Introduction

Understanding Greek words within the New Testament is crucial for biblical interpretation and scholarly study. Each Greek term carries with it not only a direct translation but also a range of connotations and nuances that can deepen the meaning of the text. The Greek word εἰστρέχω (eistrécho) is particularly significant because it conveys the action of entering quickly, often with a sense of urgency or purpose. This word appears in contexts that involve rapid movement, emphasizing the immediacy or intensity of the action. Its usage reflects both the cultural and linguistic richness of the ancient Greek world, making it a valuable term for study in both biblical and classical literature.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἰστρέχω (eistrécho) [ice-TRE-kho]
• Etymology:
• Composed of εἰς (eis), meaning “into,” and τρέχω (trécho), meaning “to run.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Run Into: The primary meaning of εἰστρέχω is “to run into” or “to rush in,” emphasizing rapid entry.
• To Enter Quickly: Another meaning is “to enter quickly,” which suggests not just physical movement but a sense of urgency or determination.

Similar Words:

• εἰσπορεύομαι (eisporeúomai) [ice-po-REV-o-my]: This verb also means “to enter,” but it lacks the connotation of speed or urgency that εἰστρέχω carries.
• εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai) [ice-ER-kho-my]: While similar in meaning as “to enter,” εἰσέρχομαι is more neutral in tone and does not imply the same immediacy as εἰστρέχω.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Verb Conjugation: εἰστρέχω follows the regular conjugation pattern of Greek verbs in the present active indicative. It is a compound verb that combines the preposition εἰς with the verb τρέχω, which conveys running. Below is a chart showing the present indicative active conjugation of εἰστρέχω.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG notes that εἰστρέχω is used to denote rapid or urgent entry, often in situations requiring immediate attention or action. This sense of urgency is central to the word’s meaning and distinguishes it from other verbs of entering.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon highlights the word’s association with speed and movement, emphasizing its use in contexts where quick entry is necessary. It is often found in narratives where rapid action is critical.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary places εἰστρέχω among other verbs of movement but notes its unique connotation of running or rushing in, often used to depict scenes of urgent activity.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ provides examples from classical Greek literature, where εἰστρέχω is used to describe swift entries, particularly in military or emergency situations.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s highlights the few occurrences of εἰστρέχω in the New Testament, noting its specific application to scenarios involving urgency or rapid response.

Scripture References:

• Acts 19:29: “Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed (εἰστρέχω) into the theater together.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἰστρέχω (G1532: eistrécho)

The verb εἰστρέχω (eistrécho) holds a significant place in both biblical and classical Greek literature. Its primary meaning of “running into” or “rushing in” conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy that is essential for understanding certain New Testament passages. This word is not merely about physical movement but also carries connotations of rapid response, often in situations requiring quick action. The compound nature of the verb, combining “into” (εἰς) and “to run” (τρέχω), highlights its emphasis on swift and decisive entry. Its usage across different contexts, from military actions in classical texts to urgent moments in the New Testament, underscores its importance for both scholars and students of the Bible.

Did You Know?

The verb εἰστρέχω was not only used in the New Testament but also in classical Greek literature to describe scenarios where speed and urgency were paramount. Whether in the context of a soldier rushing into battle or a person entering a scene of emergency, εἰστρέχω captured the intensity of the moment, making it a vivid and dynamic term in both ancient and biblical Greek.