Eisegesis — Injecting Poison into the Bible

[LightBearer316]

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,​

rightly dividing the word of truth.”​

When we read our own opinions, biases, or cultural ideas into Scripture instead of drawing truth out of Scripture, that’s called eisegesis — and it’s spiritual poison.

Eisegesis twists God’s Word to fit human viewpoints. Exegesis, on the other hand, humbly lets Scripture speak for itself. One leads to truth; the other to deception.

This is how false doctrines are born — when people try to make the Bible say what they want it to say instead of what God actually said. The serpent did the same thing in Genesis 3:1:

“Yea, hath God said…?”​

The moment we add or subtract from His Word, we corrupt its purity.

“Every word of God is pure…” — Proverbs 30:5​

If we let eisegesis into the pulpit, we’re not feeding sheep — we’re poisoning them.
The Word must interpret us, not the other way around.

What are some examples you’ve seen of modern teachings where culture or personal opinion has been read into Scripture?

Grace and Peace

 

[Carlyw]

My pastor taught from the books of Bill Johnson and other Charasmatic leaders rather than from the Bible itself, this lead to all types of misunderstandings among our church body. It was sad.

He used the book of Hebrews to "prove" that not every Christian is saved, that we much work towrds being saved or else we might loose our salvation. That we needed absolute holiness. Which is not exactly what the book of Hebrews says...

He also used scripture to prove that we should be more mystical in thinking rather than objective. Something about a wise man searching out kings riches?

He used the same scriptures almost every week and preached almost exclusively about holiness and speaking in tongues.

Oh and was somewhat word of faith. They taught we can speak things into existence.

We were taught by our prophetess that we need to worship or else the stones will cry out,

but also be careful because God can make stones into children therefore were replaceable

Oh and deliverance ministry was huge and anytime a spirit was mentioned in the bible they used that to build a whole theology behind it. We all were labeled and properly exercised depending on our spirits. Mine was doubt. I was a doubting Thomas with a spirit of doubt.

I wish I could remember the exact scriptures. I could link sermons but they're about 40 minutes each. I stopped listening to them awhile after leaving the church.

 

[LightBearer316]

My pastor taught from the books of Bill Johnson and other Charasmatic leaders rather than from the Bible itself, this lead to all types of misunderstandings among our church body. It was sad.

He used the book of Hebrews to "prove" that not every Christian is saved, that we much work towrds being saved or else we might loose our salvation. That we needed absolute holiness. Which is not exactly what the book of Hebrews says...

He also used scripture to prove that we should be more mystical in thinking rather than objective. Something about a wise man searching out kings riches?

He used the same scriptures almost every week and preached almost exclusively about holiness and speaking in tongues.

Oh and was somewhat word of faith. They taught we can speak things into existence.

We were taught by our prophetess that we need to worship or else the stones will cry out,

but also be careful because God can make stones into children therefore were replaceable

Oh and deliverance ministry was huge and anytime a spirit was mentioned in the bible they used that to build a whole theology behind it. We all were labeled and properly exercised depending on our spirits. Mine was doubt. I was a doubting Thomas with a spirit of doubt.

I wish I could remember the exact scriptures. I could link sermons but they're about 40 minutes each. I stopped listening to them awhile after leaving the church.

That must have been really hard — and sadly, it’s not uncommon. When a church starts relying more on books, visions, or “prophets” than on Scripture itself, confusion follows.

Hebrews doesn’t teach that believers must work to stay saved — it points to Christ’s finished work:

“By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)​

The “word of faith” idea that we can speak things into existence belongs to God alone (Romans 4:17). And turning every emotion or struggle into a “spirit” misses the gospel’s real power to change the heart.

True holiness flows from abiding in Christ, not from fear or mysticism.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)​

Grace and Peace

 

[Roughsoul1991]

View attachment 281094

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,​

rightly dividing the word of truth.”​

When we read our own opinions, biases, or cultural ideas into Scripture instead of drawing truth out of Scripture, that’s called eisegesis — and it’s spiritual poison.

Eisegesis twists God’s Word to fit human viewpoints. Exegesis, on the other hand, humbly lets Scripture speak for itself. One leads to truth; the other to deception.

This is how false doctrines are born — when people try to make the Bible say what they want it to say instead of what God actually said. The serpent did the same thing in Genesis 3:1:

“Yea, hath God said…?”​

The moment we add or subtract from His Word, we corrupt its purity.

“Every word of God is pure…” — Proverbs 30:5​

If we let eisegesis into the pulpit, we’re not feeding sheep — we’re poisoning them.
The Word must interpret us, not the other way around.

What are some examples you’ve seen of modern teachings where culture or personal opinion has been read into Scripture?

Grace and Peace

So true. This stuff bugs me. I can't stand the storytelling type that adds the feelings, thoughts, or probably this happened. Sorta like how the tv series The Chosen added dramatized background info. I get it, they want to make the characters more real and relatable but it gives a false sense of the story. A false narrative.

Another example is allowing the culture to shape the beliefs. I once called out a gay pastor. He responded that the old Bibles are outdated and not with the times. He blocked me. I knew him from high school.

 

[Carlyw]

So true. This stuff bugs me. I can't stand the storytelling type that adds the feelings, thoughts, or probably this happened. Sorta like how the tv series The Chosen added dramatized background info. I get it, they want to make the characters more real and relatable but it gives a false sense of the story. A false narrative.

Another example is allowing the culture to shape the beliefs. I once called out a gay pastor. He responded that the old Bibles are outdated and not with the times. He blocked me. I knew him from high school.

I actually like the chosen, though I wont study from it. I think biblical inspired media can be good, though I think we should look at it in a way that represents what its for, entertainment. Same with the promise land series on YouTube, a comedy inspired by the stories of Moses, I think the book of exodus specifically.

If we can watch these things for entertainment, and enjoy them while being able to seperate the thematic qualities/speculations and sometimes even errors, from the truth. Then I dont see an issue with them.

Now what I dont love is when people cant separate fiction/speculation/lies from the truth. Its unfortunate to see, because not only are they misled but often times they mislead others.

Good job calling out that pastor! I just conversated to a man the other day who has a lesbian pastor. I addressed this sin to him and asked if he would consider rebuking her. He got very angry with me and left our discord server. Its unfortunate. We really tried to be sensitive and nice while staying truthful. Sadly he saw the truth as hatespeech anyway.

 

[LightBearer316]

I actually like the chosen, though I wont study from it. I think biblical inspired media can be good, though I think we should look at it in a way that represents what its for, entertainment. Same with the promise land series on YouTube, a comedy inspired by the stories of Moses, I think the book of exodus specifically.

.

I've heard more complaints than compliments about The Chosen. Some say it altered or distorted their view of certain biblical characters — that’s why I’m cautious about what I watch when it comes to religious media. I’ll put together a list of the ones I personally approve of, for whatever it’s worth, a little later.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I actually like the chosen, though I wont study from it. I think biblical inspired media can be good, though I think we should look at it in a way that represents what its for, entertainment. Same with the promise land series on YouTube, a comedy inspired by the stories of Moses, I think the book of exodus specifically.

If we can watch these things for entertainment, and enjoy them while being able to seperate the thematic qualities/speculations and sometimes even errors, from the truth. Then I dont see an issue with them.

Now what I dont love is when people cant separate fiction/speculation/lies from the truth. Its unfortunate to see, because not only are they misled but often times they mislead others.

Good job calling out that pastor! I just conversated to a man the other day who has a lesbian pastor. I addressed this sin to him and asked if he would consider rebuking her. He got very angry with me and left our discord server. Its unfortunate. We really tried to be sensitive and nice while staying truthful. Sadly he saw the truth as hatespeech anyway.

It is true that each Chosen episode has a disclaimer saying it is entertainment.

If we can watch these things for entertainment, and enjoy them while being able to seperate the thematic qualities/speculations and sometimes even errors, from the truth

I'm okay with that but the problem as you mentioned comes in for those who don't read the Bible or study it in detail. This is why I have been telling people to read the New Testament before watching any media.

I think it was the second season that kind of annoyed me when Peter and his wife had a long drawn out drama after his wife lost her baby.

Oh wow. He hit you with the hate speech even though I'm sure you quoted from God's Word.

 

[Burn1986]

Cool picture.

 

[Aaron56]

Too many to list.

The most significant change was when I repented of the Americentric view of God. Even a base-level study of Western Culture showed that ALL civilizations created god or gods to compliment their ambitions - usually around expansion or commerce. It was easy to see how the leaders of England and the U.S. did the same.

So now the liberals call me a Republican and the conservatives call me a Democrat. I suppose I am like Paul, able to be all things to all men without compromising the Truth of Christ.

 

[Eli1]

Cool picture.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Carlyw]

It is true that each Chosen episode has a disclaimer saying it is entertainment.



I'm okay with that but the problem as you mentioned comes in for those who don't read the Bible or study it in detail. This is why I have been telling people to read the New Testament before watching any media.

I think it was the second season that kind of annoyed me when Peter and his wife had a long drawn out drama after his wife lost her baby.

Oh wow. He hit you with the hate speech even though I'm sure you quoted from God's Word.

Yeah and I have met people who allow the chosen to shape the narritive of the Bible, which is not how its supposed to be.

Oh...I think its in the third season, a Diciple of his dies which wasnt even a named one in the Bible. This diciple was about to get married and it was SO dramatic...honestly I laughed because it was all so unnecessary. I was like "this was NOT in the bible" lol. Sometimes the drama was too much for me, but over all I enjoyed the show! I also didn't love the whole baby dying drama thing.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Yeah and I have met people who allow the chosen to shape the narritive of the Bible, which is not how its supposed to be.

Oh...I think its in the third season, a Diciple of his dies which wasnt even a named one in the Bible. This diciple was about to get married and it was SO dramatic...honestly I laughed because it was all so unnecessary. I was like "this was NOT in the bible" lol. Sometimes the drama was too much for me, but over all I enjoyed the show! I also didn't love the whole baby dying drama thing.

I mean I do love the fact that this extra Biblical content still has positive Biblical guidance for those who have experienced these problems. Even though the event wasn't recorded, they still provide quality Biblical guidance.

 

[Carlyw]

I mean I do love the fact that this extra Biblical content still has positive Biblical guidance for those who have experienced these problems. Even though the event wasn't recorded, they still provide quality Biblical guidance.

Very very true, it also helped to bring many Christians back to reading the bible

The show has had many great fruits, which to me makes it a great entertainment option.

Its most certainly more profitable to watch than let's say 90 day fiance or like other trash TV shows(no offense 90 day fiance/fans)

 

[Seeker47]

Matthew 28:19:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."

This passage has been totally twisted by much of the modern Christian Church. It has been made church doctrine when it is clearly directed to disciples. At the same time the clear instructions given to Peter, the Rock of His assembly is ignored.

John 21:15-17
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

I believe this eisegesis is the primary cause of the decline of the western church.

 

[Bob-Carabbio]

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,​

rightly dividing the word of truth.”​

​

Eisegesis — Injecting Poison into the Bible

It's called "Denominational theology".

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Matthew 28:19:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."

This passage has been totally twisted by much of the modern Christian Church. It has been made church doctrine when it is clearly directed to disciples. At the same time the clear instructions given to Peter, the Rock of His assembly is ignored.

John 21:15-17
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

I believe this eisegesis is the primary cause of the decline of the western church.

Interesting. So which part are we not commanded to do?

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Eisegesis vs. exegesis. eis = into, ex = out of.

Eisegesis means reading one's interpretation into the text and exegesis means deriving an interpretation out of the text.

So in sum, eisegesis leads to exeJesus and exegesis leads to eiseJesus

 

[Falconn007]

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,​

rightly dividing the word of truth.”.​

Eisegesis

Exegesis,


What are some examples you’ve seen of modern teachings where culture or personal opinion has been read into Scripture?

Grace and Peace

In Spirit I disagree.

as you stated

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,​

rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”.​

here are this verses witness...

James 1:22-25
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...


BOTH ;

'Eisegesis' is not a part of the Bible[Living Word of God] itself, but rather a method of biblical interpretation where a reader imposes their own ideas, biases, or agenda onto a text.

and

'Exegesis' itself is not found in the Bible. 'exegesis' is examining scripture to interpret it, using grammatical, literal, historical, synthesis, and practical principles.

The Word of God IS NOT 'grammatical, literal, historical, synthesis, and practical principles. '

John 6:63
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are Life.

Jesus does not state: "The words that I speak to you are", 'grammatical, literal, historical, synthesis, and practical principles. '

Knowing First that the Word of God is Spirit and descends from the Heavens.

John 8:23
Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

1 Corinthians 15:50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

Where as :

'Eisegesis' and 'Exegesis' are both concepts from mankind way of thinking.

There is ONLY one way to God and it is through the Spirit of Jesus and it does not include 'Eisegesis' nor 'Exegesis'.

"What are some examples you’ve seen of modern teachings where culture or personal opinion has been read into Scripture?"

Well we can start with this and go back in ancient times, way before the Birth of Jesus, to when the very religions, that rose on their own interpretations of God's Word.

This is not a bad teaching, just the that wording and the Spirit needs a bit fixing, that is if you want to be closer in Truth with God Spirit, is all I am saying.

 

[Seeker47]

Interesting. So which part are we not commanded to do?

When the "Church" places more emphasis on membership (what they like to call discipleship) rather than taking care of the people who come through their doors, they are unbiblical.

I did a short survey a couple of years ago reviewing church mission statements. By far the most referenced passage was Matthew 28:19.

 

[LightBearer316]

Interesting. So which part are we not commanded to do?

The Great Commission Still Applies to the Church

Spoken to the disciples — but meant for all believers

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:20​

Jesus commanded His disciples to teach everything He had taught them — including this very command.​

The mission continues through every generation of believers.​

The early Church obeyed it repeatedly

• Acts 2:38–41 — Peter preaches and baptizes new believers.
• Acts 8:12 — Philip preaches and baptizes in Samaria.
• Acts 16:31–33; 18:8 — Paul baptizes new converts.
  They clearly viewed Matthew 28:19 as an ongoing command, not a one-time event.

“Feed My Sheep” (John 21) complements, not replaces, Matthew 28

• Evangelism = “Make disciples.”
• Shepherding = “Feed My sheep.”
  Two sides of the same mission — reach the lost, then nurture the saved.

The real issue isn’t misapplication — it’s neglect
The Western church’s weakness isn’t from over-using Matthew 28:19 but from under-doing it.
We’ve turned discipleship into attendance, rather than lifelong obedience to Christ.
The decline of the Western church isn’t because Matthew 28:19 is misapplied; it’s because it’s under-applied.
We’ve often turned Christianity into attendance rather than discipleship.
The Great Commission calls us to do both — to bring people to faith and to grow them in obedience to Christ.

Basically:
We’re commanded to do all of it —
Go → Make disciples → Baptize → Teach → Feed.

“As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” — John 20:21​

​

Obeying the Great Commission doesn’t mean everyone must stand on a street corner with a megaphone.
We’re each called to serve and share within our own sphere of influence and according to our spiritual gifts.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…” — Romans 12:6
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.” — 1 Peter 4:10​

Some are called to preach publicly, others to teach, encourage, show mercy, give, lead, or serve quietly — but all are part of the same mission.

The point isn’t where or how loudly you go, but that you are faithful to go in the way God designed you to.

Not all are street preachers, but all are disciple makers.​

Grace and peace.