Brief Overview of εἰσέρχομαι (Strong’s G1525: eiserchomai)

Introduction

In the study of biblical Greek, understanding specific verbs is essential for grasping the nuances of New Testament texts. The Greek verb εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai) is one such word, carrying significant implications in both religious and secular contexts. This verb is commonly translated as “to enter” or “to go in,” and it appears frequently in the New Testament, emphasizing physical entry into a space or a transition into a state or condition. Its usage is not only foundational for interpreting scriptural passages but also offers insights into the cultural and spiritual mindset of ancient Greek society.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai) [eis-er-kho-my]
• Etymology: A compound of εἰς (eis, meaning “into”) and ἔρχομαι (erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go”).
• Part of Speech: Verb (present indicative middle/passive).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To enter: This is the most straightforward and common meaning, referring to physical movement into a space, such as a house, city, or temple.
• To come into a state or condition: εἰσέρχομαι is also used metaphorically to describe entering into a particular state or condition, such as entering into life, judgment, or peace.
• To participate or partake: In some contexts, εἰσέρχομαι can imply becoming a part of something, such as entering into fellowship or communion.

Similar Words:

• ἔρχομαι (erchomai) [er-kho-my]: This is the root verb meaning “to come” or “to go.” While it is more general, it is often paired with prepositions like εἰς to form compound verbs such as εἰσέρχομαι, adding a directional nuance.
• εἴσειμι (eiseimi) [ay-sey-mee]: Another compound verb meaning “to go into” or “to enter,” similar to εἰσέρχομαι, but used less frequently and often with a more formal or ceremonial connotation.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Verb Conjugation: εἰσέρχομαι is a deponent verb, meaning it has a passive or middle form but an active meaning. This is common in Greek, where the verb’s middle or passive voice is used to convey an action performed by the subject. For example, “he enters” is expressed as εἰσέρχομαι rather than using an active form.
• Compound Structure: The combination of εἰς (into) and ἔρχομαι (to come/go) gives the verb its specific directional sense, emphasizing movement toward or into a particular place or state.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG highlights εἰσέρχομαι as a verb primarily used to indicate physical entry into a location but also notes its metaphorical uses, particularly in passages discussing entering the Kingdom of God or spiritual states.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon elaborates on the different contexts in which εἰσέρχομαι appears, ranging from literal entry into a building to more abstract applications such as entering into a covenant or a state of rest.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary underscores the theological importance of εἰσέρχομαι, especially in the context of entering the Kingdom of Heaven or eternal life. It also examines the verb’s role in eschatological passages.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ offers a comprehensive overview of εἰσέρχομαι, noting its usage across a variety of Greek literature, from Homer to Hellenistic writings, and how its meaning adapts to different contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s lists εἰσέρχομαι as G1525 and provides references to numerous New Testament verses where the verb is used, emphasizing its role in describing physical and spiritual transitions.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 7:13: “Enter (εἰσέλθατε) through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter (εἰσέρχονται) through it.”
• Luke 13:24: “Make every effort to enter (εἰσέλθῃς) through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter (εἰσέλθωσιν) and will not be able to.”
• John 3:5: “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter (εἰσέλθῃ) the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἰσέρχομαι (G1525: eiserchomai)

The verb εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai) is a critical term in both New Testament exegesis and classical Greek literature. It primarily denotes physical entry but also carries rich metaphorical implications, particularly in spiritual contexts. Understanding εἰσέρχομαι enhances our comprehension of key biblical themes such as entering the Kingdom of God, the narrow path, and various states of spiritual existence. This verb is not only prevalent in scripture but also deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Greece, illustrating the importance of movement and transition in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Did You Know?

The verb εἰσέρχομαι is frequently used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, where it often translates the Hebrew word בּוֹא (bo), which also means “to come” or “to enter.” This highlights the continuity of certain key concepts of movement and entry across the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing their theological significance.