εἰς (eis)
eis
toward
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1,524 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The preposition eis indicates movement toward a specific point or limit, translating most naturally as "into," "to," or "toward." It is one of the most frequent words in the New Testament, appearing over 1,500 times, particularly in the Gospels and Acts. Its primary function is to mark the destination of an action, whether physical or abstract, showing where something or someone is heading.
While it often follows verbs of motion, such as Jesus going to Capernaum (Matthew 8:14), it also marks the object of perception or speech. For instance, people look at the sky (Matthew 6:26) or speak to crowds (Mark 4:1). In later Greek usage, it sometimes functions similarly to en ("in"), as when Jesus rests in a house (Luke 4:23), though this reflects a shift in common speech rather than classical precision.
A notable theological weight appears in its use for purpose or result. When believers are baptized eis to onoma, they are baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This usage moves beyond simple direction to signify entrance into a new state or relationship. Translators often render it as "for" or "unto" in these contexts, capturing the idea that the action leads to a definitive end or identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word εἰς (eis) points us toward a destination. It marks the end of a journey, whether that is physical movement into a house or spiritual movement into a new relationship. In Matthew 28:19, it shows that baptism is not just a ritual but an entrance into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This simple preposition carries the weight of purpose and result.
When we read about Jesus going into the wilderness or the wise men coming into the house, we see God’s plan unfolding step by step. εἰς reminds us that our faith has a direction. We are moving toward something real. This hope anchors us when life feels uncertain.
May you find peace in knowing that your steps are guided toward His purposes. Trust in the One who leads you into eternal life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1,524 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- into586×
- to559×
- for173×
- in157×
- unto62×
- toward44×
- on25×
- at21×
- against18×
- in order13×
- among13×
- upon12×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰς1796×
- εἴς1×
Key Verses
-
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
The word εἰς appears in 'believes in him' to show faith directed toward Christ as the object of trust for eternal life.
-
Matthew 2:11
They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Here εἰς marks physical movement into the house where Jesus is, highlighting the wise men's arrival at their destination.
-
Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Jesus is led into the wilderness, showing εἰs marking a specific place of testing and purpose.
-
Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The phrase 'enter into the Kingdom' uses εἰς to indicate entrance into a new spiritual state or realm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does εἰς mean in the New Testament?
How is εἰς different from en?
Why is εἰς important in Matthew 28:19?
Where else does this word appear?
Every Occurrence (1,524 verses across 27 books)
Matthew 201 verses
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to…
Matthew 2:8He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…
Matthew 2:11They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening…
Matthew 2:12Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.
Matthew 2:13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:14He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt,
Matthew 2:20“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s…
Matthew 2:21He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
Matthew 2:22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.…
Matthew 2:23and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he…
Matthew 3:10Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and…
Matthew 3:11“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not…
Matthew 3:12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into…
Matthew 4:1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:5Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
Matthew 4:8Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Matthew 4:12Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
Matthew 4:13Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
Matthew 4:18Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 4:24The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases…
Matthew 5:1Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
Matthew 5:13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for…
Matthew 5:20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…
Matthew 5:22But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever…
Matthew 5:25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the…
Matthew 5:29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:35nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Matthew 5:39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret;…
Matthew 6:13Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory…
Matthew 6:26See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds…
Matthew 6:30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much…
Matthew 6:34Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Matthew 7:13“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many…
Matthew 7:14How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
Matthew 7:19Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 7:21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my…
Matthew 8:4Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…
Matthew 8:5When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him for help,
Matthew 8:12but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of…
Matthew 8:14When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever.
Matthew 8:18Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.
Matthew 8:23When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…
Matthew 8:31The demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs.”
Matthew 8:32He said to them, “Go!” They came out and went into the herd of pigs; and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the…
Matthew 8:33Those who fed them fled and went away into the city and told everything, including what happened to those who were…
Matthew 8:34Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.
Matthew 9:1He entered into a boat and crossed over, and came into his own city.
Matthew 9:6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—” (then he said to the paralytic),…
Matthew 9:7He arose and departed to his house.
Matthew 9:13But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but…
Matthew 9:17Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 9:23When Jesus came into the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd in noisy disorder,
Matthew 9:26The report of this went out into all that land.
Matthew 9:28When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do…
Matthew 9:38Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 10:5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of…
Matthew 10:9Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
Matthew 10:10Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Matthew 10:11Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on.
Matthew 10:12As you enter into the household, greet it.
Matthew 10:17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Matthew 10:18Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
Matthew 10:21“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause…
Matthew 10:22You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone…
Matthew 10:27What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
Matthew 10:41He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in…
Matthew 10:42Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I…
Matthew 11:7As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness…
Matthew 12:4how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were…
Matthew 12:9He departed from there and went into their synagogue.
Matthew 12:11He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day,…
Matthew 12:18“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him. He…
Matthew 12:20He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
Matthew 12:29Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then…
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 12:44Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came;’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and…
Matthew 13:2Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
Matthew 13:22What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of…
Matthew 13:30Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel…
Matthew 13:33He spoke another parable to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast which a woman took and hid in three measures of…
Matthew 13:36Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the…
Matthew 13:42and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:47“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
Matthew 13:48which, when it was filled, fishermen drew up on the beach. They sat down and gathered the good into containers, but the…
Matthew 13:50and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 13:52He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a…
Matthew 13:54Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this…
Matthew 14:13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it,…
Matthew 14:15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send…
Matthew 14:19He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to…
Matthew 14:22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the…
Matthew 14:23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was…
Matthew 14:31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Matthew 14:32When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased.
Matthew 14:34When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.
Matthew 14:35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who…
Matthew 15:11That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the…
Matthew 15:14Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
Matthew 15:17Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly and then out of the body?
Matthew 15:21Jesus went out from there and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.
Matthew 15:24But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 15:29Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Matthew 15:39Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.
Matthew 16:5The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread.
Matthew 16:13Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the…
Matthew 16:21From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders,…
Matthew 17:1After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by…
Matthew 17:15“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often…
Matthew 17:22While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of…
Matthew 17:24When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher…
Matthew 17:25He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the…
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:3and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the…
Matthew 18:6but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge…
Matthew 18:8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into…
Matthew 18:9If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one…
Matthew 18:15“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have…
Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
Matthew 18:21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven…
Matthew 18:29“So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’
Matthew 18:30He would not, but went and cast him into prison until he should pay back that which was due.
Matthew 19:1When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.
Matthew 19:5and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall…
Matthew 19:17He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life,…
Matthew 19:23Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with…
Matthew 19:24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s…
Matthew 20:1“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire…
Matthew 20:2When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Matthew 20:4He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way.
Matthew 20:7“They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ “He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and you will…
Matthew 20:17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
Matthew 20:18“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they…
Matthew 20:19and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
Matthew 21:1When they came near to Jerusalem and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
Matthew 21:2saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with…
Matthew 21:10When he had come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?”
Matthew 21:12Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the…
Matthew 21:17He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and camped there.
Matthew 21:18Now in the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry.
Matthew 21:19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…
Matthew 21:21Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…
Matthew 21:23When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and…
Matthew 21:31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell…
Matthew 21:42Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…
Matthew 21:46When they sought to seize him, they feared the multitudes, because they considered him to be a prophet.
Matthew 22:3and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.
Matthew 22:4Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle…
Matthew 22:5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;
Matthew 22:9Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’
Matthew 22:10Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…
Matthew 22:13Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness. That…
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 23:34Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of…
Matthew 24:9“Then they will deliver you up to oppression and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s…
Matthew 24:13But he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:14This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end…
Matthew 24:16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until…
Matthew 25:1“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Matthew 25:6But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’
Matthew 25:10While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and…
Matthew 25:21“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you…
Matthew 25:23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you…
Matthew 25:30Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Matthew 25:41Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared…
Matthew 25:46These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 26:2“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
Matthew 26:3Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high…
Matthew 26:8But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?
Matthew 26:10However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.
Matthew 26:13Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also…
Matthew 26:18He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the…
Matthew 26:28for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
Matthew 26:30When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:32But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
Matthew 26:36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and…
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:45Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and…
Matthew 26:52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 26:67Then they spat in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him,
Matthew 26:71When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him and said to those who were there, “This man also was with…
Matthew 27:5He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary and departed. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:6The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the…
Matthew 27:7They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them to bury strangers in.
Matthew 27:10and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
Matthew 27:27Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him.
Matthew 27:30They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.
Matthew 27:31When they had mocked him, they took the robe off him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.
Matthew 27:33When they came to a place called “Golgotha”, that is to say, “The place of a skull,”
Matthew 27:51Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.
Matthew 27:53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.
Matthew 28:1Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see…
Matthew 28:7Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you…
Matthew 28:10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will…
Matthew 28:11Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that…
Matthew 28:16But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.
Matthew 28:19Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,