### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb enochléō (`{{G1776}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition en (`{{G1722}}`, "in" or "among") and the verb ochléō (`{{G3791}}`, "to crowd, to disturb"). The root of ochléō is ochlos (`{{G3793}}`), meaning "a crowd" or "mob." Thus, the literal sense of enochléō is "to crowd in upon," "to press upon," or "to surround with a crowd."
Figuratively, and as it is primarily used in the New Testament, enochléō carries the meaning of "to annoy," "to trouble," "to harass," "to disturb," or "to bother." It conveys a sense of persistent, unwelcome pressure or intrusion that disrupts peace or order. The underlying image is one of being overwhelmed or bothered by a troublesome presence, much like being jostled or disturbed by an unruly multitude. It implies a disturbance that causes irritation or distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb enochléō appears only twice in the New Testament, offering distinct yet related insights into its semantic range:
1. **Luke 11:7**: In the parable of the friend at midnight, the homeowner replies to his neighbor's persistent request: "Do not trouble me (μὴ μοι κόπους πάρεχε, or as some manuscripts render it, μὴ με ἐνοχλῇς); the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you." While some manuscripts use a different phrase, the presence of enochléō in others (and its inclusion in the Strong's definition) points to its aptness in conveying the sense of being bothered or annoyed by an unwelcome, late-night interruption. Here, the "trouble" is an external, persistent disturbance that disrupts rest and convenience, prompting a reluctant response.
2. **Hebrews 12:15**: This passage warns against spiritual dangers within the community: "looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble (ἐνοχλῇ) you, and by this many become defiled." Here, the "trouble" caused by a "root of bitterness" is internal and spiritual. It's not a physical annoyance but a pervasive, disruptive, and defiling influence that harasses the soul and corrupts the community. The imagery of a "root springing up" suggests an insidious, growing problem that, once established, relentlessly disturbs and pollutes. This usage highlights the destructive, harassing power of unaddressed sin or resentment within the spiritual life.
In both instances, enochléō signifies an unwelcome disturbance, whether physical (Luke) or spiritual (Hebrews), that disrupts a state of peace, rest, or purity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological connection of enochléō to ochlos (`{{G3793}}`, "crowd, multitude") and ochléō (`{{G3791}}`, "to crowd, to trouble") is crucial. This lineage grounds the word in the experience of being overwhelmed or pressured by a mass, which then translates into the figurative sense of annoyance or harassment.
Other Greek words that convey a sense of trouble or disturbance, but with different nuances, include:
* thlibō (`{{G2346}}`): to press, oppress, afflict, often implying tribulation or suffering.
* tarassō (`{{G5015}}`): to stir up, agitate, trouble, often referring to emotional or mental distress.
* skyllo (`{{G4656}}`): to trouble, annoy, weary, often in the sense of causing physical weariness or exhaustion.
* kakopatheō (`{{G2553}}`): to suffer evil, endure hardship, to be afflicted.
While these words share a semantic field of "trouble," enochléō specifically emphasizes the *irritating*, *harassing*, or *burdensome* nature of the disturbance, often implying a persistent or pervasive quality, much like an insistent crowd.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent appearances of enochléō offer significant theological insights:
1. **Persistence in Prayer (Luke 11:7):** Though a human analogy, the "troubling" in the parable underscores the power of persistent prayer. The homeowner is "troubled" not by the righteousness of the request but by its relentless nature. This illustrates that God, unlike the reluctant neighbor, is not annoyed by persistence but honors the unwavering faith and importunity of His children, ultimately responding to their needs. It challenges believers to press on in prayer, even when answers seem delayed.
2. **The Insidious Nature of Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15):** The use of enochléō to describe the effect of a "root of bitterness" is profoundly significant. Bitterness is not merely an inconvenience; it is a spiritual contaminant that "troubles" – it harasses, disrupts, and defiles. This highlights the insidious and pervasive danger of unforgiveness and resentment, which, if allowed to take root, will relentlessly disturb one's spiritual peace and corrupt the community. It serves as a strong warning against spiritual apathy and a call to vigilance in maintaining purity and grace.
3. **Disruption of Shalom:** In both contexts, enochléō signifies a disruption of shalom – a state of peace, well-being, and order. Whether it's the domestic peace of a sleeping family or the spiritual peace and purity of a community walking in grace, enochléō describes an unwelcome force that actively works against such harmony.
### Summary
The Greek word enochléō (`{{G1776}}`) encapsulates the meaning "to trouble," "to annoy," or "to harass," stemming from the vivid image of a crowd pressing in and causing disturbance. Its two New Testament occurrences, though few, are highly illustrative. In [[Luke 11:7]], it describes the external, persistent annoyance that compels a reluctant response, drawing a parallel to the power of importunate prayer. In [[Hebrews 12:15]], it powerfully depicts the internal, spiritual harassment and defilement caused by a "root of bitterness." Together, these uses underscore the word's capacity to convey a pervasive, unwelcome disruption to peace and well-being, whether physical or spiritual, serving as both an encouragement for persistent faith and a solemn warning against spiritual dangers.
TRV