Eisegesis occurs when readers impose their own perspectives onto a text rather than interpreting it in its original context. A common example is when biblical readers encounter passages where the apostles or their disciples use "we" or "us" and assume these pronouns refer directly to them, rather than to the original audience. This can lead to misunderstandings, as statements meant for a specific group in a historical setting are universalized without considering their intended meaning. By reading themselves into the text in this way, individuals may distort its message and overlook the nuances of its original context.
This tendency can become a major spiritual pitfall, especially when personal salvation is at stake. Just as many in Jesus' time believed themselves to be spiritually sighted—thus preventing them from recognizing their own blindness—modern readers who assume they are directly included in biblical assurances or warnings may neglect the deeper self-examination required for true conversion. If a person automatically identifies with the faithful rather than considering whether they share the same faith and obedience as the original audience, they may develop a false sense of security. Genuine spiritual transformation requires humility, the willingness to acknowledge one's shortcomings, and the discernment to seek truth beyond personal assumptions.
