feminine from ἐν and the base of ἑδραῖος; an ambuscade, i.e. (figuratively) murderous purpose:--lay wait. See also ἔνεδρον.
Transliteration:enédra
Pronunciation:en-ed'-rah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1747 (ἐνέδρα, *enédra*) is a feminine noun derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "at," and the base of ἑδραῖος (hedraios), meaning "sitting" or "fixed." This etymological root vividly conveys the core meaning of "lying in wait" or "sitting in ambush." Its primary semantic range encompasses a physical "ambuscade" or "trap," a hidden place from which an attack is launched. Critically, the definition extends to the figurative, denoting a "murderous purpose" or a malevolent, premeditated design. Thus, enédra signifies not merely a hidden position, but the hostile, often lethal, intent behind the concealment. It speaks to a calculated malice, a planned and deceptive act of aggression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1747 (ἐνέδρα, *enédra*) occurs twice in the New Testament, both instances found within the book of Acts and both pertaining to plots against the Apostle Paul's life.
1. **[[Acts 23:16]]**: "But when Paul's sister's son heard of their **ambush** (ἐνέδρα), he went and entered the barracks and told Paul."
* In this context, enédra refers to a specific, organized plot by more than forty Jews who had bound themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. This was a literal, physical "ambush" planned to intercept and murder Paul as he was being transferred. The word here clearly denotes a premeditated, hidden, and violent scheme. The discovery of this enédra by Paul's nephew leads to its thwarting by the Roman commander.
2. **[[Acts 25:3]]**: "asking as a favor against him that he send him to Jerusalem, planning an **ambush** (ἐνέδρα) to kill him on the way."
* Here, enédra again describes a similar, deadly conspiracy by the Jewish leaders against Paul. They requested Festus, the new governor, to transfer Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and murder him during the journey. As in the previous instance, the word signifies a deliberate, concealed plot with the express purpose of assassination.
In both occurrences, enédra is used literally to describe a concrete, physical plan involving a hidden attack with murderous intent. The contexts consistently emphasize the premeditated nature of these plots and their ultimate goal: the death of Paul.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G1747 (ἐνέδρα, *enédra*) includes several closely related terms and concepts:
* **G1749 (ἔνεδρον, *enedron*)**: This is a neuter noun, a very close cognate to enédra, also meaning an "ambush" or a "place of ambush." It shares the same root and core meaning.
* **G1748 (ἐνεδρεύω, *enedreuo*)**: This is the verbal form, meaning "to lie in wait," "to ambush," or "to plot against." It describes the action implied by the noun enédra.
* **G1722 (ἐν, *en*)**: The preposition "in" or "at," forming the initial component of enédra, highlighting the hidden or concealed nature of the ambush.
* **G1476 (ἑδραῖος, *hedraios*)**: "Seated," "steadfast," or "firm." While enédra derives from its base, the meaning is subtly inverted; hedraios speaks of stability, while enédra describes a hidden, often treacherous, position.
* **Concepts**:
* **Conspiracy/Plot**: Enédra inherently implies a secret, malicious plan devised by multiple parties.
* **Deception/Treachery**: An ambush relies on surprise and concealment, thus involving a profound element of deceit.
* **Murderous Intent**: The definition explicitly highlights "murderous purpose," which is consistently borne out in the biblical narratives where the word appears.
* **Hostility/Malice**: The underlying motivation for an enédra is always one of intense animosity and malevolence.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of G1747 (ἐνέδρα, *enédra*) in the book of Acts carries significant theological weight, particularly in its portrayal of human opposition to God's work.
1. **Human Depravity and Opposition**: The repeated plots against Paul's life, described as enédra, vividly illustrate the depth of human sin and the intensity of hostility directed towards those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. These are not impulsive acts but calculated, premeditated attempts at murder, underscoring a hardened heart and a determined resistance to divine truth. It reveals the dark capacity of humanity for organized malice.
2. **Divine Providence and Protection**: Paradoxically, the very presence of enédra in the narrative serves to magnify God's sovereign hand. In both instances in Acts, the meticulously planned ambushes against Paul are miraculously thwarted. This demonstrates God's unfailing protection over His chosen servants and His ability to nullify the wicked designs of humanity. The failure of these plots underscores the biblical truth that "The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples" [[Psalm 33:10]]. God's purposes prevail even amidst the most malicious human schemes.
3. **Spiritual Warfare**: While enédra is used for physical plots, it resonates with the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare. Believers are warned about the "schemes" or "wiles" (μεθοδεία - G3180) of the devil, who "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" [[1 Peter 5:8]]. This imagery evokes a hidden, deceptive, and destructive intent, akin to an ambush, highlighting the unseen spiritual forces that plot against God's people.
4. **The Cost of Discipleship**: The conspiracies against Paul remind believers that faithfully following Christ and proclaiming His message can lead to tangible and dangerous opposition. The presence of enédra in the narrative underscores the reality that discipleship often involves facing hostility and even life-threatening plots from those who oppose the Kingdom of God.
### Summary
The Greek word G1747 (ἐνέδρα, *enédra*) precisely denotes an "ambush" or "lying in wait," fundamentally carrying the strong connotation of a "murderous purpose." Its etymology from "in" (ἐν) and the base of "fixed/sitting" (ἑδραῖος) vividly pictures a hidden, prepared position for a surprise attack. In the New Testament, enédra is exclusively found in the book of Acts, twice describing specific, premeditated plots by Jewish factions to assassinate the Apostle Paul ([[Acts 23:16]], [[Acts 25:3]]). These occurrences consistently underscore the word's literal meaning of a physical, hidden attempt to kill. Closely related terms include the verb G1748 (ἐνεδρεύω, *enedreuo*), "to lie in wait," and the neuter noun G1749 (ἔνεδρον, *enedron*), also meaning ambush. Theologically, enédra serves as a stark illustration of human depravity and the depth of opposition faced by God's messengers. Yet, its consistent failure in the biblical narrative simultaneously highlights divine providence and God's protective sovereignty over His servants, demonstrating His ability to thwart malicious designs and ensure the advancement of His purposes, even amidst intense hostility. It also implicitly connects to the broader theme of spiritual warfare, where unseen forces plot against believers.
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