Brief Overview of ἐνοχλέω (Strong’s G1776: enochléō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies to gain deeper insights into the meanings and contexts of scripture. The Greek word ἐνοχλέω (enochléō) is particularly significant as it means “to trouble” or “to disturb.” This verb is used to describe causing annoyance, agitation, or inconvenience, often in relation to people or crowds. Studying ἐνοχλέω offers valuable insights into the interpersonal dynamics and social challenges faced by early Christians and provides a window into ancient Greek culture’s understanding of disturbance and conflict.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐνοχλέω (enochléō) [en-oh-KLEH-oh]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + ὄχλος (ochlos, “crowd” or “multitude”), meaning “to trouble” or “to disturb,” especially in a way that involves or affects others.
• Part of Speech: Verb. It follows regular Greek verb conjugation patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To trouble — to cause distress, agitation, or inconvenience to someone or a group.
• To disturb — to interrupt or upset the normal function or state of something.
• To annoy — to cause mild irritation or discomfort, often through persistent action.

Similar Words: ταράσσω (tarássō) [ta-RAS-so] also means “to trouble” or “to disturb,” but it often conveys a more intense emotional or psychological disturbance. θορυβέω (thorybéō) [tho-ry-BEH-oh] means “to make a noise” or “to cause an uproar,” focusing on creating a chaotic environment. In contrast, ἐνοχλέω suggests a more personal or direct form of trouble or annoyance, especially when it affects groups or gatherings.

Further Insights: ἐνοχλέω is a verb that reflects a social and interpersonal dynamic, often implying unwanted interference or disturbance. Its usage in Greek literature can range from describing minor annoyances to more significant disruptions of peace or order. Being a verb, it does not have a declension chart, but its forms would follow regular Greek verb conjugation patterns across various tenses, voices, and moods.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐνοχλέω is defined as “to trouble” or “to cause trouble.” The lexicon emphasizes its usage in contexts where people are disturbed or inconvenienced, especially in relation to groups or crowds, highlighting its application in both mundane and more serious settings.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐνοχλέω as “to disturb” or “to trouble,” particularly in the sense of causing annoyance or disruption. It is often used in passages where actions or behaviors lead to discomfort or conflict among individuals or groups.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words explains ἐνοχλέω as “to trouble” or “to vex,” indicating a range of disturbances from mild annoyance to more severe agitation. It is commonly found in contexts that discuss interpersonal conflicts or disruptions within communities.

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LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a broader definition of ἐνοχλέω as “to disturb” or “to trouble,” noting its use in various Greek literary works to describe physical, emotional, or social disturbances. It highlights how the term can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines ἐνοχλέω as “to trouble” or “to disturb.” It points out the word’s use in passages that deal with societal or community-level annoyances, where the actions of one or more individuals affect the peace or harmony of the group.

Scripture References

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνοχλέω (G1776: enochléō)

ἐνοχλέω (enochléō) is a Greek verb meaning “to trouble,” “to disturb,” or “to annoy.” It is significant in the context of both Biblical and classical Greek literature for describing situations where someone or something causes inconvenience, irritation, or disruption. The term often implies an interpersonal or social dynamic where actions lead to a disturbance of peace, comfort, or order. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, ἐνοχλέω is used to convey the impact of such disturbances on individuals or communities.

Did You Know?

The word ἐνοχλέω was commonly used in ancient Greek texts to describe both literal and metaphorical disturbances. In philosophical works, it often referred to mental or emotional disturbances, urging thinkers to remain calm and undisturbed by external distractions. This nuanced use highlights the importance of internal peace in a world filled with external conflicts and annoyances.