Leading Out vs. Leading In: Guarding Our Study of the Word

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to press forward in the work, whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or simply studying together in a local ward setting, we are constantly being called to deepen our understanding of the restored gospel. The scriptures are the living word of God, and treating them with the reverence they deserve is paramount to our discipleship.

Recently, I was reviewing some resources on Bible study methods, and a concept really struck me that I feel compelled to share with our community. It’s about *how* we approach the text. We want to be diligent students, capable of teaching others, and that requires us to be disciplined in our study methods. The difference between reading *to* the text and letting the text *speak* is vast.

The distinction is between **exegesis** and **eisegesis**. It sounds academic, but I promise you, understanding this difference is a vital part of being a thoughtful, prepared disciple, whether you’re preparing for mission discussions or just trying to understand a passage for your family.

Exegesis: Leading Out of the Text

Simply put, exegesis means to "lead out of." When we practice exegesis, we are performing a careful, objective analysis of what the original text actually says. We are asking, "What does this passage mean on its own terms, based on its context, grammar, and surrounding scriptures?" We let the text guide our conclusions. This is what Second Timothy 2:15 commands us to do: “Present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

The process, as I learned, is methodical: Observation (what does it say?), Interpretation (what does it mean?), Correlation (how does it fit with the rest of the record?), and Application (how should it change me?). It’s a journey of discovery guided by the Spirit, but anchored by diligent study.

Eisegesis: Leading Into the Text

The opposite, eisegesis, means "to lead into." This is when we, perhaps unintentionally, inject our own ideas, hopes, or preconceived notions into the text, making it mean whatever we *want* it to mean. Instead of asking what the text says, we ask, "What does this text prove about my current belief?" Scripture becomes a prop for our argument, rather than the authority for our understanding.

This isn't meant to discourage deep thought, but rather to encourage *rigor*. When we approach the scriptures with the mindset of exegesis, we are honoring the divine gift we have received. We are striving to be accurate workers, just as the Savior taught us.

I highly recommend checking out the video I found that breaks this down visually. It really helps solidify the difference between letting the text speak for itself versus forcing the text to agree with us.

A Bite-Sized Skill: Context is King

If you take one thing away today, let it be this: Never read a scripture passage in isolation. Always ask, "What comes before this, and what comes after?" This habit of seeking context is the cornerstone of exegesis. It’s a small skill, but it protects us from the subtle trap of eisegesis.

For those of you who are deep into scripture study, I know many of you are already utilizing the incredible tools available in LivingBook. If you are looking for structured ways to deepen this skill, I encourage you to explore the Book Club options or join a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These are wonderful places to practice this together!

If you’d like to walk through a tricky passage with this lens—maybe you’ve been wrestling with a difficult doctrinal point—I’d love for you to bring it to Davee. He’s excellent at walking through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping us practice that objective approach.

Keep applying these principles, keep studying diligently, and remember that every member can be an internet missionary, a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep building up the kingdom through faithful study!