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What is the difference between exegesis and hermeneutics? Are they the same, is there overlap, or does one pick up where the other leaves off?

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4 Answers

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I completely agree with Richard's great answer, but would boil it down to this:

  • Exegesis: interpretation (the process)
  • Hermeneutics: rules of interpretation (the principles which should guide the process)
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Welcome to Biblical Hermeneutics! Good summation. – Jon Ericson♦ Nov 10 '11 at 17:56
I agree. Short and sweet. Exegesis - the interpretation; hermeneuetics - rules for interpretation. – H3br3wHamm3r81 Jan 22 at 16:13
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Hermeneutics

the study of the principles and methods of textual analysis and interpretation

Exegesis

the critical explanation and interpretation of a text

In common use you would employ hermeneutics to study the text before expounding on it through exegesis.

Wikipedia - Hermeneutics

Wikipedia - Exegesis

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Just to clarify the point, Am I right to say that hermeneutics is "objective" and exegesis is "subjective observations based on hermeneutics" ? – Pacerier Oct 5 '11 at 0:57
Yes, to a point. From my point of view, many theologians pack some subjectivity inappropriately into their hermeneutic work, but yes your comment is correct (to my level of understanding). – blundin Oct 5 '11 at 14:42
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Hermaneutics refers to the methods of interpretation. Exegesis is the act of interpreting and explaining the text. – sep332 Oct 8 '11 at 3:11
up vote 11 down vote

After a chat discussion, this is my understanding:

Hermeneutics is the theories and methods for studying text. Exegesis is the interpretation of text.

The difference is in theory verses practice.

For example, hermeneutics has techniques available, such as contextual analysis, or lexical-syntatical analysis. Hermeneutics is the theory behind translating text.

By comparison, exegesis is the application of interpreting and translating text. There are no "exegesis techniques" (that would be hermeneutics). Instead, there are commentaries regarding the text, which are entire books of exegesis.

Example qeustions here on the site (the examples better suited for meta):

"What does 'water' mean in 5 Timothy 127:33?" - Exegesis
"What are the steps of Specific Infallibility Analysis?" - Hermeneutics
NOTE: both of those questions are totally made up, as should be obvious

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So basically rather than just the ~1/4 of the total I've actually technically asked the vast majority of the actual hermeneutics questions around here and everybody else is asking for exegesis? Does this mean we basically have Programmers and SO rolled into one here without even including Christianity.SE? These sound like things for our meta :) – Caleb♦ Oct 6 '11 at 21:04
It kind of is for meta. But the difference between exegesis and hermeneutics is actually exegesis itself. So... I'm not sure where that leaves it! – Richard Oct 6 '11 at 21:08
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The difference between theory and practice is that, in theory, there is none but in practice there is. :) – GalacticCowboy Oct 20 '11 at 13:10
It wouldn't be right to +1 for "5 Timothy 127:33", would it? ;-) – Niclas Nilsson Jan 22 at 21:40
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Hermeneutics: Is the study and the right application of scriptures make man knowledgeable, acceptable, truthful, and serviceable.

Purpose of Hermeneutics

  • To avoid Biblical controversies.
  • To correct Biblical heresies (if any)
  • To establish the right knowledge to the hearer (Hos. 4:6)
  • To equip the hearers with the right knowledge about the scriptures
  • To avoid childish behavioural pattern of members (Eph. 4:12)

Exegesis: Refers to deeper explanation after Bible studies. It explains each text taken with deeper analysis. It explains beyond the Hermeneutics explanation.

Goals of Exegesis
To help achieve the ultimate goal of scripture - its contemporary significance for faith.

Biblical exegesis should be the intellectual enzyme that transforms the stupor of our worldly and futile affections into a deep and glad and living hope .

Procedures of exegesis

  • Finding reliable text
  • Coming to Terms with an author
  • Understanding the propositions
  • Relating the propositions to each other

By Maxwell Kobina Acquah (YEFULKAY) www.sbpra.com/Yefulkay Author of - THE CHURCH (IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK)

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Welcome to Biblical Hermeneutics! Thanks for this answer. I've edited it slightly so that it is formatted better for our site, but I've hopefully left all your content intact. – Soldarnal Mar 13 at 22:23
Hey Maxwell, thanks for the answer. Please note that a 'signature' is not necessary as your username is always shown with your answer. – Dan O'Day Mar 14 at 14:34

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