The Greek eisphero means to bring or carry into. Its most theologically significant use is in the Lord's Prayer: 'And lead us not into temptation (eisenegkēs)' (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4). The word implies being carried or led into a dangerous situation. Paul also uses it in 1 Timothy 6:7: 'We brought nothing (eisēnegkamen) into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.'
The Lord's Prayer petition against being eisphero into temptation has been much debated. Does God lead people into temptation? James 1:13 insists God tempts no one. The prayer's request is better understood as asking God not to bring us into the place of testing beyond our capacity — a prayer for divine navigation that steers us away from the severe trial. It acknowledges our weakness: we do not choose when to face the most dangerous tests. The companion phrase 'but deliver us from the evil one' adds specificity: the eisphero we fear is being handed over to the devil's domain.