What is an explanation or critical interpretation of a text, especially the Bible?

The term that refers to an explanation or critical interpretation of a text, particularly sacred writings like the Bible, is "exegesis." This word comes from the Greek "exēgēsis," meaning interpretation or explanation, and is primarily used in theological and scholarly contexts to analyze and derive meaning from religious texts. By engaging in exegesis, scholars apply various methods and approaches, including historical, literary, and contextual analysis, to understand the nuances and implications of the text.

The other choices do not align with the definition provided. For instance, "gambol" refers to playful and joyful movement, which has no relevance to textual analysis. "Hermetic" relates to secrecy or esoteric knowledge, often connected to alchemical traditions rather than textual interpretation. "Hallow" signifies something that is holy or sacred, but it does not pertain to the act of interpretation itself. Thus, "exegesis" stands out as the appropriate choice for explaining or interpreting a text, especially in a religious context.