Eisegesis: Reading Ourselves into the Text

Eisegesis, a term often heard in theological and literary circles, refers to a method of interpreting a text by inserting one’s own beliefs, ideas, or personal biases into the text rather than drawing meaning from the text itself. This approach stands in contrast to exegesis, which seeks to understand a text’s original meaning within its historical and cultural context. In our blog this week, we will explore the concept of eisegesis, explain why it is problematic, and provide examples to illustrate its use.

Understanding Eisegesis

Eisegesis, derived from the Greek words “eis,” meaning “into,” and “exegesis,” meaning “to lead out,” involves reading meaning into a text rather than extracting meaning from it. It often occurs when individuals approach a text, such as the Bible, with preconceived ideas, personal biases, or an agenda and then interpret the text to support their existing beliefs. This practice can distort the true meaning of a text, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

Why Eisegesis is Problematic

1. Distorts Authentic Meaning: Eisegesis can obscure the authentic meaning of a text as it imposes the reader’s perspective onto the text rather than allowing the text to speak for itself. This distortion can lead to misrepresentations and misapplications of the text’s message.
2. Confirmation Bias: Eisegesis often arises from confirmation bias, where readers seek passages that validate their existing beliefs while ignoring or dismissing passages that challenge them. This selective reading can reinforce preconceived notions rather than foster a balanced understanding.
3. Theological Controversies: In religious contexts, eisegesis can contribute to theological controversies and schisms. Different individuals or groups may interpret the same text in conflicting ways, leading to theological disagreements and divisions within Christian communities.
4. Loss of Historical Context: Eisegesis neglects the importance of understanding a text within its historical and cultural context. This oversight can result in anachronistic interpretations that are inconsistent with the original intent of the text.

Examples of Eisegesis

1. Prosperity Gospel: Proponents of the Prosperity Gospel movement interpret Bible verses about wealth and blessings (e.g., Malachi 3:10, 3 John 1:2) as promises of material prosperity for faithful believers, despite the broader context and theological nuances of these passages.

• Selective Scripture Reading: Prosperity preachers frequently select Bible verses that seem to support their message of material blessings and success while neglecting passages that provide a broader or more balanced perspective. They cherry-pick verses to fit their narrative.
• Misinterpretation of Verses: Prosperity preachers often interpret specific verses in isolation, divorced from their original historical and cultural context. They assign meaning to passages that may not align with the author’s intended message.
• Ignoring Context: The Prosperity Gospel ignores the broader context of the Bible, particularly the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, which emphasize spiritual wealth, humility, and the value of eternal life over material possessions.
• Personal Testimonies: Prosperity preachers often use personal testimonies or anecdotes to support their claims, suggesting that their own financial success is proof of the validity of their message. In fact, personal experiences do not necessarily align with biblical truth.
• Theological Inconsistencies: The Prosperity Gospel downplays or overlooks biblical teachings about suffering, persecution, and the value of contentment in all circumstances. It places a disproportionate emphasis on material prosperity and health as signs of God’s favour.
• Misconception of Faith and Giving: This theology places excessive importance on faith and financial giving as means to secure God’s blessings. It suggests that if believers have enough faith and give generously to their churches or ministries, they will experience financial abundance.
• Lack of Accountability: Prosperity preachers are often not held accountable for their teachings and practices, leading to the perpetuation of eisegesis within their congregations.

2. End-Times Predictions: Throughout history, individuals and groups have used various Bible verses to make specific predictions about the timing of the end of the world, often ignoring the contextual and metaphorical nature of apocalyptic Scripture.

Conclusion

Eisegesis, the practice of reading one’s own beliefs into a text, poses significant challenges to genuine Biblical interpretation and understanding. It distorts the original meaning of texts, encourages confirmation bias, and can lead to theological and ideological controversies. Recognizing the importance of exegesis, which seeks to draw out a text’s true meaning through careful analysis, is essential for approaching texts with integrity and respect for their historical and cultural contexts. In doing so, Christians can strive for a more accurate and faithful understanding of the Bible texts they encounter.