εἰσπηδάω (eispēdaō)
eispēdaō
to rush into
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eispēdaō describes a sudden, impulsive movement, meaning to spring or rush into a place. It combines the prefix eis ("into") with pedao ("to leap"), creating an image of physical urgency rather than calm entry. This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the book of Acts, highlighting moments of intense emotional reaction.
In Acts 14:14, the apostles Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes and rush into the crowd to stop the people from sacrificing to them. Later, in Acts 16:29, a prison guard falls down trembling and rushes in after hearing the gospel. In both cases, the word captures a break from normal behavior driven by shock or profound realization.
Because it is so rare, eispēdaō does not have a broad range of theological usage. Instead, it serves as a vivid marker for sudden shifts in action. Translators typically render it as "rush in" or "spring into," preserving the speed and force implied by the original Greek.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eispēdaō paints a picture of sudden, urgent movement. It describes someone rushing into a situation with immediate intensity. In Acts 16:29, the prison guard springs into the cell after hearing the gospel. This moment shows how truth can break through fear and hesitation instantly.
Such urgency reminds us that faith often arrives in unexpected ways. We may plan our steps carefully, but God’s work can move with swift power. When we encounter grace, it can shift our perspective from one moment to the next. This word highlights the reality that spiritual awakening is not always gradual; sometimes it is a sudden leap of trust.
Let this encourage you when you feel stuck or slow in your walk. God’s presence can bring clarity and direction with surprising speed. May you be open to those moments where He moves quickly in your heart, bringing peace and new purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he rushed in1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰσεπήδησεν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 16:29
He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas,
The guard's sudden rush into the prison cell demonstrates how the gospel can instantly break through fear and lead to immediate reverence before Paul and Silas.