παρεισδύνω
pareisdýnō
G3921 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To enter, slip in, or join among a group or setting in a secretive or stealthy manner; to infiltrate or intrude without open acknowledgment or detection. The primary sense involves surreptitious entrance, typically with an intent or effect that is not immediately evident to those present. Secondary senses, as derived from context, include insinuate oneself into a community or situation with a hidden purpose, or to gain admittance under false pretenses.
Semantic Range
to slip in stealthily, to infiltrate, to insinuate oneself, to gain admittance by stealth, to enter secretly or unnoticed
Root / Etymology
From the preposition παρά (beside, alongside) + εἰς (into) and the verb δύνω (to sink, go in, enter). The verb is a double compound, emphasizing both direction (into, alongside) and manner (sinking/intruding quietly or unnoticed). No evidence for derivation from other languages; formation is native to Koine Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested primarily in later Classical and Hellenistic Greek, and rare outside biblical and early Christian literature. In the New Testament, notably in Jude 4, used of individuals who secretly enter a community in order to introduce subversive ideas or practices. The verb conveys a stronger nuance of secrecy than the simple εἰσδύω, with παρά highlighting entrance 'next to' or 'among' others rather than in an overt manner. The stealthy aspect is highlighted in contrast to open entry. English biblical translations often use 'creep in', 'slip in', or 'secretly enter', though these may not always convey the full nuance of intentional clandestine insertion. Does not carry an automatic pejorative sense in secular Greek, but biblical usage is typically negative. Not a common verb in the Septuagint or non-Christian Koine texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from παρά and a compound of εἰς and δύνω; to settle in alongside, i.e. lodge stealthily:--creep in unawares.
Root Family
δύν- (pareisdýnō) — to go in, to sink, to enter
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3921-01 |
παρεισέδυσαν | pareisedusan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
have crept in | they slipped in stealthily | they slipped in stealthily | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3921-01 |
Jude 1:4 | παρεισέδυσαν | pareisedusan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
have crept in | they slipped in stealthily | they slipped in stealthily |