### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eistréchō**, represented by `{{G1532}}`, means **to hasten inward** or to **run in**. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This specific term, formed from the words for "inward" and "to run," captures a sudden, energetic movement from an outside space to an inside one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G1532}}` describes a moment of overwhelming emotion in response to a miracle. When the servant girl at the gate **knew** Peter's voice after his escape from prison, she was so overcome with **gladness** that she did not **open** the **gate** for him. Instead, she **ran in** to **told** the others that Peter **stood** before the gate [[Acts 12:14]]. The action signifies a spontaneous response to joyous news, prioritizing the announcement over the practical task at hand.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context help clarify the scene's meaning:
* `{{G5479}}` **chará** (cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight): This is the emotion of **gladness** that prompts the girl to **run in**. It is elsewhere described as a fruit of the Spirit [[Galatians 5:22]].
* `{{G1921}}` **epiginṓskō** (to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize): The action is triggered at the moment she **knew** Peter's voice. This term implies a full and certain acknowledgment, such as when believers **know** the truth [[1 Timothy 4:3]].
* `{{G518}}` **apangéllō** (to announce): The purpose for running inward was to **told** or report the news. This word is used for declaring something, such as when disciples were instructed to **tell** John what they had seen and heard [[Luke 7:22]].
* `{{G2476}}` **hístēmi** (to stand): This describes Peter's patient state outside the **gate**, contrasting with the girl's dynamic action. The word is also used to call believers to **stand** against the wiles of the devil [[Ephesians 6:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1532}}` comes from its narrative function, illustrating a pure human reaction to divine intervention.
* **Joy Over Protocol:** The act of running in demonstrates that profound **joy** `{{G5479}}`, born from God's work, can rightly overwhelm ordinary procedures. The priority became sharing the miracle, not completing the mundane task of opening the gate [[Acts 12:14]].
* **The Urgency of Good News:** To **run in** is an act of haste that reflects an urgent need to **told** `{{G518}}` of an incredible event. It is a physical picture of the impulse to share miraculous news without delay.
* **A Genuine Response:** The scene captures an unfiltered expression of **gladness** at Peter's deliverance. The use of `{{G1532}}` emphasizes a spontaneous and heartfelt reaction to God's power rather than a formal, composed one.
### Summary
In summary, **eistréchō** `{{G1532}}` is a rare term whose single use provides a vivid illustration of spontaneous joy. It captures the servant girl's immediate response to recognizing Peter's voice, where she **ran in** [[Acts 12:14]] to announce the news before even opening the gate. This act, driven by **gladness** `{{G5479}}`, highlights how an encounter with the miraculous can produce an immediate, zealous response that prioritizes proclamation above all else.
TRV