Original Word: ἔσω
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: esó
Pronunciation: eh'-so
Phonetic Spelling: (es'-o)
KJV: (with-)in(-ner, -to, -ward)
NASB: inner, inside, inner man, within
Word Origin: [from G1519 (εἰς - so)]

1. inside (as preposition or adjective)

within, inward.

From eis; inside (as preposition or adjective) -- (with-)in(-ner, -to, -ward).

see GREEK eis

Word Origin
adverb from eis
Definition
within
NASB Translation
inner (2), inner man (1), inside (2), within (1).

STRONGS NT 2080: ἔσω

ἔσω, adverb (from ἐς, for εἴσω (fr. Homer on) from εἰς; cf. Winers Grammar, 52; (Buttmann, 72 (63); Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 432));

1. to within, into: Matthew 26:58; Mark 14:54; with the genitive Mark 15:16 (Winer's Grammar, § 54,6).

2. within: John 20:26; Acts 5:23; ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος, the internal, inner man, i. e. the soul, conscience (see ἄνθρωπος, 1 e.), 2 Corinthians 4:16 L T Tr WH; Romans 7:22; Ephesians 3:16; οἱ ἔσω, those who belong to the Christian brotherhood (opposed to οἱ ἔξω (which see in ἔξω, 1 a.)), 1 Corinthians 5:12.

Semantic Range and Core Idea

The adverb ἔσω describes movement or location toward the interior or the inner reality of a person, object, or space. In Scripture it can denote (1) physical position inside a structure, (2) moral or spiritual inwardness, or (3) the hidden, immaterial center of human personality. The word therefore bridges the tangible and the intangible, offering a linguistic window into the biblical theme of the “within” versus the “without.”

Occurrences in the Gospels

• Matthew 26:58 and Mark 14:54 set the scene of Peter following Jesus “inside” the high priest’s courtyard. The term paints a stark contrast between the outer courtyard where servants lingered and the inner area where the Messiah’s trial unfolded. By using ἔσω the Evangelists emphasize the narrowing circle of witnesses and the progressive isolation of Christ.
• Mark 15:16 reports that the soldiers led Jesus “inside the palace (that is, the Praetorium).” The movement ἔσω underscores the transition from public accusation to the hidden cruelty of Roman mockery, highlighting both the physical and spiritual darkness surrounding the suffering Servant.
• John 20:26 tells of the disciples gathered “inside” behind locked doors when the risen Lord stood among them. Here ἔσω marks the transition from fear-filled seclusion to resurrection revelation, showing that the barrier between the disciples and the hostile world could not keep Christ from entering.

Legal and Historical Notes (Acts 5:23)

In Luke’s account of the apostles’ imprisonment, the guards testify, “We found the prison locked with all security, and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” The adverb heightens the miracle: the apostles were not merely missing but absent from the very heart of the confinement. In first-century Roman custody, the inner cell (ἔσω) represented the most secure point. The angelic release, therefore, is portrayed as a direct subversion of earthly power structures.

Theological Significance in Romans 7:22

Paul’s confession, “For in my inner being I delight in the law of God,” uses ἔσω to delineate the regenerate core from the unredeemed “members.” The apostle locates genuine moral desire not on the surface of religious observance but in the Spirit-wrought interior. The term enables a nuanced anthropology: the believer possesses an “inside” that has been renewed, even while the “outside” battles the flesh.

Church Discipline and Community Boundaries (1 Corinthians 5:12)

Paul asks, “What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” Here ἔσω identifies covenant membership. The verse establishes an ecclesiological perimeter: loving accountability belongs to those ἔσω, whereas evangelistic witness extends to those ἔξω. The adverb thus supports principles of church discipline, guarding purity while maintaining outreach.

Inner Renewal and Perseverance (2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:16)

“Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16). In both texts ἔσω contrasts temporal decay with spiritual vitality. The Spirit operates at the deepest level, granting resilience and communion with Christ irrespective of bodily decline or external trials.

Pastoral and Devotional Applications

1. Self-examination: By spotlighting the inner life, ἔσω calls believers to authenticity, reminding them that true holiness begins within.
2. Worship: Public liturgy gains depth when worshipers cultivate an ἔσω posture of reverence (cf. Psalm 51:6, though using Hebrew terminology).
3. Counseling: The biblical priority of the “inside” encourages shepherds to address heart motives rather than merely behavior.
4. Suffering: The promise of inner renewal provides hope to the afflicted, assuring them that God’s sustaining work is not hindered by external deterioration.

Summary

ἔσω threads through the New Testament as a compact statement of the gospel’s inward reach. Whether describing Peter’s tentative entry, Jesus’ suffering, apostolic deliverance, or the believer’s sanctification, the word presses readers to look beyond appearances to the unseen realm where divine grace operates.

εσω έσω ἔσω eso esō éso ésōInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts