### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pareisérchomai**, represented by `{{G3922}}`, means **to come in alongside, i.e. supervene additionally or steathily**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, but each instance carries a distinct and significant meaning. Its definition highlights a dual potential: an entry that is either supplementary or secretive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{G3922}}` illustrate its different nuances. In [[Galatians 2:4]], it carries a negative and clandestine meaning, describing how false brethren **came in privily** with the intent to **spy out** the believers' freedom in Christ. This usage emphasizes the "stealthily" aspect of the word's definition. Conversely, in [[Romans 5:20]], the word is used in a more neutral, theological sense, stating that the law **entered**. This entry was not the final solution, but came in "alongside" the human condition to make the **offence** `{{G3900}}` abound, thereby demonstrating the even greater abundance of God's **grace** `{{G5485}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G3922}}` is used:
* `{{G3920}}` **pareísaktos** (unawares brought in): This related term is used in [[Galatians 2:4]] to describe the false brethren, reinforcing the idea of a stealthy infiltration, as its definition is "smuggled in."
* `{{G2684}}` **kataskopéō** (spy out): Used alongside `{{G3922}}` in [[Galatians 2:4]], this word reveals the malicious purpose of the secret entry, which is "to inspect insidiously."
* `{{G2615}}` **katadoulóō** (bring into bondage): This word describes the ultimate goal of those who came in privily in [[Galatians 2:4]], which is "to enslave utterly."
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This is the subject that "entered" in [[Romans 5:20]]. It is defined as a "law (through the idea of prescriptive usage)," providing the theological object of the entry described by `{{G3922}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3922}}` is seen in its two contrasting applications.
* **Deceptive Infiltration:** In the context of Galatians, the word serves as a stark warning. It describes a malicious entry by false brethren whose purpose is to undermine the **liberty** `{{G1657}}` believers have in Christ and bring them back into bondage [[Galatians 2:4]].
* **Providential Entry of Law:** In Romans, the word explains a key aspect of salvation history. The **law** `{{G3551}}` **entered** not to save, but to come alongside and reveal the full extent of **sin** `{{G266}}`, making the **offence** `{{G3900}}` abound. This, in turn, set the stage for **grace** `{{G5485}}` to "much more abound" [[Romans 5:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3922}}` is a specific term whose meaning is highly dependent on its context. It can denote a treacherous and secretive intrusion with the intent to harm and **enslave utterly** `{{G2615}}`, as seen with the false brethren in Galatia. At the same time, it can describe a pivotal, divinely ordained event, like the entry of the law, which serves God's ultimate purpose of magnifying His grace.
TRV