from ἐν and πλέκω; to entwine, i.e. (figuratively) involve with:--entangle (in, self with).
Transliteration:emplékō
Pronunciation:em-plek'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐμπλέκω (emplékō, `{{G1707}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "into," and the verb πλέκω (plekō), meaning "to braid," "to weave," or "to plait." Literally, therefore, ἐμπλέκω means "to entwine," "to interweave," or "to plait into." It evokes an image of threads, branches, or other elements becoming intricately twisted together, making separation difficult.
Figuratively, and this is its primary use in the New Testament, ἐμπλέκω denotes becoming "involved with," "caught up in," or "entangled by" something. This entanglement implies a state of being hindered, constrained, or ensnared, preventing free action, movement, or focus. The nuance is often one of being trapped or inextricably bound, losing a measure of one's freedom or direction due to external influences or circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐμπλέκω appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance offering profound spiritual insight:
* **[[2 Timothy 2:4]]**: "No soldier in active service *entangles* himself with the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please his officer."
* In this verse, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier to describe the dedicated life of a servant of Christ. The phrase "affairs of everyday life" (πραγματείαις τοῦ βίου) refers to the mundane, civilian concerns and occupations that would distract a soldier from his primary duty. To "entangle" oneself with these affairs means to become so caught up in them that they impede one's ability to focus on, and fully commit to, military service. The soldier's singular purpose is to please his commanding officer, and any entanglement would compromise this loyalty and effectiveness. Spiritually, this speaks to the necessity of undivided devotion to Christ, free from the distractions and encumbrances of worldly pursuits that would hinder one's spiritual warfare and service.
* **[[2 Peter 2:20]]**: "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again *entangled* in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first."
* Here, Peter addresses those who have seemingly embraced Christian truth but have subsequently reverted to their former sinful ways. The "defilements of the world" (μιάσμασιν τοῦ κόσμου) represent the corrupting influences and practices of ungodly society. To be "entangled" in them again signifies a re-enslavement or re-enmeshment in the very sins and worldly systems from which they were once liberated through the knowledge of Christ. This entanglement leads to being "overcome" (ἡττῶνται), implying defeat and subjugation. The passage serves as a severe warning against apostasy and spiritual backsliding, indicating that a return to such entanglement results in a condition worse than their initial state of ignorance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ἐμπλέκω resonates with several related biblical themes and terms:
* **Hindrance and Snare**: The idea of being "entangled" is closely related to words signifying obstacles, snares, or traps, such as παγίς (pagis, a snare or trap, `{{G3803}}`) or σκάνδαλον (skandalon, a stumbling block or occasion for sin, `{{G4625}}`). It suggests a state where one's spiritual progress or freedom is impeded.
* **Bondage and Freedom**: The opposite of entanglement is spiritual freedom, often described by words like ἐλευθερία (eleutheria, freedom, `{{G1657}}`) or ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis, redemption, release, `{{G629}}`). When one is entangled, they are in a form of spiritual bondage, whether to the world's systems or to sin.
* **Worldliness**: The "affairs of everyday life" and "defilements of the world" are the very things that cause entanglement. This connects ἐμπλέκω to the broader biblical theme of worldliness (κόσμος, kosmos, `{{G2889}}`), and the call for believers to be separate from its corrupting influences while still living within it.
* **Single-mindedness and Devotion**: In contrast to entanglement, the Scriptures frequently call for an undivided heart and singular devotion to God, as seen in the command to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength (e.g., [[Mark 12:30]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐμπλέκω is profound, touching on core aspects of Christian discipleship, perseverance, and the nature of spiritual warfare:
* **The Demands of Discipleship**: [[2 Timothy 2:4]] highlights the radical and exclusive nature of Christian commitment. Serving Christ demands an undivided loyalty that transcends the pull of worldly concerns. Believers are called to prioritize their allegiance to Christ above all earthly attachments, recognizing that spiritual effectiveness is contingent upon freedom from such entanglements. This underscores the cost of discipleship and the necessity of spiritual focus.
* **The Peril of Spiritual Relapse**: [[2 Peter 2:20]] serves as a stark warning about the dangers of spiritual backsliding. It teaches that merely escaping the defilements of the world is not enough; one must actively persevere in the knowledge and obedience of Christ. To become re-entangled signifies a return to a state of spiritual subjugation, potentially leading to a more severe judgment, as it involves a rejection of known truth and experienced liberation. This emphasizes the critical importance of spiritual vigilance and enduring faith.
* **The Nature of True Freedom**: Implicit in both passages is the understanding that true freedom is not merely the absence of external constraints, but liberation from the entangling power of sin and the world, enabling unhindered service and devotion to God. Conversely, entanglement represents a loss of this spiritual liberty.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐμπλέκω (emplékō, `{{G1707}}`), literally meaning "to entwine," is used figuratively in the New Testament to signify "to become entangled," "involved with," or "enmeshed in." Its two occurrences in the Bible offer critical insights into the Christian walk. In [[2 Timothy 2:4]], it underscores the necessity for believers, as soldiers of Christ, to avoid entanglement with the "affairs of everyday life" in order to maintain single-minded devotion and please their Divine Commander. In [[2 Peter 2:20]], it issues a solemn warning against the spiritual peril of those who, having once been freed from the "defilements of the world," become "entangled" in them again, leading to a worse spiritual condition. Thus, ἐμπλέκω powerfully conveys the dangers of spiritual distraction and relapse, emphasizing the call to undivided loyalty to Christ and the preciousness of true spiritual freedom from the world's snares.
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