Key Terms
Hermeneutics — The study of how to interpret the Bible — the principles and methods that guide us from reading to understanding
Exegesis — Drawing the meaning OUT of the text by careful study — letting the Bible speak for itself
Eisegesis — Reading your own ideas INTO the text — making the Bible say what you want it to say
Exposition — Explaining and applying the Bible's meaning to others — preaching and teaching that flows from good exegesis
The Six Gaps — The barriers between us and the original readers: time, culture, geography, language, theology, and experience
Key Concepts
- Interpretation is unavoidable — every reader is an interpreter
- Exegesis vs. eisegesis — drawing meaning out vs. reading meaning in
- The six gaps between us and the original audience
Scripture Focus
2 Timothy 2:15
Nehemiah 8:8
2 Peter 1:20-21
Learning Objectives
- Explain what hermeneutics is and why every Bible reader needs it — not just pastors and scholars
- Describe the six gaps (time, culture, geography, language, theology, experience) that make interpretation necessary
- Distinguish between exegesis (letting the text speak) and eisegesis (making the text say what you want)
Resources
Download the companion handout for this lesson to review key terms and concepts offline.
Download Lesson Handout (PDF)