from a compound of ἐπί and εἰσάγω; a superintroduction:--bringing in.
Transliteration:epeisagōgḗ
Pronunciation:ep-ice-ag-o-gay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
*Epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) is a compound noun derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`, "upon," "in addition to") and the verb εἰσάγω (eisagō, `{{G1521}}`, "to lead in," "to bring in"). The combination yields a meaning of an "additional bringing in," a "super-introduction," or the "introduction of something new upon or in addition to what already exists." The prefix ἐπί emphasizes the supplemental or supervening nature of the action, suggesting that something is being introduced on top of, or subsequent to, an existing state or system. This implies a development, a new phase, or even a superseding action. The term highlights an active, deliberate bringing in, rather than a passive emergence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) is a *hapax legomenon* in the New Testament, appearing only once in [[Hebrews 7:19]]. The verse states: "for the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by which we draw near to God."
In this pivotal context, the author of Hebrews is engaged in a theological argument demonstrating the superiority of Christ's priesthood (after the order of Melchizedek) over the Levitical priesthood and the Mosaic Law. The "law" (Mosaic Law) is explicitly stated to have "made nothing perfect" (οὐδὲν ἐτελείωσεν), underscoring its inherent limitation in providing complete access to God or full atonement for sin.
The contrasting clause, "but the bringing in of a better hope did," utilizes *epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) to describe the divine act that remedied this deficiency. This "better hope" (κρείττονος ἐλπίδος) refers to the new covenant established through Christ's perfect sacrifice and high priestly ministry. The term *epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) here emphasizes that this "better hope" is not merely an extension or modification of the old system but a distinct, additional, and superior introduction. It signifies a new, divinely ordained means of approaching God, which achieves what the Law could not: perfect access and communion. The "bringing in" is an active, purposeful act of God, inaugurating a new and more effective way for humanity to "draw near to God."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εἰσάγω (eisagō, `{{G1521}}`):** The foundational verb, meaning "to lead in" or "to bring in." *Epeisagōgḗ* builds upon this by adding the nuance of an *additional* or *supervening* introduction.
* **ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`):** The prefix, signifying "upon," "in addition to," "over." Its presence in *epeisagōgḗ* underscores the idea of something being introduced *on top of* or *subsequent to* a prior arrangement.
* **τελειόω (teleioō, `{{G5048}}`):** "To make perfect," "to bring to completion." This verb is crucial in [[Hebrews 7:19]], as the Law's inability to "perfect" is contrasted with the "bringing in" of the better hope, which *does* perfect.
* **κρείττων (kreittōn, `{{G2909}}`):** "Better," "superior." This adjective, modifying "hope," is a recurring theme in Hebrews, consistently highlighting the superiority of Christ, His covenant, and His promises over the Old Covenant (e.g., "better covenant" [[Hebrews 8:6]], "better promises" [[Hebrews 8:6]], "better sacrifice" [[Hebrews 9:23]]).
* **Covenant Theology:** The concept expressed by *epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) is central to the New Testament's understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing the New's fulfillment and superiority.
* **Access to God:** The ultimate purpose of this "bringing in" is stated as "by which we draw near to God" (δι' ἧς ἐγγίζομεν τῷ θεῷ), highlighting the new and perfected means of communion with the Divine.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of *epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) in [[Hebrews 7:19]] carries immense theological weight, encapsulating a core message of the Epistle to the Hebrews: the **supersessionary nature of the New Covenant** over the Old. It articulates the **insufficiency of the Mosaic Law** to achieve complete redemption or perfect access to God. The Law, while divinely given and serving a preparatory purpose, could not bring humanity into full spiritual maturity or intimate fellowship with God.
The "bringing in of a better hope" through *epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) signifies a decisive, **divine initiative** in salvation history. It is not a human innovation but God's active introduction of a superior order. This "better hope" is intrinsically linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His perfect high priesthood and His once-for-all sacrifice, which perfectly atones for sin and opens a new, living way to God ([[Hebrews 10:19-20]]).
The term underscores the **progressive nature of God's redemptive plan**, where the Old Covenant served as a shadow or a tutor, and the New Covenant brings the full reality and perfection. It emphasizes the **finality and completeness of Christ's work**, which accomplishes what the previous system could not, providing a lasting and perfect means of reconciliation and communion with God. Thus, *epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) speaks to the profound shift in God's dealings with humanity, marked by the introduction of a more excellent way of salvation and worship.
### Summary
*Epeisagōgḗ* (G1898) is a unique and powerful Greek term, a *hapax legomenon* found exclusively in [[Hebrews 7:19]]. Its etymological roots, combining ἐπί (upon, in addition to) and εἰσάγω (to bring in), denote an "additional" or "super-introduction." In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes God's act of "bringing in of a better hope," which stands in stark contrast to the Mosaic Law's inability to "make perfect." This "better hope" signifies the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ, whose superior priesthood and perfect sacrifice provide true and perfected access to God. The word profoundly articulates the theological truth of the New Covenant's decisive superiority and completion over the Old, highlighting God's sovereign and perfect redemptive work in Christ, which culminates in a new and living way for humanity to draw near to Him.
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