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One of the most important skills we can develop when studying the Bible is learning to let Scripture explain Scripture. In Part 3 of the How to Study the Bible series, we look at two terms that may sound complicated at first – exegesis and eisegesis – but the difference between them is actually quite simple. Exegesis begins with the biblical text and asks, “What does this passage actually say, what did it mean in its context, and how should that truth apply to us?” Eisegesis works in the opposite direction, beginning with an idea or conclusion and then looking for verses that appear to support it. Topical Bible study can certainly be useful, but there is a real danger when we make Scripture fit our ideas rather than allowing our ideas to be corrected by Scripture.
Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15 provides an important foundation: we are to be diligent workers who “rightly dividing the word of truth.” That means context matters. Who is speaking? Who are they speaking to? What happened before and afterwards? What was happening historically and culturally? Are there other passages that explain the same event? Taking the time to ask these questions can completely change our understanding of a verse and protect us from confidently teaching something the passage never intended to say.
A powerful example comes from 2 Chronicles 27:2, where we are told that King Jotham did what was right in the sight of the Lord, although “he did not enter the temple of the LORD.” Read on its own, that phrase could easily be used to support almost any idea we bring to it. But when we return to 2 Chronicles 26, we learn what happened to Jotham’s father, Uzziah. Uzziah had been greatly blessed while he sought the Lord, but when he became strong, his heart was lifted up in pride. He unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, something reserved for the priests, and was struck with leprosy. Reading further into 2 Kings 15 also explains why the people under Jotham continued acting corruptly – the pagan high places remained, and the people continued sacrificing there. Suddenly 2 Chronicles 27:2 becomes much clearer because we have allowed the surrounding Scriptures to explain it.
This is why careful Bible study takes time, but the reward is worth it. We do not come to Scripture looking merely for verses that confirm what we already believe. We come humbly, willing to listen, compare passages, consider context and allow God to correct us where necessary. Even when studying a topic, we should examine every passage carefully enough to ensure we represent it faithfully. The goal is not to make the Bible say something impressive. It is to understand what God has actually said, receive His truth and then ask how that truth should shape the way we live.
