ἐπεισέρχομαι (epeiserchomai)
epeiserchomai
to enter
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare verb epeiserchomai means simply "to come in upon" or "to enter into." It combines the prefix epi, suggesting a position of being upon or over, with eiserchomai, the common word for entering. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 21:35.
In that specific context, Jesus warns his followers that this day will come upon them "unawares," like a trap. The sources do not suggest a complex theological nuance here; rather, they highlight its use to describe an event that arrives and takes hold of people who are not prepared for it. It is a straightforward term for intrusion or sudden arrival.
Because this word is so uncommon in biblical Greek, translators often rely on the surrounding context to convey its force. In Luke 21:35, it helps emphasize the unexpected nature of the final judgment, describing an event that enters into human life without warning. Its rarity makes its single occurrence stand out as a specific image of suddenness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word epeiserchomai appears only once in the New Testament, found in Luke 21:35. It describes something coming upon a person suddenly, like a trap snapping shut. Jesus uses this rare term to warn that the day of judgment will arrive unexpectedly for those who are not watching.
This image reminds us to stay spiritually alert. Life moves quickly, and distractions can easily dull our senses. By keeping our hearts open to God, we avoid being caught off guard by life’s sudden shifts or final events.
Instead of fearing the unknown, we find peace in faithful preparation. This word invites us to live with intention, knowing that God sees our readiness and welcomes those who walk in His light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- It will enter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπεισελεύσεται1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 21:35
For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of the word, where it describes judgment arriving unexpectedly like a snare.