The terms exegesis and hermeneutics have sometimes been used interchangeably.

However, hermeneutics has a broader meaning, including the entire framework of the interpretative process and encompassing all forms of communication, whether written, verbal and nonverbal. Exegesis consists of interpretation principles that focus primarily on the written text.

Theologians are more likely to focus on exegesis because the written text is all that is required to understand the Bible. Scholars who strive to find the real, underlying meaning of the text, must look at the presuppositions and the meaning and philosophy of language, with a focus on understanding the author's intent and the context in which he wrote.