Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding the Greek vocabulary of the New Testament helps us uncover the deeper meanings and contexts behind scriptural passages. One such word, ἐνέδρα (enedra), is particularly significant due to its use in describing tactics of deception, strategy, and hidden dangers. This term is essential not only for understanding certain New Testament narratives but also for appreciating the language of ancient Greek military and strategic contexts. The word ἐνέδρα is directly related to the concept of an “ambush,” a carefully planned and concealed attack designed to surprise and overwhelm the target.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐνέδρα (enedra) [e-NEH-dra]
- Etymology: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) and a form related to ἕδρα (hedra, “seat” or “sitting”), implying a stationary position from which one waits to launch an attack.
- Part of Speech: Noun, feminine (first declension).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Ambush: The primary meaning of ἐνέδρα refers to a military tactic or strategy involving surprise attacks from a concealed position.
- Plot or Scheme: By extension, it can also denote any secretive plan or scheme meant to catch someone off guard.
Similar Words:
- ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē) [eh-pee-BOO-lay]: This word means “plot” or “conspiracy” but emphasizes a broader sense of a planned attack rather than the specific act of lying in wait.
- δόλος (dolos) [DO-los]: Refers to “deceit” or “trickery,” focusing more on the act of deception rather than the tactical position of an ambush.
- λοχεία (locheia) [lo-KHEE-ah]: Generally denotes “childbirth” but in some contexts can be used metaphorically for something that is lying in wait, though this is quite rare and not directly comparable in meaning.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: As a noun of the first declension, ἐνέδρα has typical feminine endings. The word’s structure clearly shows its root, relating to the concept of being “seated” or “positioned” for an ambush.
- Notable Linguistic Features: The term is vivid in its imagery, evoking the tactical stillness and anticipation of an ambush in a military or strategic sense. The root connection to ἕδρα, meaning “seat,” emphasizes a stationary, yet prepared position.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐνέδρα primarily as “ambush,” highlighting its use in both literal and figurative senses, such as plotting against someone. It also points out the association with strategic deception or entrapment.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the word’s usage in military contexts, noting it as a term for “a place of ambush or ambuscade,” emphasizing the premeditated nature of such actions.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon mentions ἐνέδρα as a tactical term used frequently in classical literature to denote “a lurking place” or “ambush,” reinforcing its meaning within ancient Greek warfare and conflict.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains ἐνέδρα in terms of a surprise attack or hidden danger, particularly in the New Testament context, where it can also imply spiritual or moral traps.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance underscores the word’s core meaning as “an ambush,” with attention to its strategic implications in both physical and metaphorical battles.
Scripture References
- Acts 23:16 – “But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush (ἐνέδρα), he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “They set up an ἐνέδρα (ambush) in the narrow pass to surprise the enemy.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “The warriors were hidden in an ἐνέδρα (ambush), ready to strike when the time came.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “The troops waited in ἐνέδρα (ambush) as the unsuspecting enemy approached.” |
Summary of ἐνέδρα (G1747: enedra)
The Greek noun ἐνέδρα (enedra) is a term rich in strategic and tactical implications. Rooted in ancient Greek military terminology, it refers primarily to an “ambush,” where one waits in concealment to attack an unsuspecting target. Its New Testament usage, notably in the book of Acts, reflects both literal and metaphorical scenarios of planned deception or surprise. This word is also essential for understanding how ancient cultures viewed conflict, strategy, and the careful planning of warfare, which parallels many spiritual metaphors found in biblical texts.
Did You Know?
The term ἐνέδρα was not only used in military contexts but also extended to metaphorical or spiritual applications in early Christian writings. It underscores the ever-present readiness to combat not just physical but also spiritual enemies, paralleling the Christian’s need to be vigilant against deception and moral pitfalls.
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