ἐνοχλέω

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.