### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **enkainízō**, represented by `{{G1457}}`, means to renew or inaugurate, and is translated as **consecrate** or **dedicate**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing its specific use in the context of initiating a covenant or a path to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1457}}` draws a direct contrast between the old and new covenants. It is first used to describe how the first testament was **dedicated** with `{{G129}}` blood, signifying that its inauguration was not without a sacrificial element [[Hebrews 9:18]]. The word is then used to explain that Christ has **consecrated** a new and living way for believers to God, an inauguration achieved through the veil of His `{{G4561}}` flesh [[Hebrews 10:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G1457}}` in its context:
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): Defined as kindred or the atoning blood of Christ. The dedication of the first testament was not without **blood** [[Hebrews 9:18]], and believers are washed from sin in Christ's **blood** [[Revelation 1:5]].
* `{{G3598}}` **hodós** (way): A road, route, or mode. Christ consecrates a new and living **way** [[Hebrews 10:20]], and Jesus declares Himself to be "the **way**, the truth, and the life" [[John 14:6]].
* `{{G2665}}` **katapétasma** (vail): The door screen to the Most Holy Place. The new way is opened "through the **vail**" [[Hebrews 10:20]], which was torn at the moment of Christ's death [[Matthew 27:51]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): The body or human nature. The veil is explicitly identified as Christ's **flesh** [[Hebrews 10:20]], a concept reflected in the statement that "the Word was made **flesh**" [[John 1:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1457}}` is centered on the inauguration of access to God.
* **Covenantal Inauguration:** The word is used exclusively to mark the formal beginning of both the first testament and the new way, linking the concept of dedication to God's redemptive plan.
* **Sacrificial Requirement:** The use of `{{G1457}}` in Hebrews establishes that dedication requires a sacrifice. The first testament was dedicated with the `{{G129}}` **blood** of animals [[Hebrews 9:18]], while the new way was consecrated through Christ's `{{G4561}}` **flesh** [[Hebrews 10:20]].
* **New Access to God:** The consecration of the "new and living way" signifies that Christ's work has opened a previously unavailable path into God's presence, moving past the old symbols like the temple `{{G2665}}` **vail** [[Hebrews 10:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1457}}` is a precise term for dedication and consecration. Though used only twice, it powerfully contrasts the inauguration of the first testament through blood with the inauguration of the new and living way through the sacrifice of Christ's flesh. The word underscores the principle that access to God must be formally and sacrificially opened.
TRV