Strong’s G3921: A compound verb combining παρα (beside) + εἰς (into) + δύω (to sink/enter), meaning “to creep in secretly” or “to slip in stealthily.” Used in Jude 1:4 to describe false teachers infiltrating the church. Emphasizes the subtle, snake-like movement of those who secretly introduce heresy.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρεισδύ(ν)ω vividly portrays the image of someone slipping in unnoticed, like a snake. In its sole New Testament usage, Jude employs it to describe false teachers who infiltrate the church with destructive teachings. The compound structure creates a picture of sinuous movement alongside, then into a protected space. Early church fathers used this term to warn against subtle heretical influences. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance against deceptive teachings that quietly infiltrate Christian communities.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρεισδύ(ν)ω, pareisdyō, /par-ice-DOO-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ice + DOO (stressed) + oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• εἰς- (eis-): into
• δύω (dyō): to sink, enter
• Combined prefix παρεισ- emphasizes secretive entry

D – Defining Meanings

• To creep in secretly
• To slip in stealthily
• To infiltrate unnoticed

For compound words:
The triple compound creates the image of sinking or sliding (δύω) into (εἰς) from alongside (παρα), emphasizing stealth and cunning

Translation Options:

• “To creep in” – emphasizes stealth
• “To slip in secretly” – captures both movement and intent
• “To infiltrate” – modern equivalent maintaining the concept

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρεισέρχομαι (pareiserchomai) /par-ice-ER-khom-ai/ – to enter secretly, less serpentine
• εἰσδύω (eisdyō) /ice-DOO-oh/ – to enter, without stealth emphasis
• παρεισάγω (pareisagō) /par-ice-AG-oh/ – to bring in secretly

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρεισδύω exhibits:

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

Examples:
παρεισδύω (I creep in)
παρεισέδυσαν (they crept in)
παρεισδύων (creeping in)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its snake-like stealth. Thayer’s notes its use for secret infiltration. LSJ documents classical usage for sneaking into forbidden places. Vine’s highlights its warning context. Moulton and Milligan note its use in papyri for unauthorized entry.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For certain people have [παρεισδύω] crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation” (Jude 1:4)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρεισδύω graphically depicts stealthy infiltration, particularly of false teachers entering the church with harmful intent, emphasizing the snake-like nature of their movement and deception.

D – Did You Know?

• The word’s snake-like imagery influenced early Christian art depicting heresy
• It appears in early church writings about protecting against false doctrine
• The term combines three Greek elements to create a precise picture of serpentine infiltration

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρα (beside) + εἰς (into) + δύω (to sink/enter), meaning “to creep in secretly” or “to slip in stealthily.” Used in Jude 1:4 to describe false teachers infiltrating the church. Emphasizes the subtle, snake-like movement of those who secretly introduce heresy.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #false_teaching #jude #infiltration #deception #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #heresy #church​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​