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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it sheds light on the original meanings and contexts of scripture. The Greek word ἐντρυφάω (entrypháō) is particularly significant because it conveys the concept of “living luxuriously,” “indulging,” or “reveling.” This word is often used to describe a self-indulgent lifestyle characterized by excessive pleasure or enjoyment, and it provides insight into attitudes toward wealth, pleasure, and moral restraint in ancient Greek culture and the New Testament.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐντρυφάω (entrypháō) [en-true-FAH-oh]
- Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + τρυφάω (trypháō, “to live luxuriously” or “to indulge”), suggesting the idea of being “immersed in luxury” or “indulging oneself.”
- Part of Speech: Verb. It follows regular Greek verb conjugation patterns in the present, future, and aorist tenses.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To indulge — to allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something, often excessively.
- To live luxuriously — to lead a lifestyle marked by luxury and comfort, often with a negative connotation of excess.
- To revel — to take great pleasure or delight, especially in a self-indulgent or carefree manner.
Similar Words: τρυφάω (trypháō) [true-FAH-oh], which also means “to live in luxury” or “to revel,” shares a similar meaning but without the added prefix “ἐν,” emphasizing the action itself rather than the state of being immersed in it. ἀσωτέω (asōtéō) [a-soh-TEH-oh], meaning “to live prodigally” or “to live recklessly,” focuses more on a wasteful or reckless lifestyle rather than indulgence in luxury or pleasure.
Further Insights: ἐντρυφάω is a verb that reflects an active engagement in self-indulgence or luxurious living. It can be used both literally and metaphorically, depending on the context. As a verb, its forms vary according to tense, voice, and mood, which influences its meaning and application in sentences.
| Tense | Form |
|---|---|
| Present | ἐντρυφάω |
| Future | ἐντρυφήσω |
| Aorist | ἐντρύφησα |
| Perfect | ἐντετρύφηκα |
| Perfect Middle | ἐντετρύφημαι |
| Aorist Passive | ἐνετρυφήθην |
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐντρυφάω is defined as “to indulge in luxury,” often with a negative connotation. It implies a sense of moral laxity or excessiveness, where one is overly focused on personal pleasure or comfort.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐντρυφάω as “to live in luxury” or “to take delight in,” with an emphasis on indulgence in a manner that may lead to moral decay or selfishness.
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Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary defines ἐντρυφάω as “to revel” or “to live luxuriously,” highlighting the term’s use in contexts where self-indulgence or excessive pleasure is criticized.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a more comprehensive definition of ἐντρυφάω as “to revel” or “to luxuriate,” used in both secular and philosophical writings to describe those who overindulge in life’s pleasures.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance lists ἐντρυφάω as “to live in luxury” or “to take delight,” noting its frequent use in moral and ethical teachings to warn against the dangers of excessive indulgence.
Scripture References
- James 5:5 – “Ye have lived in pleasure (ἐντρυφάω) on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Xenophon | Cyropaedia | “They were known to indulge (ἐντρυφάω) excessively in their meals, never thinking of moderation.” |
| Plutarch | Lives | “He would often revel (ἐντρυφάω) in his victories, celebrating with feasts and luxuries.” |
| Aelian | On the Nature of Animals | “The lion lives not like a beast of luxury (ἐντρυφάω), but like a king, majestic and composed.” |
Summary of ἐντρυφάω (G1792: entrypháō)
ἐντρυφάω (entrypháō) is a Greek verb meaning “to indulge,” “to live luxuriously,” or “to revel.” It is significant in Biblical studies and classical literature for its connotations of excessive indulgence or luxurious living, often with a negative moral judgment. The term captures both literal and metaphorical indulgence in life’s pleasures, serving as a cautionary term against excessiveness in personal conduct. In the New Testament, ἐντρυφάω is used to criticize those who live self-indulgent lives, emphasizing the moral dangers associated with such a lifestyle and the need for moderation and self-control.
Did You Know?
The concept of ἐντρυφάω in ancient Greek philosophy often carried a moral undertone, suggesting that those who indulge excessively in pleasures and luxuries are likely to neglect their moral and civic duties. This perspective was carried into early Christian teachings, where ἐντρυφάω is used as a warning against materialism and self-indulgence, reflecting a broader ethical concern for humility, temperance, and spiritual focus in life.
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