### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **emplékō**, represented by `{{G1707}}`, means **to entwine** or involve with. Based on the words ἐν and πλέκω, it figuratively describes being entangled. It is a rare term, appearing **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word is used to illustrate spiritual hindrance. In 2 Timothy, it describes a soldier who "warreth" `{{G4754}}` and does not **entangle** himself with the "affairs of this life" `{{G4230}}` in order to please his commander [[2 Timothy 2:4]]. In 2 Peter, it is used twice to warn of believers who, after escaping the "pollutions of the world" `{{G3393}}`, are again **entangled** therein and "overcome" `{{G2274}}`, making their final state worse than their first [[2 Peter 2:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of being entangled:
* `{{G4754}}` **strateúomai** (to serve in a military campaign): This word establishes the metaphor of a believer as a soldier, whose primary duty is to the one who enlisted them, not civilian life [[2 Timothy 2:4]].
* `{{G3393}}` **míasma** (foulness (properly, the effect)): This identifies the specific things in which a person can become entangled, namely the moral "pollutions" of the world [[2 Peter 2:20]].
* `{{G668}}` **apopheúgō** ((figuratively) to escape): This word highlights the freedom that precedes entanglement, describing those who have "escaped" the world's pollutions through knowing the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ [[2 Peter 2:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1707}}` serves as a potent warning about spiritual compromise.
* **Undivided Devotion:** The word underscores the principle that a follower of Christ, like a soldier, must maintain a singular focus. Entanglement in the "affairs of this life" `{{G979}}` directly conflicts with the duty to "please" `{{G700}}` the one who has chosen them to be a soldier `{{G4758}}` [[2 Timothy 2:4]].
* **The Peril of Apostasy:** It warns of the severe danger of returning to a former way of life. After gaining "knowledge" `{{G1922}}` of the "Saviour" `{{G4990}}`, becoming "entangled" again leads to being "overcome" `{{G2274}}`, a state worse than the beginning [[2 Peter 2:20]].
* **Conflict with the World:** The concept of entanglement points to the inherent opposition between commitment to God and the "pollutions" `{{G3393}}` of the "world" `{{G2889}}`. To be entwined in one is to be ineffective for the other.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1707}}` **emplékō** is more than a simple word for being caught; it signifies a spiritually compromising entanglement that obstructs one's divine purpose. It powerfully illustrates the need for believers to remain free from the distracting "affairs" `{{G4230}}` and corrupting "pollutions" `{{G3393}}` of the world, lest they become ineffective soldiers for Christ or, worse, find themselves overcome by what they had previously escaped.
TRV