Exegesis
noun /ˌek.sɪˈdʒiː.sɪs/ — Critical explanation and interpretation of a text
Definition
Detailed critical explanation or interpretation of a text — particularly a religious or literary one — drawing out all possible meaning through careful analysis.
Beyond the definition
The act of taking a text seriously enough to give it your full intelligence. Exegesis is what happens when you refuse to read superficially.
Origin & history
From Greek 'exēgeisthai' (to lead out, to interpret) — 'ex' (out) + 'hēgeisthai' (to guide). To guide the meaning out of the text.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The seminary required years of rigorous exegesis before students were trusted to teach.
She brought the same exegesis to her contracts that scholars bring to scripture.
Exegesis is the art of listening harder than the text is speaking.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Exegesis” when the meaning fits your context: Detailed critical explanation or interpretation of a text — particularly a religious or literary one — drawing out all possible meaning through careful analysis.
Synonyms
interpretation, commentary, analysis, hermeneutics, textual criticism
Antonyms
eisegesis, misreading
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Exegesis" mean?
Exegesis is noun meaning: Critical explanation and interpretation of a text. Detailed critical explanation or interpretation of a text — particularly a religious or literary one — drawing out all possible meaning through careful analysis.
Where does the word "Exegesis" come from?
From Greek 'exēgeisthai' (to lead out, to interpret) — 'ex' (out) + 'hēgeisthai' (to guide). To guide the meaning out of the text.