### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **entolḗ**, represented by `{{G1785}}`, defines an **injunction** or an **authoritative prescription**. It appears **71 times** across **65 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying a **commandment** or **precept** given from a place of authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1785}}` is central to defining divine expectations. It is used when the scribes ask Jesus to identify the "first **commandment** of all" [[Mark 12:28]]. Jesus responds by pointing to the commands to love God and neighbor, stating, "There is none other **commandment** greater than these" [[Mark 12:31]]. The term is also used to introduce the "new **commandment**" to **love** one another [[John 13:34]]. Elsewhere, it is used to draw a sharp contrast between God's instructions and human traditions, which can **reject** the **commandment** of God [[Mark 7:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and application of a **commandment**:
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This word is frequently linked to **entolḗ**. In [[Matthew 22:40]], all the **law** and the prophets are said to **hang** on two great **commandments**. [[Ephesians 2:15]] speaks of abolishing "the **law** of **commandments**," connecting the two concepts directly.
* `{{G5083}}` **tēréō** (to guard, keep): This verb describes the expected response to a **commandment**. The connection is explicit in verses like [[John 14:15]], "If ye **love** me, **keep** my **commandments**," and is presented as the way to truly know God [[1 John 2:3]].
* `{{G25}}` **agapáō** (to love): This is the core principle underlying the most significant **commandments**. The "new **commandment**" is to **love** one another [[John 15:12]], and other specific commands are summed up in the charge to **love** one's neighbor [[Romans 13:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1785}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Divine Origin**: The **commandments** originate from God the Father and are delivered through Christ. Jesus states that the Father **gave** him a **commandment** on what to say and **speak** [[John 12:49]], and that this **commandment** is "life everlasting" [[John 12:50]].
* **Proof of Love**: Adherence to the **commandments** is presented as the primary evidence of love for God. As stated in [[1 John 5:3]], "this is the **love** of God, that we **keep** his **commandments**." A person who claims to know God but does not **keep** His **commandments** is called a liar [[1 John 2:4]].
* **Summation in Love**: While many precepts exist, they are ultimately comprehended in the principle of love. [[Romans 13:9]] states that any other **commandment** is "briefly comprehended in this **saying**, namely, Thou shalt **love** thy neighbour as thyself."
* **Superiority over Tradition**: Scripture warns against replacing God's authoritative instructions with human rules, such as when Jesus condemns those who **reject** the **commandment** of God to **keep** their own tradition [[Mark 7:9]] or when Paul warns against "commandments of men, that turn from the truth" [[Titus 1:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1785}}` is far more than a simple rule. It is a cornerstone of biblical ethics, representing an authoritative instruction from a divine source. The act of keeping these **commandments** serves as the definitive expression of one's **love** for and relationship with God. Ultimately, the entire framework of divine law is fulfilled in the profound **commandment** to **love**, shifting the focus from mere legal observance to a relational covenant.
TRV