The Greek word entynchánō, represented by G1793, primarily means to confer with or entreat, either in favor of or against someone. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The word's usage spans from the idea of "dealing with" a person in an official capacity to the specific act of making intercession.
In its biblical occurrences, G1793 carries both a legal and a spiritual weight. In a secular context, Festus reports that the multitude of the Jews had dealt with him concerning Paul, crying out for his execution Acts 25:24. The word is also used to describe a plea against someone, as when the scripture notes how Elias maketh intercession to God against Israel Romans 11:2. However, its most frequent use is theological, referring to divine advocacy. It describes the work of the Holy Spirit, who maketh intercession for the saints Romans 8:27, and of Christ, who, after having died and been risen again, now sits at the right hand of God and maketh intercession for us Romans 8:34.
Several related words clarify the context in which entynchánō is used:
- G2632 katakrínō (to judge against, i.e. sentence): This word is contrasted with intercession, as seen in the question, "Who is he that condemneth?" which is answered by pointing to Christ's intercession Romans 8:34.
- G1453 egeírō (to waken... i.e. rouse... from death): Christ's power to intercede is linked to the fact that he is risen again Romans 8:34, establishing his authority after death.
- G2045 ereunáō (to seek, i.e. (figuratively) to investigate): This describes God's action of knowing the Spirit's intercession, as "he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit" Romans 8:27.
- G1916 epiboáō (to exclaim against): This word is used alongside G1793 when the Jews dealt with Festus, crying that Paul should not live any longer Acts 25:24.
The theological weight of G1793 is significant, particularly in the context of salvation and the believer's relationship with God.
- Christ's Priestly Intercession: The word defines a key aspect of Christ's ongoing work. Because He ever lives to make intercession, He is able to save completely those who approach God through Him Hebrews 7:25. This act of intercession stands as the answer to any condemnation Romans 8:34.
- The Spirit's Help: The concept extends to the Holy Spirit, who also maketh intercession for the saints Romans 8:27. This action is aligned with the will of God, who searcheth the hearts and knows the mind of the Spirit.
- Advocacy For and Against: G1793 shows that petitioning can be directed both for and against others. While Christ and the Spirit intercede for believers, Elias is shown making intercession against Israel Romans 11:2, illustrating the word's use as a term for appeal.
In summary, G1793 is a versatile word that conveys the act of petitioning or conferring with an authority. While it can describe a formal complaint, as when the Jews dealt with Festus Acts 25:24, or a plea against a people Romans 11:2, its profoundest meaning is found in its theological application. It articulates the essential Christian doctrine of divine intercession, carried out by both Christ at the right hand of God Romans 8:34 and the Holy Spirit Romans 8:27, securing salvation for the saints.
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