### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παρεισδύνω (pareisdýnō, `{{G3921}}`) is a compound verb rich in meaning, conveying the sense of entering alongside or slipping in surreptitiously. Its etymological roots provide crucial insight: it is formed from παρά (para), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "secretly"; εἰς (eis), indicating "into" or "towards"; and δύνω (dynō, `{{G1416}}`), meaning "to enter" or "to sink." The combination of these elements powerfully describes an entry that is not only "into" a place but is done "alongside" or "secretly," thereby avoiding detection or proper authorization. The nuance of "unawares" or "stealthily" is central to its semantic range, implying a deceptive or insidious infiltration. It suggests a movement that is subtle, unnoticed, and often with an ulterior, negative motive. It is not merely entering, but slipping in, insinuating oneself without the knowledge or consent of those who should be aware.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρεισδύνω (pareisdýnō, `{{G3921}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence in [[Jude 1:4]] is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of spiritual danger within the early Christian community. Jude writes, "For certain people have *crept in unawares*, those who were designated long ago for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."
In this context, the word describes the deceptive manner in which "ungodly people" infiltrated the Christian fellowship. They did not announce their presence or their intentions openly; rather, they slipped in stealthily, unnoticed by the unsuspecting believers. This stealthy entry underscores their deceptive character and the insidious nature of their mission: to corrupt the grace of God, promote sensuality, and deny the Lordship of Christ. Jude's use of παρεισδύνω highlights that these individuals were not external adversaries attacking from without, but internal subversives who had gained access to the community, posing a grave threat from within. Their infiltration was a deliberate act of cunning, designed to sow discord and lead believers astray without immediate detection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of παρεισδύνω (pareisdýnō, `{{G3921}}`) includes other Greek words that convey similar notions of secret or surreptitious entry, often with negative implications. A closely related term is παρεισάγω (pareisagō, `{{G3916}}`), meaning "to bring in secretly" or "to introduce stealthily," as seen in [[2 Peter 2:1]] where false teachers "secretly introduce destructive heresies." Both παρεισδύνω and παρεισάγω share the prefix παρά (para) indicating proximity or deviation, and εἰς (eis) indicating motion into. While παρεισδύνω emphasizes the *act* of slipping in by the infiltrator, παρεισάγω focuses on *what is brought in* secretly.
Another related word is παρεισέρχομαι (pareiserchomai, `{{G3922}}`), meaning "to come in besides" or "to enter in addition." While it shares the παρά and εἰς prefixes, its base verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`, "to come") gives it a broader sense of entry, as in [[Romans 5:20]] where "the law came in to increase the trespass." παρεισδύνω, with its δύνω (dynō, `{{G1416}}`, "to sink/enter") component, carries a stronger connotation of *slipping* or *insinuating* oneself, often with a more insidious and less overt manner of entry than παρεισέρχομαι.
Conceptually, παρεισδύνω is linked to themes of deception, infiltration, apostasy, and the presence of "wolves in sheep's clothing" ([[Matthew 7:15]]). It speaks to the insidious nature of false teaching and moral corruption that seeks to undermine the integrity of the Christian faith from within.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παρεισδύνω (pareisdýnō, `{{G3921}}`) is profound, serving as a stark warning about the subtle and deceptive nature of spiritual danger. The fact that false teachers "creep in unawares" highlights that threats to the purity of the gospel and the sanctity of the church do not always manifest openly or with clear adversarial intent. Instead, they often insinuate themselves subtly, masquerading as genuine believers or even as ministers of truth, making them particularly dangerous.
This term underscores the imperative for vigilance and discernment within the community of faith. Believers are called to be alert, to test the spirits ([[1 John 4:1]]), and to guard against those who would subtly corrupt sound doctrine or godly practice. The stealthy entry described by παρεισδύνω implies a deliberate, malevolent intent on the part of the infiltrators, signifying their role as agents of spiritual subversion who seek to disrupt, defile, and ultimately destroy from within the very fabric of the church. It serves as a reminder that the spiritual battle is not only against external forces but also against internal corruption that seeks to undermine God's truth and people.
### Summary
παρεισδύνω (pareisdýnō, `{{G3921}}`) precisely describes the act of slipping in stealthily, unawares, or by insinuation, often with deceptive or malicious intent. Its singular yet powerful use in [[Jude 1:4]] vividly portrays the insidious manner in which ungodly individuals infiltrated the early Christian community, perverting grace and denying Christ. This term highlights the critical need for spiritual vigilance and discernment within the church, as threats to faith and morality often do not announce themselves but rather "creep in" subtly. The theological significance lies in its warning against internal subversion and its call for believers to be discerning guardians of the truth against those who would corrupt the body of Christ from within.
TRV