1610s, "explanatory note," from Greek exegesis "explanation, interpretation," from exegeisthai "explain, interpret," from ex "out" (see ex-) + hegeisthai "to lead, guide," from PIE root *sag- "to track down, seek out" (see seek, v.). Meaning "exposition (of Scripture)" is from 1823. Related: Exegetic; exegetical; exegetically.