exegesis

[ ek-si-jee-sis ]

/ ˌɛk sɪˈdʒi sɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR exegesis ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural ex·e·ge·ses [ek-si-jee-seez] /ˌɛk sɪˈdʒi siz/.

critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible.

RELATED WORDS

explanation, exposition, analysis

Nearby words

Origin of exegesis

1610–20; < Greek exḗgēsis an interpretation, explanation, equivalent to ex- ex-³ + (h)ēgē- (verbid stem of hēgeîsthai to guide) + -sis -sis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for exegesis

Almost all Christians, even most textualists, accept the need for exegesis, synthesis, and theological application.
The Illusory Promise of Apolitical Theology|David Sessions|June 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Subsequent experiments in which he extracted gold from lead and silicum confirmed the wisdom of the exegesis made.
August Strindberg, the Spirit of Revolt|L. (Lizzy) Lind-af-Hageby
They had no knowledge of Biblical exegesis, and neo-Hebraic poetry for them consisted of wretched rhymes.
History of the Jews, Vol. III (of 6)|Heinrich Graetz
The authenticity of miracles is another question, and belongs altogether to exegesis.
History of Rationalism Embracing a Survey of the Present State of Protestant Theology|John F. Hurst

It is much a matter of exegesis; but exegesis not based on grammar is worth very little.
Life of John Coleridge Patteson|Charlotte M. Yonge
In the 9th century Ḥīvī of Balkh wrote a rationalistic treatise10 on difficulties in the Bible, Exegesis.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for exegesis

exegesis

/ (ˌɛksɪˈdʒiːsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

explanation or critical interpretation of a text, esp of the BibleCompare eisegesis

Word Origin for exegesis

C17: from Greek, from exēgeisthai to interpret, from ex- 1 + hēgeisthai to guide

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for exegesis

exegesis

1610s, from Greek exegesis "explanation, interpretation," from exegeisthai "explain, interpret," from ex "out" (see ex- (2)) + hegeisthai "to lead, guide," from PIE root *sag-. Related: Exegetical.