The Greek word eisphérō, represented by G1533, is defined as to carry inward. It is formed from the words εἰς (into) and φέρω (to carry) and is used to mean "bring (in)" or "lead into." It appears 9 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible, with applications that are both literal and figurative. Its usage ranges from the physical act of carrying a person into a room to the abstract concept of being led into a spiritual state.
In scripture, G1533 is applied in several distinct contexts. It is used literally to describe a physical action, as when a group of men "sought means to bring him in" who was paralyzed, so he could be laid before Jesus Luke 5:18. Another literal, though ceremonial, use is found in Hebrews, which speaks of the blood of sacrificial animals being brought into the sanctuary by the high priest Hebrews 13:11. Figuratively, the word is used in the Lord's Prayer, where believers ask God to "lead us not into temptation" (Matthew 6:13, Luke 11:4), and also to describe the introduction of new ideas, as when the Athenians told Paul, "thou bringest certain strange things to our ears" Acts 17:20.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of G1533:
- G1627 ekphérō (to bear out): This word serves as a direct antonym. In 1 Timothy 6:7, the two are contrasted to make a point: we brought (eisphérō) nothing into the world, and we can carry (ekphérō) nothing out.
- G4506 rhýomai (to rescue, deliver): This term appears alongside G1533 in the Lord's Prayer. The request is not to be led into (eisphérō) temptation, but rather to be delivered (rhýomai) from evil Matthew 6:13.
- G2524 kathíēmi (to lower): In the account of the paralyzed man, when his friends could not bring him in (eisphérō) through the crowd, they chose another method and let him down (kathíēmi) through the roof Luke 5:19.
The theological weight of G1533 is evident in its various applications.
- Petition for Divine Guidance: The use of the word in the request to "lead us not into temptation" frames a core Christian petition for God's protection and guidance away from spiritual trials that might prove overwhelming Matthew 6:13.
- The Transience of Earthly Life: The declaration that "we brought nothing into this world" 1 Timothy 6:7 uses G1533 to establish a foundational truth about the temporary nature of worldly possessions and human life itself.
- Sacrificial Atonement: In Hebrews, the word is key to describing the Old Covenant ritual where the high priest would bring the blood of sacrifices into the sanctuary, a central part of the rite for sin Hebrews 13:11.
In summary, G1533 is a versatile word whose meaning of "to carry inward" applies to both the physical and spiritual realms. It describes concrete actions like carrying a paralyzed man Luke 5:18 and abstract concepts like being led into temptation Luke 11:4 or introducing strange ideas Acts 17:20. Through its use, scripture conveys significant theological ideas about reliance on God, the fleeting nature of materialism, and the mechanics of sacrificial worship.
TRV