### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **enochléō**, represented by `{{G1776}}`, is defined as to crowd in or, figuratively, to annoy or **trouble**. It is a rare term in the biblical text, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its meaning centers on a form of vexation or disruption that arises from within.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G1776}}` is found in [[Hebrews 12:15]], where it serves as a critical warning. The verse cautions believers to be "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up **trouble** you, and thereby many be defiled." In this context, the "trouble" is not an external attack but an internal annoyance that grows from a "root of bitterness" and has the potential to cause significant harm within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context clarify the nature and consequences of this "trouble":
* `{{G4088}}` **pikría**: This word for **bitterness** is identified as the source of the trouble. It describes an acridity that, like a poison, can spring up and cause the annoyance represented by `{{G1776}}` [[Hebrews 12:15]].
* `{{G5302}}` **hysteréō**: Meaning to **fall short** or be deficient, this describes the condition that allows bitterness to take root. The warning connects the failure to receive God's grace with the potential for this trouble to emerge [[Hebrews 12:15]].
* `{{G3392}}` **miaínō**: This term, meaning to **defile**, explains the ultimate result of unchecked trouble. The annoyance caused by the root of bitterness contaminates or sullies many people, showing its corrupting influence [[Hebrews 12:15]].
* `{{G1983}}` **episkopéō**: Meaning to **look diligently** or oversee, this is the prescribed preventative measure. The call to vigilance is the direct counter to letting a root of bitterness spring up and cause trouble [[Hebrews 12:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1776}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, highlighting several key principles:
* **Internal Threat:** The "trouble" described by `{{G1776}}` originates from a "root of bitterness" `{{G4088}}` within the community, emphasizing the danger of internal strife and unresolved grievances.
* **Spiritual Negligence:** This trouble arises as a consequence of someone "failing" `{{G5302}}` of God's grace, linking the disruption to a lack of spiritual diligence. The preventative action is to "look diligently" `{{G1983}}`, placing responsibility on the community to maintain its spiritual health.
* **Contagious Defilement:** The annoyance is not contained. The verse explicitly states that through this trouble, "many be defiled" `{{G3392}}`, illustrating the corporate nature of sin and how one person's bitterness can contaminate an entire body of believers.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G1776}}` is used only once, it provides a powerful illustration of internal spiritual danger. As **enochléō**, it defines the vexing "trouble" that emerges from a root of "bitterness" `{{G4088}}`. Its appearance in [[Hebrews 12:15]] serves as a potent warning that such internal disruption, if not carefully overseen, can spread and "defile" `{{G3392}}` the entire community, showing how a single source of annoyance can have profound and widespread consequences.
TRV