εἰσπορεύομαι

eisporeúomai /ice-por-yoo'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom εἰς and πορεύομαι
Meaningto enter (literally or figuratively)
KJV usagecome (enter) in, go into.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word eisporeúomai, represented by G1531, is a verb that means to enter. It appears 17 times in 17 unique verses. The word is used to describe both the literal action of physically going into a place, such as a city or a house, and the figurative act of concepts or influences entering a person's life or heart.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G1531 is frequently used to describe physical movement. It is used when Jesus and his disciples went into Capernaum Mark 1:21 and when he entered into villages, cities, or the country to minister Mark 6:56. The word also describes hostile actions, as when Saul made havock of the church by entering into every house Acts 8:3. Figuratively, it is central to Jesus' teaching on purity. He explains that what entereth into a man from the outside cannot defile him, because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly Mark 7:18-19. Similarly, worldly cares and lusts are described as entering in to choke the word and make it unfruitful Mark 4:19.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the concept of entering and departing:

  • G1519 eis (to or into): As a component of G1531, this preposition indicates the point reached or entered, defining the direction of motion. It is used alongside G1531 to specify the destination, such as entering into a village Mark 11:2.
  • G1525 eisérchomai (to enter): This word has a nearly identical meaning and is used in close proximity to G1531. For example, after they went into Capernaum, Jesus entered into the synagogue Mark 1:21.
  • G1607 ekporeúomai (to depart, go out): This word describes the opposite action of entering. It is used in contrast to highlight that what defiles a man is not what enters him, but what comes out of him Mark 7:15. It is also used to describe movement, such as "coming in and going out at Jerusalem" Acts 9:28.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1531 is primarily seen in its figurative applications, distinguishing between external rituals and internal states.

  • Physical Entry for Ministry: The word is used to map the movements of Jesus and his followers as they bring their message to new places. This includes entering a village to find a colt for the triumphal entry Luke 19:30 and Paul receiving all that came in unto him in his hired house Acts 28:30.
  • The Nature of Defilement: Jesus uses G1531 to redefine purity. He teaches that it is not the food that entereth in at the mouth that defiles a person, as that simply goeth into the belly and then the draught Matthew 15:17. This shifts the focus from external rules to the internal state of the heart.
  • Spiritual Influences: The Parable of the Sower uses G1531 to illustrate how spiritual life can be hindered. The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts are described as entering in that choke the word, rendering it unfruitful Mark 4:19.

Summary

In summary, G1531 is a versatile word for entering. While it often denotes literal, physical movement into houses, cities, and villages, its most profound use is figurative. It is key to understanding the biblical distinction between external influence and internal corruption, teaching that true defilement comes not from what enters from the outside, but from what proceeds from the heart. The term illustrates how worldly concerns can enter one's life and hinder spiritual growth.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 18 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 4×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Neuter 3×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Feminine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Mark (8 verses).

1
Matthew
8
Mark
4
Luke
4
Acts

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.