εἰσάγω

I lead in, bring in

Definition

The verb εἰσάγω means 'to lead in,' 'to bring in,' or 'to introduce.' It often describes physically ushering someone or something into a new location, as when the parents brought the infant Jesus into the temple (Luke 2:27) or when Peter was brought into the high priest's courtyard (John 18:16). In a more figurative or spiritual sense, it can denote bringing someone into a community or a state of being, such as the servants bringing in the poor and disabled to the banquet (Luke 14:21) or God leading His people into the promised land (Acts 7:45). The action implies a deliberate transition from an outside space to an inside one.

Biblical Usage

Eἰσάγω appears 10 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels of Luke and John and the book of Acts. Its usage is almost always narrative, describing a concrete action of leading or bringing a person into a specific place. In Luke 22:54, it is used for the arrest of Jesus being led into the high priest's house. In Acts, it appears in Stephen's speech about the tabernacle (Acts 7:45) and in the chaotic scene of Paul's arrest in the temple (Acts 21:28-29). There is no significant abstract or theological usage beyond the implied significance of the entry itself.

Etymology

Eἰσάγω is a compound verb formed from the preposition εἰς (eis), meaning 'into' or 'to,' and the common verb ἄγω (agō), meaning 'I lead' or 'I bring.' Its literal meaning is therefore 'to lead into.' This transparent construction makes its sense clear in context. It is related to other compound verbs with ἄγω, such as ἐξάγω (exagō, 'to lead out') and εἰσφέρω (eispherō, 'to carry in').

Semantic Range

While εἰσάγω itself is a common verb for physical entry, its usage in key narratives gives it theological weight. It marks significant transitions: Jesus being presented at the temple, fulfilling the Law (Luke 2:27); the inclusive invitation of the kingdom banquet (Luke 14:21); and the pivotal moment of Jesus being led to his trial (Luke 22:54). In Acts 7:45, it connects to the theme of God faithfully leading His people into His promises. Understanding this word highlights the intentionality behind these entries, framing them as part of God's redemptive narrative.

In the Greco-Roman world, the act of 'leading in' often carried formal or ceremonial connotations, such as introducing a guest into a home or a official into a court. The temple context in several verses (Luke 2:27, Acts 21:28) is particularly significant, as entry into sacred spaces was strictly regulated. Being 'brought in' by another could imply having the proper authority or sponsorship to enter, which adds depth to scenes like John 18:16, where Peter needs an acquaintance to gain entry.

εἰσφέρω (eispherō, G1533) — emphasizes 'carrying or bringing in' an object, rather than leading a person. εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, G1525) — the more common verb for 'to enter' or 'go in,' focusing on the subject's own movement rather than being led by another. ἄγω (agō, G71) — the root verb meaning 'I lead,' without the specific directional prefix 'into.'

Word Details

Scripture References