ἐπεισαγωγή

bringing in, introduction, importation

Definition

ἐπεισαγωγή (epeisagōgē) means 'a bringing in besides' or 'an introduction of something additional.' In its only New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 7:19, it refers to the 'introduction' of a better hope through Jesus Christ, which is brought in alongside or in place of the former Levitical priesthood and law. The word carries the sense of a superior replacement or supplement being ushered in. While its basic lexical meaning is the act of bringing in or importing something, in the biblical context, it specifically denotes the decisive inauguration of a new and effective order of salvation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 7:19. It appears in the context of the author's argument about the superiority of Christ's priesthood (according to the order of Melchizedek) over the old Levitical priesthood. The usage is theological and contrastive, highlighting that the law made nothing perfect, but the 'introduction' of a better hope through Jesus does. There are no other usage patterns, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, 'upon, in addition') and the noun εἰσαγωγή (eisagōgē, 'a bringing in, introduction'). Εἰσαγωγή itself comes from the verb εἰσάγω (eisagō, 'to lead in'). Thus, ἐπεισαγωγή literally means 'a bringing in upon' or 'a leading in besides,' emphasizing an additional or superimposed introduction.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the core argument of Hebrews regarding the new covenant. It marks the decisive, God-initiated replacement of the incomplete Mosaic law with the perfect and effective priesthood of Jesus Christ. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Hebrews 7:19 by emphasizing that salvation in Christ is not a minor adjustment but a superior, divinely orchestrated 'introduction' of a completely new and living way (Hebrews 10:20). It relates directly to the doctrines of Christ's priesthood, the new covenant, and salvation by grace.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term could be used in various secular contexts, such as the 'importation' of goods or the 'introduction' of a new law or custom. For the original Jewish-Christian audience of Hebrews, hearing this word in a religious argument would have underscored the idea of a definitive, God-ordained change in the system of approaching God—shifting from the temple-centric, sacrificial system to the finished work of Christ.

εἰσαγωγή (eisagōgē, G1521) — a more general term for 'introduction' or 'bringing in,' without the connotation of being an addition or replacement. παρεισάγω (pareisagō, G3919) — a verb meaning 'to bring in alongside' or 'to introduce secretly,' with a potential negative connotation (as in 2 Peter 2:1).

Word Details

Scripture References