Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides essential insights into the original meanings and contexts that are often lost in translation. The word εἴσοδος (eisodos) is particularly significant due to its frequent usage in the New Testament and its connection to concepts of entrance, access, and initiation. This term is foundational for interpreting passages that discuss entering a new stage, place, or condition, both physically and metaphorically. The word also reflects aspects of ancient Greek culture where entryways and thresholds held both practical and symbolic importance.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἴσοδος (eisodos) [ee’-so-dos]
• Etymology:
• Derived from the preposition εἰς (eis), meaning “into” or “towards,” and the noun ὁδός (hodos), meaning “way” or “road.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine, First Declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Entrance: The most common meaning of εἴσοδος is “entrance” or “way in,” referring to the physical act of entering a place.
• Access: It also signifies the idea of access, particularly to a new condition or opportunity.
• Coming or Arrival: In some contexts, it can mean the act of arriving or the beginning of a journey or process.

Similar Words:

• πύλη (pyle) [poo’-lay]: Refers specifically to a gate or doorway, often focusing on the physical structure rather than the act of entering.
• προσαγωγή (prosagoge) [pros-ag-o-gay’]: Denotes the concept of access or introduction, often in the context of bringing someone into a presence, like a court or an assembly.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The word εἴσοδος is a compound noun, where εἰς (into) and ὁδός (way) come together to create the meaning of an entrance or point of access.
• First Declension: As a feminine noun in the first declension, εἴσοδος follows a typical Greek noun pattern, with the genitive singular form being εἰσόδου.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG emphasizes εἴσοδος as an entrance or access point, particularly in contexts where it denotes the beginning of something significant, such as the introduction to a new phase or realm. It often carries the connotation of an important transition.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon highlights εἴσοδος in its metaphorical sense, where it is used to describe not just physical entry but the initiation of a process, especially in spiritual or theological contexts.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἴσοδος in relation to its usage in passages concerning the entry into the kingdom of God or the access believers have to spiritual privileges.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ points out that in classical Greek, εἴσοδος could refer to the entrance of a journey, the beginning of an event, or the gateway to something of importance. It was used both in literal and figurative senses.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s lists εἴσοδος under G1529, defining it primarily as a means or way of entry, with secondary meanings related to access or introduction, particularly in a communal or ritualistic context.

Scripture References:

• 1 Thessalonians 1:9: “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in (εἴσοδος) we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
• 2 Peter 1:11: “For so an entrance (εἴσοδος) shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἴσοδος (G1529: eisodos)

The Greek word εἴσοδος (eisodos) is a noun that primarily refers to an entrance or a way into something, whether it be a physical space, a new condition, or a spiritual reality. The word carries significant weight in the New Testament, often symbolizing the beginning of an important journey or the opening of access to something greater, such as the kingdom of God. Understanding this word deepens our comprehension of passages that discuss initiation, access, and entry into new phases of life, both in a literal and spiritual sense. Its use in both classical and biblical texts underscores its importance in conveying the idea of entry or access as a pivotal moment or act.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek society, the concept of εἴσοδος extended beyond mere physical entry—it often symbolized the beginning of a journey or the threshold of a new phase in life, making it a term rich in metaphorical meaning and significance.