### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **enkáthetos**, represented by `{{G1455}}`, describes a person who is "surreptitiously suborned as a lier-in-wait," or a **spy**. This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, but its single use provides a powerful illustration of deceptive opposition. It refers to someone hired and placed in a situation to entrap another through deceit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{G1455}}` is in the account of the religious leaders' attempt to entrap Jesus. They "sent forth **spies**" who were instructed to pretend to be righteous individuals [[Luke 20:20]]. Their mission was to watch Jesus and "take hold of his words" `{{G3056}}` in order to find a reason to hand him over to the Roman authorities. This context reveals that an **enkáthetos** is not merely an observer, but an agent of a malicious plot, using deception as their primary tool.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the context of [[Luke 20:20]] clarify the role and methods of these spies:
* `{{G5271}}` **hypokrínomai** (to feign): This word means to act under a false part or pretend. It is used to describe the spies' core tactic, as they were to "feign themselves just men" in their effort to trap Jesus [[Luke 20:20]].
* `{{G3906}}` **paratēréō** (to watch): Defined as noting insidiously or scrupulously, this term highlights the hostile nature of the surveillance. The spies were not passive listeners but were actively watching for a mistake, as others did when they "watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him" [[Mark 3:2]].
* `{{G1949}}` **epilambánomai** (to take hold of): This describes the spies' specific goal, which was to seize or "catch" Jesus in His speech [[Luke 20:20]]. The word implies an aggressive action, whether to help or, in this case, to injure.
* `{{G3860}}` **paradídōmi** (to deliver up): This term reveals the ultimate purpose of the spies' mission: to surrender or "betray" Jesus to the governor [[Luke 20:20]]. It is the same word used to describe Christ being delivered for our sins [[Romans 8:32]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1455}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
* **Deception as Opposition to Truth:** The employment of spies who feign righteousness `{{G1342}}` demonstrates the corrupt and insidious nature of the opposition to Christ. Unable to challenge His truth openly, His enemies resorted to subterfuge.
* **The Weaponization of Words:** The plot to "take hold of his words" `{{G3056}}` highlights the conflict between the divine Word and human schemes to twist it for accusation. It shows an attempt to turn Jesus's own teaching into the instrument of his destruction.
* **Corrupt Alliances:** The objective to deliver Jesus to the "power `{{G746}}` and authority `{{G1849}}` of the governor `{{G2232}}`" reveals the willingness of the religious leaders to subordinate their spiritual roles to secular power to eliminate a perceived threat.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G1455}}` is a rare word, its context makes it highly significant. It defines more than just a spy; it describes a person strategically placed to deceive and entrap. Its use in [[Luke 20:20]] paints a vivid picture of the hostility Jesus faced, where opponents resorted to feigned sincerity and malicious surveillance in their effort to silence Him by delivering Him to earthly authorities.
TRV