παρεισάγω

I bring in secretly

Definition

The verb παρεισάγω means to bring in or introduce something, often with the connotation of doing so secretly, deceptively, or by stealth. In its only New Testament occurrence (2 Peter 2:1), it describes the act of introducing destructive heresies or false teachings into the community of believers. The prefix 'παρεισ-' intensifies the sense of a surreptitious or illegitimate introduction alongside or in addition to the genuine teaching. While the core meaning is 'to bring in,' the context determines whether this action is neutral, positive, or, as in 2 Peter, dangerously covert.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 2:1. It describes the method of false prophets who 'secretly bring in destructive heresies.' The usage is entirely negative, highlighting the deceptive and invasive nature of false teaching that threatens the church from within. The context warns believers to be vigilant against teachings that deny the Lord and lead to swift destruction.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition παρά (para, 'beside, alongside') and the verb εἰσάγω (eisagō, 'to lead in, bring in'). The compound παρεισάγω literally means 'to lead in alongside' or 'to bring in by the side.' This construction emphasizes an additional, often clandestine, introduction. It shares a root with common words for 'lead' (ἄγω) and 'into' (εἰς).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it precisely characterizes the threat of heresy. It underscores that false doctrine is not always openly opposed but is often smuggled into the church community deceptively. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of 2 Peter 2:1 by highlighting the stealthy, subversive strategy warned against, calling for discernment and faithfulness to apostolic teaching to guard the truth.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of introducing foreign or novel ideas (especially religious or philosophical) was often viewed with suspicion. The term implies a breach of trust or an illegitimate addition to an established body of teaching. This cultural context of valuing tradition and fearing corrupting influences amplifies the severe warning in 2 Peter against those who would secretly alter core Christian beliefs.

εἰσάγω (eisagō, G1521) — A neutral term meaning simply 'to lead in' or 'introduce,' without the connotation of secrecy or deception. παρεισφέρω (pareispherō, G3918) — A closely related compound meaning 'to bring in alongside' or 'add,' used in 2 Peter 1:5 in a positive sense of adding virtues to one's faith.

Word Details

Scripture References