### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἐγκάθετος (enkáthetos, `{{G1455}}`) is derived from the preposition ἐν (en, "in" or "into") and a derivative of the verb καθίημι (kathíēmi, "to let down," "to send down," "to set down"). This etymology suggests the core meaning of something or someone "put in" or "sent into" a place, often with a hidden or surreptitious purpose. The base definition indicates "subinduced" or "suborned," specifically referring to a "lier-in-wait" or a "spy." The semantic range thus encompasses the idea of a clandestine agent, one secretly introduced or hired for a deceptive, malicious, or entrapment-oriented objective. It implies a deliberate, underhanded scheme to ensnare an unsuspecting target.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐγκάθετος (enkáthetos, `{{G1455}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 20:20]]: "And they watched him, and sent forth spies (ἐγκάθετος), which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor."
In this singular occurrence, the context is crucial. The chief priests and scribes, seeking to discredit and ultimately eliminate Jesus, employ a cunning strategy. They do not confront Him directly but instead dispatch individuals who are described as enkáthetos. These agents are characterized by their deceptive appearance: they "feign themselves just men" (ὑποκρινομένους δικαίους εἶναι), presenting an outward show of piety and sincerity. Their true purpose, however, is insidious: "that they might take hold of his words" (ἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται αὐτοῦ λόγου), meaning to catch Him in His speech, to find a legal or political accusation against Him. The ultimate goal is to "deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor," leveraging Roman power to achieve their malicious ends. The use of enkáthetos here powerfully conveys the pre-meditated malice, treachery, and hypocrisy inherent in their plot against Jesus, highlighting the underhanded nature of the opposition He faced.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἐγκάθετος (enkáthetos, `{{G1455}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **Etymological Roots:**
* ἐν (en, `{{G1722}}`): The preposition "in," "into," or "among," signifying the placement of the agent.
* καθίημι (kathíēmi, `{{G2524}}`): "to let down," "to send down," or "to set down," emphasizing the act of being purposefully deployed.
* **Semantic Overlap:**
* δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`): "deceit," "guile," "craft." The actions of an enkáthetos are inherently characterized by dolos.
* ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs, `{{G5273}}`): "hypocrite," "actor." The description of the enkáthetos as those who "feign themselves just men" directly points to the concept of hypocrisy, acting a part to deceive.
* πλανος (planos, `{{G4106}}`): "deceiver," "seducer," one who leads astray. The enkáthetos functions as a planos in their attempt to ensnare Jesus.
* **Old Testament Parallels:**
* אָרַב (arab, `{{H693}}`): "to lie in wait," "to ambush." This Hebrew verb describes the action of those who are enkáthetos, setting a trap (e.g., [[Joshua 8:2]], [[Judges 9:34]]).
* רָגַל (ragal, `{{H7270}}`): "to spy," "to go about as a talebearer." While ragal is a more general term for spying (e.g., the spies sent by Moses in [[Numbers 13]]), enkáthetos carries the added nuance of being sent with the specific, insidious intent of entrapment rather than mere reconnaissance.
The concept of hidden adversaries, deceptive plots, and malicious intent under the guise of sincerity is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of ἐγκάθετος (enkáthetos, `{{G1455}}`) in [[Luke 20:20]] carries profound theological weight:
* **The Nature of Opposition to Christ:** This term reveals the depth and insidious nature of the spiritual opposition Jesus faced. It was not merely intellectual disagreement or open hostility, but a calculated, deceptive plot rooted in profound malice. This highlights how evil often operates covertly, using cunning and pretense to achieve its destructive aims.
* **Truth Versus Deceit:** Jesus, as the embodiment of truth and light, constantly exposed the hidden motives and hypocrisy of His adversaries. The dispatching of enkáthetos starkly contrasts with the transparent, open, and life-giving words of Jesus. It underscores the fundamental conflict between divine truth and human deception, a central theme in the Gospels.
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Malice:** Despite the cunning and malicious intent of the enkáthetos and those who sent them, the narrative demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty. Jesus was not truly "caught" by their words in a way that thwarted God's divine plan. Their evil intentions ultimately served, albeit unwittingly, to move the narrative towards the cross, which God intended for the salvation of humanity. The schemes of humanity, even when deeply wicked, cannot ultimately derail God's purposes.
* **A Warning Against Hypocrisy:** The description of the enkáthetos feigning righteousness serves as a potent and timeless warning against hypocrisy within religious contexts. It cautions against outward displays of piety that mask inner corruption, malicious intent, or a desire to harm others. True faith demands sincerity, integrity, and a heart aligned with God's truth, not deceptive appearances.
### Summary
The Greek term ἐγκάθετος (enkáthetos, `{{G1455}}`) denotes an agent who is "subinduced" or "suborned," specifically a "spy" or "lier-in-wait" sent with a deceptive and malicious purpose. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 20:20]] vividly portrays the cunning scheme of the chief priests and scribes against Jesus. They dispatched these enkáthetos who feigned righteousness, intending to entrap Jesus in His words and deliver Him to Roman authority. This word profoundly illustrates the insidious nature of the opposition Jesus encountered, highlighting the stark contrast between His divine truth and the human capacity for deceit and hypocrisy. Theologically, enkáthetos underscores the cunning of evil, the triumph of truth over falsehood, and serves as a potent warning against disingenuous piety, all while implicitly affirming God's ultimate sovereignty over human machinations.
TRV