third person singular present of a compound of ἐν and δέχομαι; (impersonally) it is accepted in, i.e. admitted (possible):--can (+ not) be.
Transliteration:endéchetai
Pronunciation:en-dekh'-et-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐνδέχεται (G1735), transliterated as *endéchetai*, is an impersonal verb derived from a compound of the preposition ἐν (en, "in") and the verb δέχομαι (dechomai, "to receive, accept"). Its base definition signifies "it is accepted in," or "it is admitted," leading to the primary meaning of "it is possible" or "it is admissible." The impersonal third-person singular present form emphasizes the state of affairs rather than an agent performing an action. The root δέχομαι implies an act of reception or acceptance, and with the prefix ἐν, the idea shifts to something being "received within" or "admitted into" the realm of possibility or reality. Thus, the semantic range of ἐνδέχεται is tightly focused on the concept of possibility, admissibility, or inherent reality, often appearing in negative constructions to express impossibility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐνδέχεται (G1735) appears only once in the New Testament, in a profoundly significant statement by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke:
"And He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come; but woe to him through whom they do come!'" [[Luke 17:1]]
In this crucial verse, the phrase "οὐκ ἐνδέχεται" (ouk endéchetai) is used, meaning "it is not possible" or "it cannot be otherwise." Jesus is not stating a divine decree that offenses *must* occur because God wills them, but rather acknowledging a pragmatic and sobering reality of the fallen world and human nature. The inevitability of "offenses" (σκάνδαλα, `{{G4625}}`, "stumbling blocks" or "causes of sin") is presented as an inherent truth of the present age. This is not a statement of predestination of evil, but an observation of the pervasive nature of sin and its consequences in a world marred by human fallenness. The strong negation ("οὐκ") underscores the absolute nature of this impossibility, highlighting that in the current spiritual climate, the complete absence of stumbling blocks is simply not an option.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐνδέχεται (G1735) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **δέχομαι (dechomai, `{{G1293}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to receive, accept." While δέχομαι describes an active reception, ἐνδέχεται, through its impersonal form, describes the *state* of being receptive or admissible, leading to possibility.
* **δύναμαι (dynamai, `{{G1410}}`) / δυνατός (dynatos, `{{G1415}}`):** These terms relate to "ability" or "power" and can also express possibility ("it is possible to do something"). However, ἐνδέχεται in [[Luke 17:1]] conveys an inherent impossibility regarding the *occurrence* of events (offenses), rather than an agent's lack of *ability* to prevent them. It speaks more to the nature of reality itself.
* **ἀδύνατον (adynaton, `{{G102}}`):** This adjective means "impossible" or "powerless." It is often used to describe things that are inherently impossible or contrary to nature or God's character (e.g., "it is impossible for God to lie," [[Hebrews 6:18]]). While similar in outcome (impossibility), ἐνδέχεται in [[Luke 17:1]] focuses on the inevitability arising from the fallen human condition rather than a divine attribute.
* **ἀνάγκη (anankē, `{{G318}}`):** Meaning "necessity" or "compulsion." This term can also convey inevitability. The "impossibility" conveyed by οὐκ ἐνδέχεται in [[Luke 17:1]] implies a kind of necessity for offenses to arise.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary occurrence, the use of ἐνδέχεται (G1735) in [[Luke 17:1]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Realism about Sin:** Jesus' statement is a stark acknowledgement of the pervasive reality of sin and its destructive consequences in the world. It is not a naive optimism that evil can be entirely eradicated by human effort, but a sober assessment that "offenses *must* come." This highlights the depth of human fallenness and the persistent presence of evil in the present age.
2. **Human Accountability Amidst Inevitability:** Crucially, the declaration of impossibility is immediately followed by a severe "woe to him through whom they do come!" This creates a tension between the inevitability of offenses and individual responsibility. While the *existence* of stumbling blocks is unavoidable, the *act* of causing them is a matter of personal culpability, incurring divine judgment. This underscores that inevitability does not absolve responsibility.
3. **Context for Discipleship:** For the disciples, this statement serves as a warning and a call to vigilance. They are to expect challenges and temptations, but also to be acutely aware of their own potential to cause harm to others, and to strive against it. It sets a realistic expectation for life in a fallen world while simultaneously demanding the highest ethical conduct.
4. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom:** The phrase does not necessarily imply divine predestination of evil, but rather an observation within the framework of God's permissive will in a world where human freedom and sin operate. God permits, but does not cause, the offenses. The "impossibility" stems from the nature of the world and humanity, not from a direct divine command for evil.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐνδέχεται (G1735) is an impersonal verb meaning "it is possible" or "it is admissible," derived from the concept of being "received within" or "accepted." Its singular, yet highly significant, occurrence in the New Testament is found in [[Luke 17:1]], where Jesus declares, "It is impossible that no offenses should come." This statement is a profound theological insight into the unavoidable reality of sin and stumbling blocks in a fallen world, stemming from human nature rather than a divine decree for evil. While acknowledging this inevitability, Jesus immediately pronounces a severe warning ("woe") against those who actively cause such offenses, thereby maintaining human accountability within this reality. Thus, ἐνδέχεται contributes to a biblical understanding of the pervasive nature of sin, the realistic expectations for life in the present age, and the crucial tension between the world's fallenness and individual moral responsibility.
TRV