### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) is a neuter form derived from the more common noun ἐνέδρα (enedra, `{{G1748}}`). Its fundamental meaning pertains to the act or place of "lying in wait" or "an ambush." This primary sense carries the connotation of a concealed position or a hidden stratagem, designed to surprise and overpower an unsuspecting target. The definition provided extends this literal sense to a figurative one: "murderous design." This highlights the malicious and often lethal intent behind such a hidden scheme. The word, therefore, encapsulates the concepts of deception, concealment, and premeditated hostile action, often with a violent or fatal aim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 23:21]]**: "Therefore do not yield to them, for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you."
* In this context, the word is used in the phrase ἔνεδρον ἔχοντες (having an ambush/lying in wait). It describes a literal and highly dangerous plot by a group of Jewish zealots who had sworn an oath to assassinate the Apostle Paul. Paul's nephew, having overheard their plan, relays this crucial information to the Roman commander Claudius Lysias. The use of ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) here vividly portrays the clandestine and murderous nature of the conspiracy. It underscores the extreme peril Paul faced and the cunning, deceptive tactics employed by his adversaries. The detail of the sworn oath further emphasizes the gravity and premeditation of their "murderous design." This instance serves as a stark reminder of the intense opposition faced by early Christian missionaries.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) includes several related terms that illuminate its meaning and usage:
* **ἐνέδρα (enedra, `{{G1748}}`)**: This is the root noun, meaning "an ambush" or "lying in wait." ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) is essentially a neuter form often used to denote the act or state of ambushing.
* **ἐνεδρεύω (enedreuo, `{{G1747}}`)**: The verbal form, meaning "to lie in wait," "to ambush," or "to plot against." This verb appears in passages such as [[Luke 11:54]] and [[Acts 9:24]], describing similar hostile and deceptive intentions.
* **δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`)**: Meaning "deceit," "guile," or "cunning." The concept of ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) inherently involves δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`), as an ambush relies on deception and hidden malice.
* **ἐπιβουλή (epiboule, `{{G1917}}`)**: Meaning "a plot," "conspiracy," or "design against someone." This term is a close semantic parallel to the "murderous design" aspect of ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`), highlighting a premeditated scheme to harm.
* **συνωμοσία (synomosia)**: While not a New Testament word, the concept of a "conspiracy" or "sworn agreement" (as seen in the oath taken by Paul's would-be assassins) is directly relevant to the context of ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) in [[Acts 23:21]].
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) in the New Testament, though rare, carries significant theological weight within the narrative of God's sovereign protection over His servants. It serves to:
1. **Illustrate the Nature of Opposition**: It reveals that opposition to God's purposes and His messengers often takes the form of hidden, malicious, and premeditated schemes rather than open confrontation. This underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where enemies of the Gospel employ cunning and deceptive tactics.
2. **Highlight Human Depravity**: The "murderous design" inherent in ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) points to the depth of human hatred and depravity that can arise against those who faithfully proclaim Christ. It reminds us of the spiritual darkness that seeks to extinguish the light.
3. **Emphasize Divine Providence**: Despite the grave danger posed by such a hidden plot, the fact that it was uncovered and thwarted (through Paul's nephew and the Roman authorities) powerfully demonstrates God's providential care. It affirms that God is able to protect His own, even from the most insidious plots, ensuring His will is accomplished.
4. **Call for Vigilance and Trust**: For believers, this word serves as a reminder that dangers may arise from unexpected or concealed sources, necessitating spiritual vigilance and an unwavering reliance on divine guidance and protection.
### Summary
ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) denotes a hidden, premeditated act of hostile intent, specifically an ambush or a murderous design. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 23:21]] vividly describes a literal plot by over forty Jewish zealots to ambush and assassinate the Apostle Paul. This term is closely related to ἐνέδρα (enedra, `{{G1748}}`) and ἐνεδρεύω (enedreuo, `{{G1747}}`), emphasizing the concept of lying in wait with malicious intent, often involving δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`) (deceit) and ἐπιβουλή (epiboule, `{{G1917}}`) (plot). Theologically, ἔνεδρον (énedron, `{{G1749}}`) illustrates the insidious nature of opposition faced by God's servants, often hidden and malicious, and powerfully testifies to God's protective hand over His chosen instruments, as the plot against Paul was ultimately thwarted, allowing him to continue his divinely appointed mission. It underscores the spiritual reality of unseen dangers and the necessity of divine intervention in the lives of believers.
TRV