid Misinterpretation

Biblical truth

• Ecclesiastes 3:1 

• Matthew 13:34–35

Daily Application

• Read Psalms as poetry 

• Read Proverbs as wisdom 

• Read narratives for principles, not prescriptions

Why It Matters

Genre awareness prevents confusion and misapplication.

Encouragement

Understanding genre unlocks Scripture’s richness.

7. Let Scripture Transform Your Obedience, Not Just Your Knowledge

Biblical truth

• James 1:22 

• Psalm 119:105

Daily Application

• Ask: How must I live differently? 

• Write one action step

Why It Matters

Knowledge without obedience leads to spiritual stagnation.

Encouragement

Every step of obedience draws you closer to Christ.

8. Study Within Christian Community

Biblical truth

• Proverbs 27:17 

• Colossians 3:16

Daily Application

• Join studies or groups 

• Test interpretations with mature believers 

• Be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11)

Why It Matters

Community protects you from error and deepens understanding.

Encouragement

God speaks through His people — you don’t study alone.

9. Submit Your Interpretation to the Authority of Christ

Biblical truth

• John 5:39 

• Luke 24:44–45

Daily Application

• Ask: How does this point me to Christ? 

• Let His character shape your interpretation

Why It Matters

Christ is the center of Scripture — all interpretation must lead to Him.

Encouragement

Jesus Himself opens the Scriptures to those who seek Him.

Final Expanded Summary for Daily Faith

In Daily Faith:  

Read the Bible with humility, context, and prayer. 

Seek God’s original meaning. Avoid reading your own ideas into the text. 

Let Scripture interpret Scripture. 

Allow God’s Word to shape your decisions, character, and obedience. 

Approach Scripture as a living guide that directs your steps and deepens your walk with Christ.

Scripture References:   

2 Timothy 2:15, 

Acts 17:11, 

Psalm 119:105