'exegesis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἐξήγησις' (exēgēsis), where 'ἐξ-' (ex-) meant 'out' and 'ἡγέομαι' (hēgeomai) meant 'to lead or guide.'

'ἐξήγησις' transformed into the Latin word 'exegesis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exegesis' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to lead out or explain,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'critical explanation or interpretation of a text.'