### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb eistréchō (`{{G1532}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition eis (`{{G1519}}`), meaning "into," "to," or "towards," and the verb trechō (`{{G5143}}`), meaning "to run." Therefore, its core meaning is "to run into," "to hasten inward," or "to run towards." The prefix eis strongly emphasizes the direction and destination of the movement, indicating a swift, purposeful trajectory *into* or *towards* a specific point or person. It implies not merely movement, but an energetic and direct approach.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb eistréchō (`{{G1532}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 9:15]]**: "And immediately, when all the crowd saw Him, they were greatly amazed, and running to Him, they greeted Him."
This single occurrence is highly significant due to its context. Jesus has just descended from the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13), where His divine glory was momentarily revealed to Peter, James, and John. As He rejoins the other disciples and the waiting crowd, His appearance elicits an immediate and profound reaction: "they were greatly amazed" (ἐξεθαμβήθησαν, from ekthambeo, `{{G1569}}`). This amazement, often indicative of awe or even apprehension in the presence of the divine, prompts their swift action. They do not merely walk or approach, but they "run to Him" (eistréchō), indicating an eager, urgent, and direct movement towards Jesus. The verb underscores the spontaneous, almost magnetic pull Jesus exerted on the crowd, drawing them rapidly into His presence. Their "running in" is a physical manifestation of their astonishment and desire to draw near to Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of eistréchō is trechō (`{{G5143}}`), which broadly means "to run." This base verb is used in various contexts, from running a race (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 9:24]]) to running for a specific purpose (e.g., [[John 20:4]]). The addition of the preposition eis (`{{G1519}}`) as a prefix significantly modifies the meaning, specifying the *direction* and *destination* of the running. Other related verbs of movement include erchomai (`{{G2064}}`, "to come"), proserchomai (`{{G4334}}`, "to approach"), and hypantao (`{{G5221}}`, "to meet"). What distinguishes eistréchō is the combination of speed (trechō) with a clear, directed entry or approach (eis), conveying a sense of urgency and directness in moving *into* someone's presence or *towards* a specific place. In the context of [[Mark 9:15]], it points to an immediate, unhesitating, and direct rush towards Jesus.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of eistréchō in [[Mark 9:15]] carries profound theological weight. Following the Transfiguration, Jesus descends from the mountain, still bearing, perhaps, some residual aura of His divine glory, which causes the crowd to be "greatly amazed." Their immediate "running to Him" (eistréchō) signifies more than mere curiosity. It suggests a powerful, almost involuntary, drawing near to the divine. This eager and swift approach highlights several aspects:
1. **Jesus' Awe-Inspiring Presence**: The verb underscores the magnetic and compelling nature of Jesus. His presence alone, especially after a moment of divine revelation, elicits an overwhelming response that compels people to rush towards Him.
2. **Spontaneous Recognition**: The crowd's immediate reaction implies a form of recognition or intuition regarding Jesus' unique identity or authority, prompting an urgent desire to be close to Him.
3. **Eagerness for Encounter**: The "running in" speaks to an intense desire for encounter and interaction, a readiness to engage with the one who evokes such profound amazement. It portrays a people drawn by an unseen force to the very person of Christ.
In this context, eistréchō becomes a powerful descriptor of a human response to the manifest glory and authority of God in the person of Jesus.
### Summary
Eistréchō (`{{G1532}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to run into" or "to hasten inward," emphasizing swift, purposeful movement towards a destination. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Mark 9:15]] is highly impactful. It describes the crowd's immediate and amazed reaction to Jesus' descent from the Mount of Transfiguration, prompting them to "run to Him" with urgency and directness. This singular usage highlights Jesus' awe-inspiring presence and the spontaneous, eager desire of people to draw near to Him, reflecting a powerful, almost magnetic, spiritual attraction to the divine manifest in Christ. The word thus encapsulates a moment of profound human response to the compelling reality of God's Son.
TRV