Understanding εἴσειμι (eisemi) Strong’s G1524: The Sacred Act of Entering God’s Presence in Biblical Greek

Pronunciation Guide: eye-SEY-mee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1524: Εἴσειμι (eisemi) means “to go in” or “to enter into.” This compound verb describes the physical or sometimes metaphorical act of entering a space, building, or presence. In biblical contexts, it often carries significance beyond mere physical movement, especially when the location being entered has spiritual importance.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Compound of εἰς (eis, “into”) + εἶμι (eimi, “I go”)
• Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Narrative sections, especially in Acts
• Tense: Present with future meaning (an idiomatic feature of Greek verbs of motion)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative and infinitive forms appear in the New Testament

Εἴσειμι Morphology:

• εἴσειμι (1st person singular present indicative) – I enter/am entering
• εἴσεισι(ν) (3rd person singular present indicative) – he/she/it enters
• εἰσιέναι (present infinitive) – to enter
• εἰσῄει (3rd person singular imperfect) – he/she/it was entering
• εἰσιών (present participle nominative masculine singular) – entering

Origin & History

Εἴσειμι appears in classical Greek literature as early as Homer and Herodotus, where it simply denoted physical movement from outside to inside a defined space. In Plato’s works, particularly in “Republic,” the term begins to take on more philosophical nuances, sometimes referring to entering into discourse or a line of reasoning.

In the Septuagint (LXX), εἴσειμι appears in passages like Exodus 28:29-30, where it describes Aaron entering the sanctuary, thereby establishing a precedent for its sacred usage in contexts of approaching holy spaces. The term’s usage evolved to indicate not just physical movement but an entrance into a sphere of influence or presence, particularly divine presence, which was carried forward into New Testament usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To physically enter a defined space or structure
• To come before or into the presence of someone important
• To enter into a new state or condition
• To begin participation in an activity or process
• To approach or gain access to a person or place of significance

Εἴσειμι Translation Options:

• “To enter” – The most common and straightforward translation, capturing the basic physical movement
• “To go in” – Emphasizes the directional aspect from outside to inside
• “To come before” – Useful when the context involves entering a presence, especially of authority
• “To approach” – Appropriate when the focus is on the process of gaining access
• “To present oneself” – Helpful when the entrance involves coming before others with purpose

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, εἴσειμι appears only 4 times, exclusively in the book of Acts. Its limited usage makes each occurrence particularly significant. The term is employed in contexts where the entrance has ceremonial, legal, or spiritual significance—not merely describing casual movement. Its first appearance in Acts 3:3 is particularly noteworthy as it describes Peter and John about to enter the Temple, setting the stage for a miraculous healing.

The Septuagint uses εἴσειμι more frequently, particularly in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, often in relation to priests entering the sanctuary. This established a sacred connotation that carries subtle implications even in the Acts narratives, suggesting that when Luke chose this specific term for “entering,” he may have been invoking its associations with sacred space.

• “When he saw Peter and John about to enter [εἴσειμι] the temple, he began asking to receive alms.” Acts 3:3
• “And as Peter was entering [εἴσειμι], Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him.” Acts 10:25
• “And when we entered [εἴσειμι] Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.” Acts 28:16
• “But when Paul was about to enter [εἴσειμι] to the people, the disciples would not let him.” Acts 19:30

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the act of entering sacred spaces was governed by strict protocols. The Temple in Jerusalem was structured with increasingly restricted areas—the Court of Gentiles, Court of Women, Court of Israel, and finally the Holy of Holies—each with specific requirements for entry. When Peter and John were “about to enter the temple” (εἴσειμι εἰς τὸ ἱερόν) in Acts 3:3, they were participating in a culturally significant act that carried layers of meaning about purity, preparation, and privilege.

The Greek verb εἴσειμι also appears in secular contexts in ancient literature describing entrance into civic assemblies or royal courts, which required proper attire and decorum. This cultural background illuminates why this particular verb might have been chosen in Acts 10:25 when Peter enters Cornelius’s house—it subtly portrays the Gentile’s home as a place worthy of formal entrance, challenging cultural assumptions about Gentile impurity.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of εἴσειμι extend beyond mere physical movement. In the biblical narrative, who may enter what space often reflects deeper spiritual realities about access to יהוה (Yahweh). When Peter and John enter the Temple in Acts 3, they do so as followers of the Messiah Jesus who had declared Himself the new Temple (John 2:19-21). Their entrance foreshadows a new reality where access to God would no longer be restricted by physical boundaries.

The use of εἴσειμι in Acts 10:25 carries particular theological weight as it marks Peter’s entrance into a Gentile home—something previously considered defiling for a Jewish person. This entrance represents the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling the prophetic vision of Isaiah that God’s house would be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). Through the Messiah, the act of “entering” becomes transformed from a ritually restricted activity to a symbol of universal access to God’s presence.

Personal Application

Understanding εἴσειμι invites us to consider our own approach to sacred spaces and moments. Just as entering the Temple required intentionality and reverence in biblical times, we too can bring mindfulness to how we enter into worship, prayer, or fellowship. What mental and spiritual preparation might enhance your experience of entering God’s presence?

The transition from exclusion to inclusion marked by Peter’s entrance into Cornelius’s home reminds us that in the Messiah, barriers of separation have been removed. As Paul writes, “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). Consider: Are there places, people, or communities you have considered “off-limits” that the Spirit might be leading you to enter with the good news of the Messiah?

Related Words

• εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, eye-SER-khoh-mai) – To come in or enter, a more common synonym with slightly broader usage range, often emphasizing the completed action of entering. See G1525
• εἰσπορεύομαι (eisporeuomai, ice-por-YOO-oh-mai) – To journey into, often implying a process or journey of entering rather than the single act. See G1531
• εἰσάγω (eisagō, ice-AH-goh) – To lead in or bring in, differs from εἴσειμι by emphasizing causing another to enter rather than entering oneself. See G1521
• προσέρχομαι (proserchomai, pros-ER-khoh-mai) – To come toward or approach, focuses more on the approach than the actual entry. See G4334
• παρέρχομαι (parerchomai, par-ER-khoh-mai) – To pass by or pass away, presents a contrast to entering by describing movement past rather than into. See G3928

Did You Know?

• Did you know that εἴσειμι belongs to a small class of Greek verbs called “mi-verbs” that maintain archaic conjugation patterns dating back to Proto-Indo-European? These verbs were considered somewhat formal or literary even in New Testament times, which may explain why Luke—known for his sophisticated Greek—chose this term for significant entrances in the Acts narrative.
• Did you know that in Ancient Greek theater, the stage direction “eisodos” (related to εἴσειμι) was used to mark a character’s entrance onto the stage? This theatrical connection adds an interesting dimension to Luke’s use of εἴσειμι in Acts, as if highlighting pivotal “entrances” of key characters onto the stage of early church history.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, while εἴσειμι itself is no longer used, its conceptual legacy continues in words like “είσοδος” (eisodos), meaning “entrance” or “admission”? This word appears on entrance doors throughout Greece today, creating a direct linguistic link to the biblical term used to describe Peter and John’s approach to the Temple nearly two millennia ago.

Remember This

Εἴσειμι reminds us that in the Messiah, we don’t merely observe God’s presence from a distance—we are invited to enter in, crossing thresholds once forbidden, to experience intimate communion with the Creator of the universe.