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.
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.
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.
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.
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