εἰσάγω (eisagō)
eisagō
to bring in
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eisagō means to bring someone or something into a place, often with a sense of forceful or official entry. It appears eleven times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, describing physical movements into specific locations such as courts, houses, or cities.
Its meaning is concrete rather than abstract. In Luke 2:27, Simeon is led into the temple, while in John 18:16, a servant girl brings Peter inside the courtyard of the high priest. The word frequently implies an external agent causing the entry, as seen when soldiers drag Paul into the barracks in Acts 21:34 or when believers bring the sick to Jesus in Luke 4:40.
Etymologically, it combines eis ("into") and agō ("to lead"). This distinguishes it from simple verbs of motion by emphasizing the result of being brought within a boundary. Translators typically render it as "bring in" or "lead in," capturing the passive experience of those being moved into a new space under another’s authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eisagō describes a concrete reality: being brought into a place by someone else. It is not about self-initiated movement but about entering under another’s authority or care. This distinction matters because it reminds us that our spiritual journey often involves surrendering control. We do not always choose the path; sometimes we are led, guided, or even carried into new spaces by God’s providence.
In Luke 2:27, Simeon is led into the temple by the Spirit. He does not force his way in; he is brought there to encounter Christ. Similarly, in Acts 9:8, Saul is blind and helpless, yet he is led by hand into Damascus. These moments show that being brought in can be an act of grace, even when we feel vulnerable or uncertain. It invites trust in the One who guides us.
This word encourages us to rest in God’s leading. Whether we are entering a season of trial or a place of blessing, we are never alone in our movement. The One who brings us in knows the destination and cares for our steps. We can find peace in knowing that our entry into His presence is secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be brought in1×
- to be brought1×
- they brought [him]1×
- he has brought1×
- had brought1×
- do bring in1×
- brought in1×
- brought [it]1×
- brought1×
- bringing in1×
- He may bring1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰσήγαγον3×
- εἰσήγαγεν3×
- εἰσάγεσθαι2×
- εἰσάγαγε1×
- εἰσαγάγῃ1×
- εἰσαγαγεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:27
He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
Simeon is led by the Spirit into the temple, showing divine guidance rather than human initiative in entering sacred space.
-
Acts 9:8
Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
Paul is led by hand into Damascus after his conversion, highlighting his dependence on others and God’s care during vulnerability.
-
John 18:16
but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter.
Peter is brought into the high priest’s courtyard by another disciple, illustrating how external agents can facilitate entry into difficult situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eisagō mean in the New Testament?
How is eisagō different from other words for entering?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
Luke 3 verses
He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him…
Luke 14:21“That servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go…
Luke 22:54They seized him and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance.