An exegesis is a critical analysis, in depth study or explanation of a text and is usually used in describing the task of objectively interpreting sacred religious writings. The word itself is Greek and means, “to draw out,” as to draw out all of the information of the text. Traditionally this term was used exclusively to denote scholarly biblical commentary.
On the other hand, eisegesis (meaning “to draw in”), is the practice of interpreting biblical texts by “drawing into them” that which is according to one’s own preconceived ideas rather than according to the actual content of the text in question. Such a stance may also be described as a theologoumena, since it is based upon someone’s personal opinion rather than actual Church doctrine.
