exegetical

IPA/ˌek.sɪˈdʒet.ɪ.kəl/
IPA/ˌek.səˈdʒet̬.ɪ.kəl/

exegetical — adjective

  • exegeticalpositive
  • more exegeticalcomparative
  • most exegeticalsuperlative

1. used for writing, teaching, or study that explains a passage by examining its ex

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

used for writing, teaching, or study that explains a passage by examining its exact wording, most often in scripture or other sacred writing.

Example

Professor Yasmin assigned us an exegetical essay on the Book of Job.

common with essay, paper, and commentary

The pastor gave an exegetical sermon on one short verse from Romans.

often modifies sermon when scripture is explained closely

Common collocations
  • exegetical essay
  • exegetical sermon
  • exegetical notes
  • exegetical reading
  • exegetical method
Synonyms
  • interpretive

    broader and suitable for many kinds of meaning-making; 'exegetical' usually implies closer work with the wording of a text.

  • expository

    stresses explaining clearly to an audience; 'exegetical' stresses drawing meaning from the source passage itself.

  • analytical

    can describe any careful breakdown of material; 'exegetical' is narrower and most common for scripture or other written texts.

Grammar Patterns

exegetical + noun

Usage Note

Most common in religious studies and formal academic writing. It usually modifies nouns like essay, sermon, reading, study, or method, and it suggests close attention to the exact words of the passage.

Common Mistakes

We had an exegetical talk about train times.
We had a detailed talk about train times.
'exegetical' usually describes close explanation of a written passage, not an ordinary discussion.
The teacher gave an exegetical answer to the maths question.
The teacher gave a detailed answer to the maths question.
the adjective usually modifies commentary, reading, study, or preaching about a text.

Word family

  • exegesis
    nounC2
  • exegete
    nounC2
  • exegetically
    adverbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

These adjectives all describe work that helps readers understand a text, but they point in different directions. 'Interpretive' is the broadest and can describe almost any reading that explains meaning. 'Expository' stresses clear explanation for an audience and does not require close attention to every word in the source. 'Analytical' focuses on breaking material into parts and can be used for arguments, data, or style. 'Exegetical' is narrower and more specialist: it usually describes close, text-based explanation of a written passage, especially in theology. A teacher may give an expository lecture on a gospel, but an exegetical essay studies the exact wording of one passage in detail.

exegetical ↗interpretive ↗expositoryanalytical ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • exegetical reading of
  • exegetical study of
  • exegetical sermon on

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLate LatinEnglish

Built from 'exegesis', a word that reached English through Greek and late Latin. The Greek verb behind it meant 'to lead out' and then 'to explain or interpret'. In religious and academic use, exegesis became the close explanation of a written passage, especially scripture. 'Exegetical' therefore describes work that draws meaning out of a text by following its wording carefully.