Word Study for G1521 (εἰσάγω)

eiságō /ice-ag'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom εἰς and ἄγω

Meaningto introduce (literally or figuratively)

KJV usagebring in(-to), (+ was to) lead into.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of eiságō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word eiságō, represented by G1521, is formed from the words εἰς (into) and ἄγω (to lead). It means to introduce, or more literally, to bring in or lead into. It appears 10 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible, signifying a specific action of transitioning someone or something from an outside location or state to an inside one.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G1521 is used in several physical and figurative contexts. It describes the literal act of escorting individuals into specific places, such as when Peter was brought in to the high priest's house John 18:16 or when a blinded Saul was brought into Damascus Acts 9:8. The word also carries significant weight in legal and religious contexts, as seen when Paul was falsely accused of having brought Greeks into the temple Acts 21:28, an act considered a pollution of the holy place Acts 21:29. The parents of Jesus also brought the child into the temple according to the law Luke 2:27.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to clarify the action of bringing or leading:

G71 ágō (to lead): This is the root verb of G1521 and signifies leading or bringing. It is used in close proximity when Jesus was taken, led G71, and then brought G1521 into the high priest's house Luke 22:54.
G1831 exérchomai (to issue; come out): This word presents the opposite action. In the parable of the great supper, a servant is commanded to go out G1831 into the streets and then bring in G1521 the poor and maimed Luke 14:21.
G5496 cheiragōgéō (to be a hand-leader, i.e. to guide): This term provides a specific method of leading. It is used to describe how companions led G5496 the blinded Saul by the hand and brought G1521 him into Damascus Acts 9:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1521 is most clearly seen in its application to divine actions and purposes.

Presenting the Son: The term is used powerfully in Hebrews 1:6, where the Father bringeth in the firstbegotten G4416 into the world, an event that prompts the worship G4352 of all God's angels. This signifies the incarnation and enthronement of Christ.
The Gospel Invitation: In a parable, a master commands his servant to bring in the poor, maimed, halt, and blind from the city streets Luke 14:21. This action illustrates the inclusive nature of God's call, extending His invitation to those who are socially and physically marginalized.
Entering Holy Presence: The act of being brought into the temple, as with the child Jesus Luke 2:27, underscores themes of fulfillment of the law and dedication to God. Conversely, the accusation against Paul for bringing Greeks into the temple Acts 21:28 highlights the perceived sanctity of holy spaces and the severe consequences of their defilement.

Summary

In summary, G1521 is a precise verb that describes the act of being introduced, led, or brought into a new space or context. Its usage ranges from the literal movement of individuals, such as Peter being brought into a courtyard John 18:16 or Paul being led toward a castle Acts 21:37, to theologically profound events like the Father bringing the Son into the world Hebrews 1:6. The word consistently marks a significant transition from an external position to an internal one, carrying implications of access, invitation, and purpose.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 3×
2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
Present Passive Infinitive 2×
2nd Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×

Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Acts (5 verses); never once in the other 23.

Luke

John

Acts

Hebrews

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.