εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai)
eiserchomai
to enter
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 184 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eiserchomai simply means to go in or enter. It describes the physical act of moving from outside into a specific space, such as a house, a city, or a field. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it frequently to describe entering homes (Matthew 9:25) or passing through gates (Matthew 7:13). The word is straightforward and concrete, focusing on the movement itself rather than the emotional state of the person moving.
Beyond physical movement, the sources highlight a significant metaphorical range. It describes entry into abstract states like life, joy, or rest (Matthew 25:21; Hebrews 4:1). It also appears in striking contexts where demonic forces enter a person (Mark 9:25) or where food enters the mouth (Matthew 15:11). This versatility allows the word to bridge the gap between simple physical action and profound spiritual transition.
A key theological point is its use in the phrase "enter into life" or "enter the kingdom." Translators often render this as simply "enter," but the Greek emphasizes the full admission into a new realm of existence. The word appears in Jesus’ warning that many will say they did great works, yet he will tell them he never knew them because they did not truly enter (Matthew 7:21-23). This usage underscores that entry requires more than just proximity; it demands genuine participation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word eiserchomai describes the simple act of entering a space. It moves from outside into inside, whether that is a house, a city, or a field. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this concrete image often. He speaks of entering homes to heal, passing through gates, or coming into Jerusalem. The word focuses on the physical movement itself, marking a clear change in location and circumstance.
Yet this simple action carries deep spiritual weight. Jesus warns that many will claim to know Him but will not truly enter the Kingdom because they do not do the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21). Entry requires more than standing near the door; it demands genuine participation in God’s life. When we seek to enter His presence through prayer or obedience, we are stepping into a new realm of existence defined by His grace.
This word invites us to consider where we are heading. It reminds us that faith is not just about observing from a distance but about crossing the threshold into relationship with God. May your heart be ready to enter fully into the rest and joy He offers, trusting in His invitation rather than relying on your own merit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 184 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having entered22×
- to enter17×
- entered13×
- he entered9×
- entering9×
- He entered6×
- do enter5×
- you may enter,4×
- they entered4×
- shall you enter4×
- you may enter3×
- will they enter3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰσῆλθεν39×
- εἰσελθεῖν28×
- εἰσελθὼν18×
- εἰσῆλθον10×
- εἰσέλθῃ6×
- εἰσέλθητε6×
- εἰσελθόντες5×
- εἴσελθε4×
- εἰσελθόντα4×
- εἰσελθεῖν.4×
- εἰσελεύσονται4×
- εἰσέλθῃ,3×
Key Verses
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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 Father who is in heaven.
This verse clarifies that verbal profession is insufficient for entering the Kingdom; doing the Father's will is the necessary condition.
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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.
Jesus sets a high standard for righteousness, stating that exceeding the scribes and Pharisees is essential to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
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Matthew 18:3
and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The requirement to become like little children highlights humility as the key to entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
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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 who enter in by it.
The narrow gate imagery contrasts the easy path of destruction with the difficult but true path that leads to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eiserchomai mean in the Bible?
How is eiserchomai used metaphorically?
Why does Jesus say some will not enter the Kingdom?
Every Occurrence (184 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 33 verses
He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
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 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 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 7:21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my…
Matthew 8:5When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him for help,
Matthew 8:8The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…
Matthew 9:25But when the crowd was sent out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
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 10:11Into 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 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 12:29Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then…
Matthew 12:45Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The…
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 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 18:8If 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 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 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 22:11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing,
Matthew 22:12and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless.
Matthew 23:13“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers.…
Matthew 24:38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until…
Matthew 25:10While 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 26:41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:58But Peter followed him from a distance to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to…
Matthew 27:53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.