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Study & Method

Proof-texting

noun

Quoting an isolated verse out of its context to “prove” a point the verse may not actually support.

Not To Be Confused With

Citing Scripture is good; proof-texting is the abuse of it — lifting a verse from its setting. The cure is exegesis: reading the verse in its context.

Proof-texting treats the Bible as a bag of detachable slogans. A verse ripped from its paragraph, book, and storyline can be made to say almost anything — which is why context is the first rule of honest interpretation. It is a frequent vehicle for eisegesis.

Related Terms

Proof-texting — Definition | Theologos Media