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.
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.
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.
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.
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