### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εἴσειμι (eíseimi, `{{G1524}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition εἰς (eis, `{{G1519}}`), meaning "into" or "to," and the verb εἶμι (eimi), meaning "to go." Thus, its core meaning is precisely "to go into" or "to enter." This verb describes the act of moving from an outer location or state to an inner one, implying a crossing of a boundary or threshold. Its semantic range is quite focused on this literal physical movement of entry, without typically carrying strong metaphorical or highly nuanced meanings on its own. It denotes a transition from an exterior to an interior space or presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εἴσειμι appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Book of Acts. Its usage consistently reflects its core meaning of physical entry:
* **[[Acts 3:3]]**: "Who seeing Peter and John about to εἴσειμι into the temple asked an alms." Here, the lame man at the Beautiful Gate observes Peter and John in the act of entering the Temple precincts for prayer. The context is one of a routine, devotional entry into a sacred space.
* **[[Acts 21:18]]**: "And the day following Paul εἴσειμι in with us unto James; and all the elders were present." This describes Paul's entry into a gathering or meeting with James and the elders in Jerusalem. It signifies his presence and participation in an important council, marking a formal visit.
* **[[Acts 21:26]]**: "Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them εἴσειμι into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them." Paul's entry into the Temple here is for a specific ritual purpose—purification according to Jewish law. It highlights his willingness to observe customs, even as he championed Gentile inclusion in the church.
* **[[Acts 28:30]]**: "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that εἴσειμι in unto him." This verse depicts Paul's situation under house arrest in Rome, where he continued to receive visitors. The verb describes the consistent flow of people entering his dwelling to hear the Gospel.
In each instance, εἴσειμι functions as a straightforward verb of motion, indicating the physical act of entering a building, a meeting, or a dwelling. The significance often arises from *what* is entered and the purpose or consequence of that entry, rather than from the verb itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
εἴσειμι is closely related to several other Greek terms that convey movement and entry:
* **εἰς (eis, `{{G1519}}`)**: The preposition "into" is the directional component of εἴσειμι, indicating the destination or target of the movement.
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`)**: A very common verb meaning "to come" or "to go." εἴσειμι is a more specific form of "going" that emphasizes the "into" aspect.
* **εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, `{{G1525}}`)**: This is a very close synonym of εἴσειμι, also meaning "to enter" or "to go in." While εἴσειμι uses the older root εἶμι (to go), εἰσέρχομαι uses ἔρχομαι (to come/go). In many contexts, they are functionally interchangeable, though εἰσέρχομαι is significantly more frequent in the New Testament. The choice between the two may sometimes reflect stylistic preference or subtle nuance lost in translation.
* **Concepts**: The word εἴσειμι inherently relates to concepts of access, passage, presence, and inclusion. The act of entering often serves as a prerequisite for subsequent interaction, participation, or the unfolding of events.
### Theological Significance
While εἴσειμι is primarily a descriptive verb of physical motion, its theological significance often emerges from the contexts in which it is used. The act of "entering" serves as a necessary precursor for spiritual and relational realities.
* **Access to Sacred Space**: In [[Acts 3:3]] and [[Acts 21:26]], the entry into the Temple underscores the Jewish context of early Christianity and the apostles' continued participation in Jewish religious life. For Peter and John, it is entry for prayer and ministry; for Paul, it is entry for ritual purification, demonstrating his respect for Jewish custom even as he preached the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. This physical entry into the Temple foreshadows the spiritual access to God's presence now available through Christ.
* **Engagement in Community and Ministry**: Paul's entry to James and the elders in [[Acts 21:18]] signifies his active engagement with the leadership of the Jerusalem church, crucial for the unity and direction of the nascent Christian movement. His receiving visitors in [[Acts 28:30]] highlights the continuation of his ministry, even under duress, as people "enter" his presence to hear the word of God. This points to the importance of physical presence for fellowship, teaching, and the spread of the Gospel.
* **Prerequisite for Divine Action**: The simple act of entering often sets the stage for profound divine encounters or human interactions. It is the initial step that allows for prayer, teaching, healing, or fellowship to occur. Thus, while not inherently theological, εἴσειμι facilitates the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through human agency and interaction.
### Summary
εἴσειμι (G1524) is a Greek verb meaning "to go into" or "to enter," formed from εἰς (into) and εἶμι (to go). Its usage in the New Testament, confined to the Book of Acts, consistently describes literal physical entry into specific locations such as the Temple, a meeting, or a dwelling. Though less frequent than its near-synonym εἰσέρχομαι (`{{G1525}}`), εἴσειμι functions similarly to denote the act of crossing a threshold. The theological significance of εἴσειμι is primarily contextual, deriving from *what* is entered and the purpose or outcome of that entry. It underscores the importance of physical presence and movement as prerequisites for acts of worship, community engagement, and the ongoing work of ministry in the biblical narrative.
TRV