Brief Overview of ἔνοχος (Strong’s G1777: enochos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies to uncover the deeper meanings and contexts within scripture. The Greek word ἔνοχος (enochos) is particularly significant because it means “liable,” “guilty,” or “subject to.” It often appears in the New Testament in contexts of legal or moral responsibility, judgment, and guilt. Studying ἔνοχος provides insight into how early Christians and ancient Greeks viewed personal responsibility, legal liability, and the consequences of actions, both in religious and societal settings.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἔνοχος (enochos) [EN-oh-khos]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in” or “within”) + ἔχω (echō, “to hold” or “to have”), suggesting “held within” or “subject to” something.
• Part of Speech: Adjective. It follows a second declension pattern in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Liable — legally responsible for something, especially in the context of breaking a law or command.
• Guilty — deserving of blame or punishment for an offense.
• Subject to — being under the authority or control of a law, rule, or judgment.

Similar Words: ἄδικος (ádikos) [AH-dee-kos] means “unjust” or “wrongdoer,” focusing more on the ethical or moral character of a person. ὑπεύθυνος (hypéuthynos) [hu-PEY-thi-nos] translates to “responsible” or “accountable,” often referring to a general obligation rather than guilt for a specific wrongdoing. In contrast, ἔνοχος emphasizes being “under liability” or “guilty” in a legal or moral sense.

Further Insights: ἔνοχος is an adjective that often appears in legal and moral contexts, implying a state of being bound or subject to consequences. It is a second-declension adjective and agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Declension of ἔνοχος

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἔνοχος is defined as “liable to” or “guilty,” often in legal or ethical contexts. It is used to describe a person who is bound to suffer a penalty or is answerable to a judgment or authority.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἔνοχος as “held in” or “subject to,” highlighting its use in contexts of liability or responsibility for an action. It is particularly used to denote someone who is under the penalty of judgment or law.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words explains ἔνοχος as “liable to” or “guilty,” primarily in the sense of being under a legal or moral obligation due to an offense. It is found in passages that discuss the consequences of sin and wrongdoing.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon notes that ἔνοχος means “subject to” or “bound by,” used in both legal and figurative contexts. It is commonly seen in discussions of justice, ethics, and accountability.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines ἔνοχος as “subject to” or “guilty.” It emphasizes the term’s application in settings where an individual is under liability for an action, typically in legal or moral contexts.

Scripture References

• Mark 3:29 – “But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty (ἔνοχος) of an eternal sin.”
• Matthew 5:21-22 – “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject (ἔνοχος) to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject (ἔνοχος) to judgment.”
• Hebrews 2:15 – “And deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject (ἔνοχος) to bondage.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔνοχος (G1777: enochos)

ἔνοχος (enochos) is a Greek adjective meaning “liable,” “guilty,” or “subject to.” It is a term used in both legal and moral contexts to describe someone who is under liability or accountable for an action. This word is significant in New Testament interpretation as it appears in contexts where individuals are subject to judgment or condemnation due to wrongdoing or sin. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, ἔνοχος is used to express accountability, emphasizing the consequences of actions and the importance of justice.

Did You Know?

The concept of ἔνοχος in ancient Greek thought extended beyond mere legal responsibility; it often carried a moral weight that influenced social and ethical discussions. In early Christian theology, being ἔνοχος to judgment was not just about civil law but also about spiritual accountability before God, reflecting a deeper understanding of justice and redemption.