εἰσφέρω

I lead into, bring in

Definition

The verb εἰσφέρω means 'to bring into' or 'to lead into,' conveying the action of carrying or introducing something or someone into a specific place or state. In its literal sense, it describes physically carrying an object into a location, such as bringing a paralyzed man into a house (Luke 5:18-19). Figuratively, it can mean to introduce or present something, like bringing new or strange teachings (Acts 17:20) or presenting a request in prayer, as in the Lord's Prayer's plea 'do not lead us into temptation' (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4). It also appears in the context of what one cannot bring into or take out of the world (1 Timothy 6:7).

Biblical Usage

Εἰσφέρω is used seven times in the New Testament across Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. Its usage is evenly split between literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes the physical act of carrying someone into a building (Luke 5:18-19) and bringing animal bodies into a ritual space (Hebrews 13:11). Figuratively, it is used in prayer (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4), philosophical discourse about introducing new ideas (Acts 17:20), and ethical teaching about material possessions (1 Timothy 6:7). No single book dominates its usage.

Etymology

Εἰσφέρω is a compound verb formed from the preposition εἰς (eis), meaning 'into' or 'to,' and the common verb φέρω (pherō), meaning 'to bear,' 'to carry,' or 'to bring.' Its construction is straightforward, combining the idea of motion ('into') with the action of carrying. The meaning developed naturally from this combination, encompassing both physical transportation and metaphorical introduction.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in the context of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4), where the petition 'do not lead us into temptation' (μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν) uses this verb. Understanding εἰσφέρω here enriches the prayer's meaning: it is a plea to God not to be brought or carried into a situation of testing or trial. This highlights human dependence on divine guidance and protection from spiritual peril, contrasting with the human act of bringing requests to God.

In its literal use in Hebrews 13:11, the word is set within the cultural context of Jewish sacrificial ritual, where the bodies of sin-offering animals were 'brought into' (εἰσφέρεται) the holy places by the high priest. This action was part of the Day of Atonement ceremony (Yom Kippur), a concept the original readers would have understood. The figurative use in Acts 17:20 reflects the Athenian cultural setting of philosophical debate and suspicion toward novel teachings.

εἰσάγω (eisagō, G1521) — emphasizes the act of leading or introducing in, often with a stronger sense of guidance. φέρω (pherō, G5342) — the root verb, meaning simply 'to bear' or 'carry,' without the directional prefix 'into.' προσφέρω (prospherō, G4374) — means 'to bring to' or 'offer,' often used for presenting sacrifices or offerings to God.

Word Details

Scripture References