παρεισέρχομαι

I enter secretly

Definition

The verb παρεισέρχομαι means 'to enter secretly' or 'to slip in alongside.' It carries the nuance of entering in a stealthy, deceptive, or unauthorized manner, often with an ulterior motive. In Romans 5:20, it describes how the Law 'slipped in' alongside human sin to increase its visibility, not as a primary actor but as a secondary, amplifying agent. In Galatians 2:4, it refers to false believers who 'slipped in secretly' to spy on the freedom Christians have in Christ, emphasizing their deceptive and subversive intent.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times by the Apostle Paul. In Romans 5:20, it is used metaphorically to describe the Law's role in relation to sin. In Galatians 2:4, it is used literally to describe the covert infiltration of false brothers into the Christian community. Both usages highlight an element of stealth and secondary or disruptive entry.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek preposition παρά (para, 'beside') and the verb εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, 'to enter in'). The compound form παρεισέρχομαι literally means 'to enter in beside' or 'to come in alongside,' which developed the specific sense of entering secretly or by a side door, implying a lack of proper or open entry.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illuminates the nature of spiritual conflict and deception. In Galatians 2:4, it underscores the early church's struggle against false teaching and the need for vigilance to protect the gospel's truth. In Romans 5:20, it provides a nuanced understanding of the Law's purpose—not as the primary solution to sin, but as a divine instrument that entered the human situation to expose and magnify sin, thereby highlighting humanity's need for grace through Jesus Christ.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'slipping in secretly' would resonate in contexts of political espionage, philosophical infiltration by rival schools, or uninvited guests at private gatherings. This cultural understanding of covert entry amplifies the seriousness with which Paul describes both the false brothers in Galatia and the function of the Mosaic Law.

εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, G1525) — A general term for 'to enter' or 'to go into,' without the connotation of secrecy or side entry. παρεισάγω (pareisagō, G3919) — Means 'to bring in secretly' or 'to introduce surreptitiously,' sharing the stealthy element but focusing on causing something else to enter.

Word Details

Scripture References