Brief Overview of εἰσάγω (Strong’s G1521: eisagō)

Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately. The word εἰσάγω (eisagō) is particularly significant as it is used in contexts that involve leading or bringing someone into a place or situation. This verb not only carries literal meanings but also has metaphorical implications that are vital for theological interpretation. The word is relevant not only for New Testament studies but also for understanding the cultural and social practices of ancient Greek society, where the act of bringing someone into a space or situation could have deep connotations.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἰσάγω (eisagō) [ee-sah-goh]
• Etymology: Composed of the preposition εἰς (eis, meaning “into”) and the verb ἄγω (agō, meaning “to lead” or “to bring”).
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative, first person singular).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To bring in, to lead in: The primary meaning of εἰσάγω is to physically bring or lead someone or something into a place. This can refer to bringing someone into a house, a city, or even a gathering.
• To introduce: In a metaphorical sense, εἰσάγω can mean to introduce or bring someone into a new situation or state, such as introducing a new concept or idea.
• To present: It can also imply presenting someone formally, as in a court or before an authority.

Similar Words:

• ἄγω (agō) [ah-goh]: Meaning “to lead” or “to bring,” this word is the root of εἰσάγω. While ἄγω refers broadly to leading or bringing, εἰσάγω specifies leading or bringing into something.
• προσαγάγω (prosagō) [pros-ah-goh]: This verb means “to bring to” or “to lead to,” often used in contexts where someone is brought to a place or person. It differs from εἰσάγω in that it emphasizes the direction towards something rather than the act of bringing into.
• ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) [ek-bal-loh]: Meaning “to cast out” or “to expel,” this word is almost the opposite of εἰσάγω, focusing on removing someone or something from a place rather than bringing them in.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Verb Conjugation: εἰσάγω is a present active indicative verb, which means it describes an action that is currently happening or is habitual. The verb follows regular conjugation patterns in the active voice.
• Compound Structure: The word is a compound of the preposition εἰς and the verb ἄγω, which is common in Greek to create verbs with specific directional meanings.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon notes that εἰσάγω is often used in contexts where someone is led or brought into a specific place, whether literal or figurative. It highlights the word’s use in legal and formal contexts in the New Testament, such as when someone is brought before a court or a judge.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes the literal and metaphorical uses of εἰσάγω, pointing out its role in describing the introduction of new teachings or people into a community. The lexicon also discusses the word’s usage in the Septuagint, where it frequently appears in narratives involving the movement of people into places.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explores the theological implications of εἰσάγω, particularly in the context of the New Testament, where the verb is used to describe spiritual or doctrinal introductions, such as bringing someone into the faith or into the knowledge of Christ.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ highlights the classical usage of εἰσάγω in Greek literature, where it is used in both everyday and formal contexts, from leading someone into a room to introducing a character in a play.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰσάγω as G1521, noting its various appearances in the New Testament and providing references to key passages where the word is used to describe acts of bringing or leading into a specific place.

Scripture References:

• Luke 22:54: “Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into (εἰσήγαγον) the high priest’s house, and Peter followed at a distance.”
• Acts 17:20: “For you bring (εἰσάγεις) some strange things to our ears; therefore we want to know what these things mean.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἰσάγω (G1521: eisagō)

The Greek verb εἰσάγω (eisagō) is a multifaceted term that plays a significant role in both the literal and metaphorical language of the New Testament. It primarily means “to bring in” or “to lead in,” but its usage extends to the introduction of new ideas, people, and teachings. This word is crucial for understanding various passages where the act of bringing or leading into a place or state is central to the narrative. The verb’s roots in ancient Greek literature further underscore its importance in both everyday and formal contexts, making it a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the profound.

Did You Know?

The verb εἰσάγω was not only used in everyday language but also had ceremonial and legal connotations in ancient Greece. For example, it was often used to describe the formal introduction of a guest or the presentation of a person before an assembly or court. This dual usage highlights the word’s versatility and the cultural importance of formal introductions in ancient Greek society.