Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

eisegesis

Noun

/ˌaɪ.sɪˈdʒiː.sɪs/

Definition

The interpretation of a text based on one’s own ideas or biases rather than its original meaning.

Examples

Her eisegesis of the poem led to a misunderstanding of its themes.
The scholar warned against eisegesis when analyzing historical documents.

Meaning

Eisegesis refers to the process of putting one’s own interpretation into a text rather than drawing meaning from the text itself. This method is often criticized in scholarly contexts, as it can distort the intended message of the original material.