Brief Overview of ἐνειλέω (Strong’s G1750: eneileō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insight into the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The Greek verb ἐνειλέω (eneileō) is significant for its use in describing actions that involve wrapping or enveloping, often in the context of burial practices or protective coverings. The term’s relevance extends beyond its literal meaning to provide a deeper understanding of customs, rituals, and symbolic acts in the ancient world. Its appearance in the New Testament, particularly in Mark 15:46, underscores its importance for theological interpretation and cultural studies.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐνειλέω (eneileō) [en-ei-LEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐν (en, “in”) + εἰλέω (eileō, “to wrap, to wind”), combining to mean “to enwrap” or “to envelop.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (active voice, indicative mood, present tense)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Wrap: To cover or envelop something by wrapping it around, often with fabric or similar material.
• To Envelop: To enclose or surround something completely, typically for protection or preparation.
• To Wind Around: To coil or twist around an object or person, suggesting a more involved wrapping action.

Similar Words:

• σπαργάνω (sparganō) [spar-GAH-noh]: Meaning “to swaddle” or “to wrap in cloths,” often referring to the swaddling of an infant. Unlike ἐνειλέω, which has broader applications, σπαργάνω is more specific to infant care.
• περιβάλλω (periballō) [pe-ree-BAH-loh]: Meaning “to throw around” or “to clothe,” emphasizing the action of covering or clothing, usually with garments.
• ἑλίσσω (helissō) [he-LISS-oh]: To “coil” or “wind,” typically used in a more mechanical or structural sense rather than referring to fabric or enwrapping for protective or ritualistic purposes.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνειλέω is a present, active indicative verb. This form emphasizes the ongoing or habitual nature of the wrapping action.
• Notable Linguistic Features: The verb’s construction with the prefix ἐν- suggests an action that surrounds or encloses an object. The base verb εἰλέω is less common, which makes ἐνειλέω more specialized in its usage.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐνειλέω as “to wrap up” or “to enclose in,” specifically noting its usage in contexts of preparing bodies for burial, highlighting the act of enveloping in linen cloths.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐνειλέω as “to roll in, to wrap in,” pointing out its occurrence in the New Testament as related to burial customs and the respectful preparation of bodies.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon identifies ἐνειλέω as “to enfold” or “to wrap in,” with examples from classical literature where it is used in contexts of winding, wrapping, or rolling objects, especially in fabrics.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains that ἐνειλέω conveys the idea of wrapping something in a cloth, often linked with ritualistic or ceremonial actions, such as burial rites.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance defines ἐνειλέω concisely as “to enwrap,” with a particular emphasis on the enwrapping action itself, especially regarding its Biblical usage in burial contexts.

Scripture References

• Mark 15:46 – “And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped (ἐνείλησεν) him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνειλέω (G1750: eneileō)

The Greek verb ἐνειλέω (eneileō) plays a key role in understanding actions involving wrapping or enveloping, particularly within the context of ancient customs and rituals. The word appears in the New Testament in a crucial passage that describes Joseph of Arimathea’s preparation of Jesus’ body for burial, emphasizing the cultural practices surrounding death and burial in the ancient world. Its varied usage in both Biblical and classical contexts highlights its importance in conveying actions of protection, reverence, and preparation. This word, therefore, not only provides insight into linguistic subtleties but also reflects the cultural and ritualistic practices of the time.

Did You Know?

The verb ἐνειλέω is related to the English word “envelop,” which retains a similar meaning of surrounding or wrapping something entirely. In ancient Greek funerary practices, wrapping the body in linen was a significant ritual act that symbolized respect, care, and proper preparation for the afterlife, reflecting the cultural importance of burial rites in antiquity.