Brief Overview of εἰσπορεύομαι (Strong’s G1531: eisporeúomai)

Introduction

Understanding the original Greek words of the New Testament is essential for interpreting its texts with accuracy and depth. Greek, with its rich vocabulary and nuanced expressions, often conveys meanings that can be lost or diluted in translation. The word εἰσπορεύομαι (eisporeúomai) is one such term that plays a significant role in various New Testament passages. This verb, commonly translated as “to enter” or “to go in,” is crucial for comprehending moments of transition or movement within the biblical narrative. Its usage is not only relevant to theological discussions but also provides insight into ancient Greek culture and the broader Hellenistic world in which the New Testament was written.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἰσπορεύομαι (eisporeúomai) [ice-po-rev-o-my]
• Etymology:
• Derived from two Greek roots: εἰς (eis), meaning “into,” and πορεύομαι (poreúomai), meaning “to go” or “to travel.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Middle Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Enter: The primary meaning of εἰσπορεύομαι is “to enter” or “to go into,” typically referring to physical entry into a place or location.
• To Come In: Another common meaning is “to come in,” which emphasizes the act of arriving within a space or area.
• To Move In: It can also imply a broader sense of moving into a particular situation or state, often with a sense of transition.

Similar Words:

• εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai) [ice-ER-kho-my]: Also means “to enter” or “to go in,” but is often used in a more general context compared to εἰσπορεύομαι.
• προσέρχομαι (proserchomai) [pros-ER-kho-my]: This word means “to come to” or “to approach,” which is similar but focuses more on the direction toward something rather than the act of entering.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The verb εἰσπορεύομαι is in the middle voice, indicating that the action is performed by the subject for their own benefit or interest. This is a common feature in Greek verbs, adding layers of meaning depending on the context.
• Verb Conjugation: Below is a chart showing the present indicative middle/passive conjugation of εἰσπορεύομαι.

Lexicon Insights

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BDAG:
BDAG defines εἰσπορεύομαι primarily as “to enter” or “to go into,” with specific references to its use in passages that describe physical entry or movement into a place. The lexicon also highlights its metaphorical use, where the word can describe entering into a new state or condition.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes the word’s usage in both literal and figurative contexts. While its primary meaning is “to enter,” Thayer notes that it can also imply an entry into different phases of life or spiritual conditions, depending on the context.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary includes εἰσπορεύομαι in its discussion of verbs related to movement and entrance. Vine notes that the word often carries an intentional aspect, suggesting a purposeful or deliberate entry.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ provides a broader classical context for the word, where it was used in various Greek writings to describe entering not only physical spaces but also social or political arenas.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance focuses on the verb’s New Testament occurrences, particularly noting its use in the Gospels and Acts, where it often describes entering cities, houses, or significant places.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 12:45: “Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in (εἰσπορεύομαι) and live there…”
• Luke 8:16: “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in (εἰσπορεύομαι) can see the light.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἰσπορεύομαι (G1531: eisporeúomai)

The Greek verb εἰσπορεύομαι (eisporeúomai) is central to understanding passages that involve physical or metaphorical entry in the New Testament. Its primary meanings of “entering” or “going into” are vital for interpreting scenes of movement and transition within the biblical narrative. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature also reflects its importance in broader cultural and historical contexts, where it often described significant entries, whether into cities, battles, or states of being. As a middle-voice verb, it conveys actions performed for the subject’s own purpose or benefit, adding depth to its application in both biblical and classical texts.

Did You Know?

The verb εἰσπορεύομαι, while common in the New Testament, was also frequently used in classical Greek literature to describe the entry of heroes into new phases of their journey, be it entering a battle, a city, or a new state of mind. This usage underscores the word’s rich connotations of transition and movement in both physical and metaphorical senses.