There are different levels of Bible Study. Clearly, you can read the Bible as if it were a novel. You can also read the Bible for its literal meaning. If you have developed a heart to study the Bible with zeal to understand beyond the surface of the pages, you inevitably run into the big ‘E’ words. The big ‘E’ words are Eschatology, Exegesis and Eisegesis.
Eschatology is the study of end times. Not only does it include the study of one’s personal end but it scales up to and includes the end times concerning Biblical prophecy. Much could be said about that, but today, we would like to focus on Exegesis and Eisegesis.
The Bible tells us that….
“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” -Pro 25:2 KJV
Truly, since we are made kings and priests unto our God (Rev 1.6 & 5:10), there should be a zeal in our heart to seek out, research and learn as much as possible about God and His Word.
Exegesis and eisegesis initially appear to be two opposing methods for studying the Bible. Exegesis is the explanation or clarification of a text based on a meticulous and objective analysis.
On the other hand, the methodology of Eisegesis, interprets a passage of the Bible based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants. However, with that being said, there needs to be a clear delineation between those that have a mind to interpret the Bible as ‘what they want’ vs those who are ‘Spirit led ‘ and interpret the Bible according to how the Holy Spirit leads.
We must also take the time to note, that when we study the Bible with a prophetic understanding, that there are many truths that are revealed beyond a casual surface reading.
Without the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit in our study, we are but natural people trying to understand a Supernatural Book with a limited natural understanding.
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” -1Co 2:14-15 KJV
To the unlearned, to those that have yet to be filled with the Spirit of God or to those that may not yet have prophetic understanding, a prophetic study and interpretation may appear to be using eisegesis methodology. Nothing could be further from the truth. As led by the Spirit of Truth through understanding God’s Word simultaneously through both exegesis and eisegesis methodologies, there becomes an understanding that the scriptures are linked in ways that are mind boggling. Scriptures, that on the surface, appear to have no relationship to each other through a cursory surface reading turn out to be not only linked, but intertwined. There is a profound understanding that comes from beyond reading just the surface of God’s Word.
It is like when you were in school, and you learned the basics of mathematics. At that time, you learned that 1+1=2. Then, as your education progressed, you learned that there was a math far beyond math basics. You learned that there were such things as algebra, calculus, and differential equations.
We serve an awesome God. His wisdom and understanding is infinite. He is all powerful. Why should we be amazed that there would be other levels of scriptural understanding beyond our current comprehension? Reading the surface of God’s Word only, is a 2-dimensional act. God’s Word is multi-dimensional. It encompasses all there is both seen and unseen. It is not limited to time, space or your current understanding.
God’s Word never changes, therefore, the Word of God which we read now, is the same Word that is FOREVER.
Exegesis does much to bring out the understanding of the original meaning of the text. Exegesis is concerned with respecting its grammar, syntax, and setting. With that being said, that level of restrictive study does not take into account the following scriptures…
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” -Joh 16:13-15 KJV
‘All Truth’ encompasses things beyond facts, figures and literal grammatical or historical analysis.
Studying the Bible using an Exegesis methodology only, represents the restrictive nature of the Old Testament Law. Eisegesis, however, as led by the Holy Spirit of Truth, represents the liberating Grace of the New Testament. Jesus said that He did not come to do away with the law, but rather to fulfill it. (Mat 5:17-18) True eisegesis as led by our Teacher and Comforter, the Holy Spirit, takes the scriptural basics of 1+1=2 and elevates it to and beyond spiritual calculus. Apostle Paul said it like this…
“With this in mind, we should stop going over the elementary truths about Christ and move on to topics for more mature people. We shouldn’t repeat the basics about turning away from the useless things we did and the basics about faith in God. We shouldn’t repeat the basic teachings about such things as baptisms, setting people apart for holy tasks, dead people coming back to life, and eternal judgment. If God permits, we will do this.” – -Heb 6:1-3 GW
Eisegesis as led by the Holy Spirit brings liberty, wisdom and understanding that soars as far beyond the limitations of exegesis as an eagle soars above a squirrel.
But here is the bottom line in all of this… Whether you read the Bible as a novel or study the Word as a scholar, make sure that you read it. Learn and internalize God’s Word. Our desire for you is that you would have a profound new zeal for the learning of God’s Word. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit of Truth to lead and guide you in the study of God’s Word. May you prosper in your understanding. And always study with a heart of thanksgiving as He gives you understanding.
So…. We say, whether you study using the method Exegesis or Eisegesis, whatever method you use to study, you should just say… ……’Thank You, Jesus’!
May God Grace Abundantly Reign In Your Life!
-Apostle Ric & Prophetess Kathy Steele
Be sure to check out our other blogs!
- The Prophetic Voice
- LITES – (Leaders In Training of an Excellent Spirit) A Blog for the Youth!
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Ric Steele Ministries 