from ἐν and ἔχω; to hold in or upon, i.e. ensnare; by implication, to keep a grudge:--entangle with, have a quarrel against, urge.
Transliteration:enéchō
Pronunciation:en-ekh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐνέχω (G1758), transliterated *enechō*, is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἐν (G1722), meaning "in" or "upon," and the verb ἔχω (G2192), meaning "to have" or "to hold." The core semantic range thus revolves around the concept of "holding in" or "holding upon." This fundamental meaning branches into several significant figurative applications in the New Testament:
1. **To ensnare or entangle:** This conveys the idea of being caught or held within something, like a net or a trap. It suggests a state of being bound or restricted.
2. **To bear a grudge or hold malice:** In this sense, the word describes an internal, persistent grip of animosity or ill-will towards someone. It signifies a deep-seated hostility that is actively maintained.
3. **To press upon or urge:** This denotes an active, often aggressive, engagement where one person or group applies pressure, usually through questioning or demands, to another, often with the intent to trap or provoke.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐνέχω (G1758) appears in three distinct contexts within the New Testament, each illustrating a different facet of its semantic range:
* **Galatians 5:1**: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Here, the phrase "do not submit again" uses ἐνέχω in a passive sense, referring to being "entangled" or "held fast" again by a "yoke of slavery." In this context, the "yoke of slavery" refers to the Mosaic Law when viewed as a means of justification, which Paul argues restricts the spiritual liberty found in Christ. The word emphasizes the binding, restrictive nature of legalism, which can ensnare believers and hinder their walk in grace. It is a warning against allowing external systems or human efforts to dominate one's spiritual life, thereby losing the freedom purchased by Christ.
* **Mark 6:19**: "And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not." This verse vividly portrays the active, internal meaning of ἐνέχω. Herodias "had a grudge" (ἐνέχω) against John the Baptist, indicating a deep and persistent animosity. This was not a fleeting anger but a settled, malicious intent that she "held" within her heart. The word highlights the destructive power of unaddressed hatred and resentment, which can fester and lead to murderous desires. It underscores the spiritual reality that prolonged malice can consume an individual, driving them towards evil actions.
* **Luke 11:53**: "As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things." Here, ἐνέχω describes the intense and hostile pressure exerted by the scribes and Pharisees upon Jesus. They "pressed him hard" or "urged him" with many questions, seeking to trap him in his words and find grounds for accusation. This usage conveys a relentless, adversarial pursuit, a verbal ensnaring designed to discredit or condemn. It reveals the strategic and often deceptive tactics employed by those opposed to divine truth, aiming to corner or silence its proponents.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐνέχω (G1758) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Root Words:** Its components, ἐν (G1722) "in" and ἔχω (G2192) "to have/hold," are fundamental to its meaning. The verb ἔχω itself is a versatile term, signifying possession, state, or condition.
* **Words for Entanglement/Bondage:** Other terms related to being caught or bound include ἐμπλέκω (G1707), meaning "to entangle" or "to involve" (e.g., [[2 Timothy 2:4]]), and ζυγός (G2218), "yoke," which often symbolizes servitude or burden (e.g., [[Acts 15:10]]). The concept of "slavery" (δουλεία, G1397) is also closely related, as seen in [[Galatians 5:1]].
* **Words for Grudge/Hostility:** Concepts of enmity (ἔχθρα, G2189), hatred (μῖσος, G3402), and malice (κακία, G2549) are semantically close to the "grudge" aspect of ἐνέχω. The persistent nature of the grudge in [[Mark 6:19]] evokes a settled animosity.
* **Words for Pressure/Provocation:** Terms like πειράζω (G3985), "to test" or "to tempt," often with a negative intent to trap (e.g., [[Matthew 4:1]]), and ἐπερωτάω (G1905), "to question" or "to ask," particularly in a challenging manner, resonate with the "pressing hard" meaning in [[Luke 11:53]].
### Theological Significance
The multifaceted meaning of ἐνέχω (G1758) carries significant theological weight, illuminating various challenges and realities within the Christian life and spiritual warfare:
* **Spiritual Liberty vs. Bondage:** In [[Galatians 5:1]], ἐνέχω underscores the ever-present danger of reverting to spiritual bondage. It highlights that true freedom in Christ is not a passive state but requires active vigilance against anything that seeks to "entangle" or restrict the believer's walk in grace. This speaks to the importance of understanding and living out the implications of Christ's liberating work.
* **The Destructive Nature of Malice:** The usage in [[Mark 6:19]] serves as a stark warning about the corrosive power of unaddressed hatred and resentment in the human heart. Herodias's "grudge" against John the Baptist demonstrates how internal malice can become a dominant force, leading to a desire for destruction. Theologically, this emphasizes the biblical call to forgiveness, reconciliation, and the cleansing of the heart from bitterness, as such internal "holdings" contradict the spirit of Christ.
* **Adversarial Opposition to Truth:** The context of [[Luke 11:53]] illustrates the relentless and often deceptive opposition faced by those who proclaim divine truth. The scribes and Pharisees "pressing hard" upon Jesus reveals a calculated effort to ensnare and discredit him. This has theological implications for understanding the nature of spiritual warfare, where believers may face intellectual or verbal attacks designed to undermine their faith or testimony. It calls for wisdom, discernment, and reliance on the Holy Spirit when confronted by hostile questioning.
In essence, ἐνέχω reveals the various ways in which individuals can be "held"—whether by external systems, internal sins, or external adversaries—and serves as a theological lens through which to understand the ongoing struggle for spiritual freedom, purity of heart, and faithful witness.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐνέχω (G1758) fundamentally conveys the idea "to hold in" or "to hold upon." Its New Testament occurrences reveal a rich semantic range encompassing three primary applications: to be ensnared or entangled (as by a yoke of slavery in [[Galatians 5:1]]), to bear a deep-seated grudge or malice (as Herodias against John the Baptist in [[Mark 6:19]]), and to press hard or urge relentlessly, often with hostile intent (as the Pharisees against Jesus in [[Luke 11:53]]). Theologically, ἐνέχω highlights critical aspects of the Christian journey: the imperative to guard one's spiritual liberty against legalistic entanglement, the destructive power of internal animosity, and the reality of adversarial opposition to divine truth. It serves as a potent reminder of the various forces, both internal and external, that seek to restrict, corrupt, or undermine the believer's walk of faith.
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