συνεισέρχομαι

I enter together with

Definition

The verb συνεισέρχομαι means 'to enter together with' or 'to go in with' someone. It emphasizes joint participation in entering a specific location or situation. In John 6:22, it describes the crowd who had seen Jesus feed the five thousand and then noticed the disciples had departed by boat; they themselves got into boats and 'entered together with' others to cross the sea to Capernaum seeking Jesus. In John 18:15, it refers to the disciple known to the high priest who 'entered with' Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest after Jesus' arrest. Both uses highlight a physical accompaniment into a defined space.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of John. In both instances, it describes a literal, physical act of entering a place alongside another person or group. In John 6:22, it depicts a collective movement of a crowd. In John 18:15, it describes a more intimate accompaniment of a single disciple following Jesus into a place of danger and judgment. The pattern shows it is used for narrative detail, emphasizing companionship in transition.

Etymology

A compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, G4862), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the verb εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, G1525), meaning 'I go in' or 'I enter.' The combination intensifies the notion of entering by adding the element of partnership or association. Its meaning is transparently derived from its parts: 'to enter in together.'

Semantic Range

While primarily a descriptive narrative verb, its use in John 18:15 carries subtle theological weight. The disciple who 'enters with' Jesus into the high priest's courtyard embodies a theme of discipleship as following Jesus into places of trial and opposition. It contrasts with Peter's later denial outside, highlighting different responses to being associated with Jesus in his passion. Understanding this 'entering with' enriches the reader's view of the costs and contours of following Christ.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, entering a space 'with' someone often implied shared purpose, social connection, or shared risk. In John 18:15, entering the high priest's courtyard with an arrested man was a bold act that could imply complicity or allegiance. The cultural understanding of accompaniment carried stronger connotations of shared identity and potential consequence than a simple modern description of movement might convey.

συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, G4905) — a broader term meaning 'to come or go together,' not specifying 'entering into.' εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, G1525) — the root verb meaning 'to enter,' lacking the 'together with' component.

Word Details

Scripture References