Exegesis Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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exegesis
[หษksษชหdสiหsษชs ]
Definitions
religious studies
Critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture.
Synonyms
commentary, explanation, interpretation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exegesis |
Used in scholarly or academic settings, especially in relation to biblical or literary texts. It involves a detailed and critical analysis of a text.
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| interpretation |
This word can be used in artistic, legal, or everyday contexts to describe the act of explaining the meaning of something, often with a degree of subjectivity.
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| explanation |
Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of making something clear or understandable. It can be formal or informal.
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| commentary |
Often used in media, sports, or political contexts to provide opinions or explanations about events or topics. Can also refer to a series of notes explaining a text.
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Examples of usage
- The preacher delivered an exegesis of the Gospel during the sermon.
- The scholars engaged in exegesis to uncover the layers of meaning in the ancient text.
literature
Critical explanation or analysis of a text, especially in literary studies.
Synonyms
analysis, commentary, interpretation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exegesis |
Typically used in academic or religious settings to explain or interpret texts, especially sacred scriptures.
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| analysis |
Used in a broader range of situations to describe a detailed examination of the components or structure of something.
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| interpretation |
Commonly used when explaining the meaning or significance of something, often emphasizing personal or subjective viewpoints.
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| commentary |
Often used when providing opinions, explanations, or interpretations, particularly related to events, texts, or media. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if perceived as unnecessary or overly critical.
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Examples of usage
- The professor's exegesis of the novel shed new light on its themes and symbols.
- Her exegesis of the poem highlighted the poet's use of imagery and metaphor.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religious Studies
- Exegesis is crucial in understanding religious texts, guiding interpretations that can differ significantly across cultures.
- Scholarly methods of exegesis can include historical, literary, and theological analyses to explore meanings.
- The practice of exegesis helps in clarifying doctrines and providing context for teachings in various religions.
Literature
- Besides religious texts, exegesis can apply to any literary work, revealing character motivations and thematic elements.
- Famous works, such as Shakespeare's plays or the novels of Jane Austen, often require exegetical analysis to grasp fully.
- Study of exegesis in literature highlights how context, symbolism, and style contribute to the narrative.
Education
- Exegesis encourages critical reading skills, prompting readers to question and interpret what they consume.
- In academic settings, students often engage in exegetical writing to develop their analytical and interpretive abilities.
- The approach is applicable in various disciplines, not just theology and literature, enhancing overall comprehension.
Philosophy
- Philosophers utilize exegetical methods to unpack complex texts, often exploring underlying assumptions and implications.
- These interpretations can lead to debates on meaning, intention, and the impact of language on thought.
- The art of exegesis in philosophy often blends with hermeneutics, the theory of interpretation.
Origin of 'exegesis'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'exegesis' comes from the Greek word 'exฤgisis,' meaning 'leading out' or 'explanation.'
- It was first used in the English language in the late 19th century, primarily in religious studies.
- The root 'ex-' means 'out of,' and 'agล' means 'to lead,' which together suggest bringing meaning out of a text.
The word 'exegesis' originates from the Greek word 'exฤgฤsis', meaning interpretation or explanation. It has been used in religious and academic contexts to refer to the critical interpretation of texts for centuries. The practice of exegesis dates back to ancient times when scholars and religious leaders sought to uncover the deeper meanings of sacred texts. Today, exegesis is an essential tool in the fields of theology, literature, and academia, helping to illuminate the complexities of written works.