### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1748 (enedreúō) is derived from the noun G1747 (enedra), which means "an ambush" or "a lying in wait." At its core, enedreúō therefore signifies the act of setting an ambush or lying in wait. Its semantic range extends from this literal sense to a more figurative and sinister meaning: to lurk with malicious intent, to plot assassination, or to conspire to entrap someone. The word inherently carries connotations of deception, hidden danger, and pre-meditated malevolence, implying a lack of open confrontation in favor of a treacherous, concealed attack.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1748 appears four times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Gospels and Acts, consistently depicting a hidden, malicious plot:
* **[[Luke 11:54]]**: "laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him." Here, the scribes and Pharisees are depicted as actively plotting to entrap Jesus with his own words, aiming to find grounds for accusation. The intent is not physical harm directly, but legal or social destruction through cunning verbal entrapment.
* **[[Acts 9:24]]**: "But their plot became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him." Following Saul's conversion and powerful preaching in Damascus, the Jews there conspire to assassinate him. This occurrence directly aligns with the "plot assassination" aspect of the definition, highlighting a lethal and pre-meditated conspiracy.
* **[[Acts 23:21]]**: "Therefore do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, looking for the promise from you." This passage describes a sworn conspiracy by over forty Jewish men in Jerusalem to ambush and kill Paul. The intensity of their oath underscores the extreme malice and determination behind their plot.
* **[[Acts 25:3]]**: "asking a favor against him, that he might send for him to Jerusalem, planning an ambush along the road to kill him." Here, the chief priests and leading men of the Jews request that Paul be transferred to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and murder him en route. This again illustrates a deadly, pre-planned ambush.
Across all occurrences, enedreúō consistently describes a hidden, malevolent conspiracy, usually with the intent to kill or severely harm, often through deception or entrapment. The targets are always figures central to God's redemptive plan: Jesus and Paul.
### Related Words & Concepts
The immediate linguistic relative of G1748 is its root noun, G1747 (enedra), meaning "an ambush" or "a lying in wait." Other related Greek terms that convey aspects of plotting, deception, or killing include:
* G615 (apokteínō): To kill, slay. This is often the ultimate goal of those who enedreúō.
* G1388 (dolóō): To ensnare, deceive, or corrupt. This relates to the deceptive and treacherous nature inherent in an ambush.
* G1917 (epiboulḗ): A plot, conspiracy, or design against someone. This word directly overlaps with the conspiratorial aspect of enedreúō.
* G4897 (synomósia): While not a New Testament Strong's number, the concept of "conspiracy" is deeply embedded in the actions described by enedreúō.
In the Old Testament, similar concepts of "lying in wait" for the righteous are found, often expressed by Hebrew verbs like `{{H693}}` ('arab), which means to lie in wait or ambush, or `{{H6993}}` (qashar), to bind or conspire.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of G1748 in the New Testament carries profound theological implications:
* **Opposition to God's Will:** The acts described by enedreúō are always depicted as direct, malicious opposition to God's divine will and His chosen servants. They represent the forces of darkness and human depravity arrayed against the light of truth and righteousness.
* **Nature of Evil:** The word vividly portrays the insidious, deceptive, and often cowardly nature of evil. It does not confront openly but seeks to entrap, ambush, and destroy from hidden positions, highlighting the treacherous character of those who oppose God.
* **Persecution of the Righteous:** The repeated targeting of Jesus and Paul underscores a recurring theme in biblical narrative: those who faithfully proclaim and embody God's truth will inevitably face hidden and overt persecution. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the cost of discipleship.
* **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** Despite the cunning and determination of the plotters, God's overarching providence is evident. In each instance, the plots against Jesus and Paul ultimately fail to thwart God's ultimate purpose, or they are providentially revealed and thwarted (as seen in [[Acts 9:24]] and [[Acts 23:21]]). This emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty over human malice and His ability to protect His own and accomplish His will.
* **Vigilance for Believers:** The presence of such hidden dangers serves as a warning to believers to be vigilant, not only against overt opposition but also against concealed threats and malicious schemes that seek to undermine faith or ministry.
### Summary
G1748 (enedreúō) denotes the act of "lying in wait" or "plotting an ambush," specifically with a malevolent intent to harm, often leading to assassination or malicious accusation. Its New Testament occurrences consistently illustrate hidden, treacherous conspiracies against Jesus and Paul, revealing the insidious nature of opposition to God's work. The word highlights the reality of persecution faced by God's servants, the deceptive character of evil, and ultimately, the unwavering triumph of divine providence over human malice. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing spiritual conflict and the necessity of discernment against hidden dangers.
TRV