[Greek] εἰσάγω (eisagō), [Latin] inducere, [Latin] introducere, [Latin] conprehendere: to bring in, to spin, introduce, carry in, lead into; Lk 22:54, Jn 18:16,Act 9:8, Act21:28-29,Act 22:24,Lk2:27,Lk 14:21,Act 7:45, Heb 1:6
Eisagogies were magistrates who brought in legal cases before arbitrators in the public court.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to lead in, to introduce, to import, to bring forward, and to register. Homer’s Odyssey 4.43 states “Then they tilted the chariot against the bright entrance and led the men into the divine place.” Xenophon’s Hellenica 7.3.5 states “The officials brought those who slew Euphron before the senate.” Plato’s Apology 35b states “You will be much more ready to condemn a man who puts before you such pitiable scenes.” Aeschylus’ Eumenides’ 580 states “Bring in the case, and, in accordance with your wisdom, decide it.” Euripides’ Bacchae 260 states ” If your gray old age did not defend you, you would sit in chains in the midst of the Bacchae.”
Old Testament: This term, used extensively, means to gather, to receive, to come in, to walk, to introduce, to go forth, to take in the hand, to lead, to be included, to pursue, to bear, to be brought, and to guide.
New Testament: This term means to come into, to bring in, to take someone, to arrest, and to lead. Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus into the temple to be consecrated. In the parable of the great feast, the master was enraged that the invited guest did not show up. The master instructed that the crippled, blind, and the lamp be brought to the feast. Having been identified with associating with Jesus, Peter was brought into the courtyard to be questioned. The Israelites in the wilderness brought with them the tent of testimony. On the road to Damascus, the speechless men brought the blinded Paul to the city. Paul was arrested for bringing a Greek into the temple. Paul was arrested (taken into the compound). God leads the First-Born into the world.
Scripture:
“He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him.” Lk2:27
Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus into the temple to be consecrated.
“But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in.” Jn.18:16
Peter was identified with being associated with Jesus. Peter was brought into the courtyard for questioning.
“Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing, so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.” Acts 9:8
The speechless men were told to bring the blind Paul to Damascus. Paul was also experiencing a spiritual blindness.
Scriptural Eisegesis: This is the process of interpreting scripture in such a way as to introduce (“bring in”) one’s own biases, spin, presuppositions, or biases. This is often done to prove or reinforce a previously held belief system. This method generally ignores the original Hebrew, Greek, or Latin meanings of the text.
Conclusion:
Eisegesis, introduce, introduction, induce, comprehend
In classical Greek and Greek Hellenism, this term played an in important part in legal proceedings. The more nuanced examples are introducing a family member, introduce a conspiring member (conspiracy), introducing a subject (teaching), bring in troops (invasion), bringing in new customs (culture).
It is ironic that the master would invite the outsiders, downtrodden, and the lame to his feast. The men led the very helpless Paul to Damascus. Being brought in or taken in are common euphemisms for being arrested.
I think it is only human nature that each of us unconsciously bring in our biases and opinions as we seek to learn the meaning of scripture. This often helps to reinforce our belief systems and prejudices. But it is also important to be aware of the original meaning and intent of the Spirit filled writers of the Gospel and New Testament and Old Testament.