The Greek word enteûthen, represented by G1782, primarily means hence, referring to a point of origin either literally or figuratively. It can also be repeated to mean on both sides. This term appears 13 times across 11 unique verses, often indicating a source, a departure, or a specific location.
In its biblical usage, G1782 frequently serves as a command for departure or removal. Jesus uses it to cleanse the temple, telling the merchants, "Take these things hence" John 2:16. The Pharisees also urge Jesus to "depart hence" to escape Herod Luke 13:31. The word also identifies a source, as when James asks about the origin of conflicts, answering that they come "hence, even of your lusts" James 4:1. In a unique construction, it is used twice to describe a position on two sides, as with the tree of life "on either side of the river" Revelation 22:2 and the two others crucified with Jesus John 19:18.
Several related words help clarify the contextual meaning of G1782:
- G4159 póthen (whence): This interrogative word for "from what source" is directly answered by G1782 in James 4:1, where the question "From whence come wars?" is answered "hence, even of your lusts."
- G3327 metabaínō (to change place): This word is used for the action of moving from the location specified by G1782. In Matthew 17:20, faith can command a mountain to "Remove hence."
- G1563 ekeî (there): This word often indicates the destination when G1782 is the point of departure, as seen in the command for the mountain to move "hence to yonder place" Matthew 17:20.
- G1453 egeírō (to waken... rouse): This word is paired with G1782 to form a command for action and departure, as when Jesus tells his disciples, "Arise, let us go hence" John 14:31.
The theological weight of G1782 is evident in its use to distinguish between earthly and spiritual realities.
- The Source of Sin: James uses the word to locate the origin of conflict not in external circumstances but internally, within human desire. Wars and fightings come from "hence, even of your lusts that war in your members" James 4:1.
- The Nature of Christ's Kingdom: Jesus defines the origin of His authority by stating His kingdom is "not from hence" John 18:36, establishing its spiritual nature as distinct from the world's political systems.
- Divine Command and Transition: The word is used in moments of divine instruction that mark a significant transition, such as Jesus' command to "Arise, let us go hence" John 14:31 before His arrest and crucifixion.
- Christ's Centrality: Its repetition in John 19:18 places Jesus physically in the middle, crucified with two others "on either side one," underscoring His central position even in his death.
In summary, G1782 is a specific term that does more than indicate simple movement. It points to a source, whether a physical location, a spiritual kingdom, or the internal lusts of the human heart. From a command to cleanse the temple to a profound statement about the origin of His kingdom, enteûthen consistently highlights a point of departure or source with significant theological implications.
TRV