### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **embateúō**, represented by `{{G1687}}`, is a term that means to **intrude into**. The base definition specifies its use as figurative, describing an unwarranted intrusion. This word is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical use of `{{G1687}}` is found in [[Colossians 2:18]], where it serves as a stern warning against false teachers. The verse cautions, "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, **intruding into** those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind." In this context, the act of intruding is linked to a deceptive form of spirituality, one that trespasses into speculative matters beyond what has been revealed. This intrusion is not born of divine insight but is motivated by a prideful and "fleshly mind."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Colossians 2:18]] help clarify the nature of this intrusion:
* `{{G2603}}` **katabrabeúō** (to award the price against, i.e. (figuratively) to defraud (of salvation)): This word describes the danger posed by the one who intrudes, as their actions can "beguile" or cheat believers out of their spiritual reward [[Colossians 2:18]].
* `{{G5012}}` **tapeinophrosýnē** (humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty): In this passage, humility is something feigned. The intrusion is masked by a "voluntary humility" [[Colossians 2:18]], which is a stark contrast to the genuine "humbleness of mind" believers are called to possess [[Colossians 3:12]].
* `{{G5448}}` **physióō** (to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty)): This reveals the true inner state of the intruder. They are not humble but are "puffed up," a condition directly opposed to true Christian charity [[1 Corinthians 13:4]].
* `{{G1500}}` **eikē** (idly, i.e. without reason (or effect)): This adverb modifies "puffed up," showing that the pride behind the intrusion is baseless and "vainly" held [[Colossians 2:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1687}}` is centered on defining and warning against a specific spiritual error.
* **Warning Against Spiritual Trespassing:** The word's core meaning is a caution against stepping beyond the bounds of revealed truth. By "intruding into those things which he hath not seen," a person is making claims to knowledge that has not been granted by God [[Colossians 2:18]].
* **The Deception of False Piety:** This intrusion is not an honest mistake but is associated with deceptive religious practices. It is cloaked in "voluntary humility" and "worshipping of angels," demonstrating how pious acts can be used to promote spiritually dangerous ideas [[Colossians 2:18]].
* **The Source of False Doctrine:** The passage identifies the root of this intrusion as the "fleshly mind" `{{G4561}}` `{{G3563}}`. This points to human pride and unrenewed thinking as the origin of such teachings, rather than the Spirit of God.
### Summary
In summary, **embateúō** `{{G1687}}` is a concise and potent term for spiritual overreach. Though used only once, its context in [[Colossians 2:18]] makes it a crucial word for identifying a particular type of false teaching. It describes the act of pridefully stepping into unrevealed spiritual matters, an action rooted in a "fleshly mind" that is "vainly puffed up." The word serves as a lasting admonition against the dangers of speculative religion and pride disguised as humility.
TRV