παρείσακτος (G3920) — Greek Lexicon

παρείσακτος

pareísaktos

G3920 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Secretly introduced; brought in alongside through covert or surreptitious means. The primary sense conveys the act of leading in by stealth, especially with a sense of illegitimacy or subversion. In context, it is often used to refer to persons, teachings, or influences that are introduced into a group or community in a concealed, unauthorized, or deceitful manner.

Semantic Range

brought in by stealth, secretly introduced, surreptitiously admitted, smuggled in, brought in under false pretenses

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb παρεισάγω (‘to bring in secretly’), itself a compound formed from παρά (‘beside, alongside’) + εἰσάγω (‘to bring in, introduce’). The adjectival suffix -τος indicates result or tendency: ‘(having been) brought in stealthily’.

Historical & Contextual Notes

παρείσακτος is a rare and specialized term, chiefly attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, with its only New Testament attestation at Galatians 2:4. It is used to depict entities (often people or teachings) introduced into an established group without open disclosure, thus carrying connotations of deception or clandestine infiltration. Classical Greek prefers similar adjectives (e.g., λάθραιος), but παρείσακτος is a distinctly Koine formation. In Galatians 2:4, Paul uses it of individuals introduced into the community whose presence is associated with subversive intent (contextually, to undermine liberty). Standard English translations often render it as "secretly brought in" or "smuggled in," but the nuance of deliberate clandestine action is central. The term is constructed via standard Koine compounding and is not found in earlier Attic usage. The closely related verb παρεισάγω is similarly rare and specialized.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρεισάγω; smuggled in:--unawares brought in.

Root Family

παρείσακτος (pareísaktos) — brought in, introduced, led in by stealth

Root εισαγ- to bring in, to introduce, to lead in

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3920-01`	παρεισάκτους	pareisaktous	`ADJ.A ACC M PL`	brought in secretly	secretly introduced ones	secretly introduced ones	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3920-01`	Galatians 2:4	παρεισάκτους	pareisaktous	`ADJ.A ACC M PL`	brought in secretly	secretly introduced ones	secretly introduced ones

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