Exegesis
The term Exegesis comes from a Greek word meaning explanation, interpretation, to lead out. When we study the Bible we need to lay our preconceived notions aside to discover what the text actually says. The principal of Exegesis states that the meaning of Scripture must come from the text rather than being ascribed to the text. We can not come to the text and try to force a meaning on it. If we come to the Scriptures with our own agenda and preconceived ideas we are not looking for what God really has to say, we are trying to force God’s words into our own ideas. You can never truly study the Bible that way. The only pre-understanding we should have in focus is that Scripture has the final say on everything.
We should approach the Scriptures seeking to understand what the authors original message was to his original audience. Then, we can seek how to apply the timeless truth to our present day. Essentially, we need to let the Words of Scripture speak for itself and interpret itself. Exegesis is a scriptural principal. Paul says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15). Exegesis is a foundational principal to proper Bible study.