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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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