Brief Overview of παρεισάγω (Strong’s G3919: pareisagō)

Strong’s G3919: A compound verb combining παρα (beside) + εἰς (into) + ἄγω (to lead), meaning “to bring in secretly or craftily.” Used in 2 Peter 2:1 to describe the subtle introduction of false teachings into the church. Emphasizes the deceptive and clandestine nature of spiritual infiltration.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρεισάγω carries the specific connotation of introducing something secretly or stealthily. In its sole New Testament usage, it describes the subtle infiltration of false teachings into the church. The compound structure emphasizes movement alongside, into, and leading, creating a picture of careful, calculated introduction. Early church fathers frequently used this term to warn against heretical teachings and their subtle introduction into Christian communities. Today, it remains relevant in understanding how false teachings can subtly infiltrate Christian doctrine and practice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρεισάγω, pareisagō, /par-ice-AG-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ice + AG (stressed) + oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
• εἰς- (eis-): into
• ἄγω (agō): to lead, bring
• Combined prefix παρεισ- emphasizes secretive entry

D – Defining Meanings

• To bring in secretly
• To introduce craftily
• To smuggle in

For compound words:
The triple compound creates the sense of leading (ἄγω) something into (εἰς) from alongside (παρα), emphasizing stealth and careful calculation

Translation Options:

• “To bring in secretly” – emphasizes the clandestine nature
• “To introduce stealthily” – focuses on the method
• “To smuggle in” – captures both secrecy and intent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• εἰσάγω (eisagō) /ice-AG-oh/ – to bring in, without emphasis on secrecy
• παρεισέρχομαι (pareiserchomai) /par-ice-ER-khom-ai/ – to enter secretly
• παρεισφέρω (pareispherō) /par-ice-FER-oh/ – to bring in additionally

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρεισάγω exhibits:

• Tense: Future (in NT usage)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Perfective

Examples:
παρεισάγω (I bring in secretly)
παρεισάξουσιν (they will bring in secretly)
παρεισαγαγεῖν (to bring in secretly)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for subtle infiltration. Thayer’s notes its connection to heretical teaching. LSJ documents classical usage for political intrigue. Vine’s highlights its warning context. Moulton and Milligan note its use in papyri for illegal introduction of goods.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will [παρεισάγω] secretly bring in destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρεισάγω represents the subtle and dangerous infiltration of false teachings, emphasizing the careful, calculated nature of spiritual deception through its triple compound structure.

D – Did You Know?

• The word combines three Greek elements to create a precise picture of subtle infiltration
• It appears in early church writings about protecting doctrine
• The term influenced Christian vocabulary for discussing heresy

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρα (beside) + εἰς (into) + ἄγω (to lead), meaning “to bring in secretly or craftily.” Used in 2 Peter 2:1 to describe the subtle introduction of false teachings into the church. Emphasizes the deceptive and clandestine nature of spiritual infiltration.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #false_teaching #heresy #deception #peter #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #doctrine #church​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​