### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐμβάλλω (embállō), Strong's `{{G1685}}`, is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "into," and the verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning "to throw" or "to cast." Literally, therefore, ἐμβάλλω signifies "to throw into" or "to cast into." While its base meaning is a physical action of forceful placement, its semantic range in biblical usage is notably narrow and highly significant, moving into a figurative sense of "to subject to" or "to consign to," specifically in the context of divine judgment and eternal punishment. This particular usage emphasizes an authoritative and decisive act of consignment to a specific, often dire, destination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, ἐμβάλλω `{{G1685}}` appears only once in the entire New Testament, making its singular occurrence profoundly impactful. This sole instance is found in [[Luke 12:5]], where Jesus issues a solemn warning to His disciples: "But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."
In this critical passage, the verb ἐμβάλλω is used to describe the ultimate power of God (or Christ, as the agent of divine judgment) to "cast into hell" (εἰς τὴν γέενναν - *eis tēn geennan*). The immediate context of [[Luke 12:5]] is Jesus' instruction to His disciples regarding true fear. He contrasts the limited power of human persecutors, who can only kill the body, with the absolute power of God, who holds authority over both body and soul, even after death. The act of "casting into hell" (Gehenna `{{G1067}}`) signifies a final, irreversible consignment to a place of ultimate destruction and punishment. The choice of ἐμβάλλω here underscores the decisive, authoritative, and inescapable nature of this divine judgment. It is not a gentle placement but a forceful, definitive act of subjection to eternal consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of ἐμβάλλω `{{G1685}}` is βάλλω `{{G906}}`, which is a common verb in the New Testament meaning "to throw," "to cast," or "to put." The addition of the prefix ἐν `{{G1722}}` (in/into) specifies the direction and nature of the casting. Other related words that convey aspects of judgment or consignment include:
* ῥίπτω (rhiptō) `{{G4496}}`: "to throw down," "to cast off," sometimes used in contexts of casting out (e.g., demons).
* βάλλω (ballō) `{{G906}}`: As the root, it is often used for casting into prison, fire, or outer darkness, also carrying connotations of judgment. For example, [[Matthew 3:10]] speaks of trees "cast into the fire."
* ἀπολλύμι (apollymi) `{{G622}}`: "to destroy," "to perish," often used in reference to eternal destruction.
* κρίνω (krinō) `{{G2919}}`: "to judge," "to decide," the broader concept encompassing the act of judgment itself.
Conceptually, ἐμβάλλω `{{G1685}}` is inextricably linked to:
* **Divine Judgment:** The ultimate authority and power of God to determine eternal destinies.
* **Eschatology:** The doctrine of final things, particularly the fate of the wicked.
* **Gehenna:** The specific destination mentioned in [[Luke 12:5]], representing eternal punishment, derived from the Valley of Hinnom, a place associated with idolatry and defilement.
* **Fear of God:** The proper reverence and awe due to the One who holds ultimate power over life and death, both temporal and eternal.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐμβάλλω `{{G1685}}` in [[Luke 12:5]] carries immense theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of:
1. **God's Absolute Sovereignty:** The power to "cast into hell" highlights God's supreme authority over creation, life, death, and eternal destiny. No human power can usurp this divine prerogative.
2. **The Seriousness of Sin and Its Consequences:** The destination, Gehenna, signifies a place of ultimate, irreversible punishment. The use of ἐμβάλλω underscores that this is not a temporary state but a definitive consignment, emphasizing the gravity of rejecting God's will and the eternal repercussions.
3. **The Nature of True Fear:** Jesus' teaching distinguishes between fearing those who can only harm the body and fearing God, who has power over both body and soul in eternity. This is not a servile fear but a reverent awe born of understanding God's holiness, justice, and ultimate power. It motivates obedience and repentance.
4. **Christ's Authority in Judgment:** While the passage can be interpreted as referring to the Father, it also implicitly affirms Christ's role in the final judgment, as He is the one speaking and warning. His words carry the weight of divine authority.
The word ἐμβάλλω `{{G1685}}` thus functions as a powerful theological marker, asserting the reality of eternal judgment and the profound implications of one's relationship with God.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐμβάλλω `{{G1685}}`, meaning "to cast into" or "to subject to," holds a unique and potent place in the New Testament due to its single, yet pivotal, occurrence in [[Luke 12:5]]. Derived from ἐν (in/into) and βάλλω `{{G906}}` (to throw), its usage describes the authoritative act of God (or Christ) in consigning individuals to eternal punishment in Gehenna `{{G1067}}`. This specific application underscores God's absolute sovereignty, the profound seriousness of eternal consequences, and the proper object of human fear. Though appearing only once, ἐμβάλλω `{{G1685}}` serves as a powerful linguistic and theological anchor for understanding divine judgment and the ultimate destiny of the soul.
TRV