Lexical Summary pareisagó: To introduce secretly, to bring in stealthily Original Word: παρεισάγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance introduce secretlyFrom para and eisago; to lead in aside, i.e. Introduce surreptitiously -- privily bring in. see GREEK para see GREEK eisago HELPS Word-studies 3919 pareiságō (from 3844 /pará, "from close beside" and 1521 /eiságō, "introduce") – properly, introduce from close beside, i.e. enter by stealth. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and eisagó Definition to introduce, to bring in secretly NASB Translation secretly introduce (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3919: παρεισάγωπαρεισάγω: future παρεισαξω; (see παρά, IV. 1); to introduce or bring in secretly or craftily: αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας, 2 Peter 2:1. In the same sense of heretics: ἕκαστος ἰδίως καί ἑτέρως ἰδίαν δόξαν παρεισηγαγοσαν, Hegesippus (circa Topical Lexicon Meaning in Context Παρεισάγω (Strong’s 3919) describes the covert introduction of something alongside what already exists. In 2 Peter 2:1 the future middle indicative παρεισάξουσιν depicts false teachers “secretly introducing destructive heresies.” The term emphasizes stealth and deception, contrasting open proclamation with hidden infiltration. Biblical Background and Parallels While the verb itself appears only in 2 Peter 2:1, the concept pervades Scripture: Together these passages show a consistent pattern: error gains ground by masquerading as truth and attaching itself to orthodox communities. Historical Setting of 2 Peter Peter writes near the end of his life (2 Peter 1:14), addressing congregations already exposed to internal corruption. His choice of παρεισάγω points to a danger not yet fully visible: the doctrines had not merely been proposed; they were being smuggled into fellowship life. Early church fathers—Ignatius, Polycarp, and Irenaeus—echo Peter’s concern, recounting Gnostic and Docetic movements that arose from within Christian circles. Theological Significance 1. Authority of Revelation: Secret innovation challenges the sufficiency of the apostolic message delivered “once for all” (Jude 3). Pastoral and Ministry Application • Vigilant Oversight – Elders must “be on guard” (Acts 20:31), examining teaching against Scripture. Lessons for the Contemporary Church Digital media, academic forums, and ecumenical dialogues can serve as conduits for modern heresies. The verb παρεισάγω reminds believers that threats often arise from sources appearing friendly or orthodox. Careful vetting of curricula, conferences, and leadership candidates helps prevent subtle compromise. Key Cross-References for Study Matthew 13:24-30; Acts 20:28-31; Romans 16:17; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 13:9; Jude 3-4. Forms and Transliterations παρεισαξουσιν παρεισάξουσιν pareisaxousin pareisáxousinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |