Brief Overview of ἐντυπόω (Strong’s G1795: entupoō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the nuances of New Testament texts and appreciating the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐντυπόω (entupoō) is particularly significant because it appears in discussions related to shaping, forming, and impressing something upon another, which can have both literal and metaphorical meanings. It provides insight into how the early Christian writers conveyed ideas about spiritual and moral formation.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐντυπόω, transliteration: entupoō [en-too-PO-o]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + τυπόω (tupō, “to strike or form”).
• Part of Speech: Verb.
• Applicable Grammatical Details: Present active indicative, first person singular.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To form or shape something by impressing upon it.
• To imprint or engrave a mark or image onto a surface.
• Metaphorically, to instill or impress an idea or teaching into someone’s mind or character.

Similar Words: τυπόω (tupōō) – to strike or impress, usually referring more generally to the act of making an impression or forming a shape, which can sometimes overlap with the sense of ἐντυπόω but lacks the nuance of “inward” impressing.

Further Insights:
The verb ἐντυπόω illustrates the process of engraving or impressing, often involving a tool or pressure to create a lasting mark. In its metaphorical sense, it highlights the idea of a deeper, internal impression—one that affects character or understanding. The word’s morphology is straightforward, following regular verb conjugations in Koine Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The lexicon describes ἐντυπόω as primarily meaning “to engrave” or “to impress,” with a secondary sense of “forming inwardly,” often in reference to moral or spiritual instruction.

Thayers: Thayers focuses on the physical act of engraving or impressing, noting that it can apply to both literal sculpting or molding and the figurative formation of ideas or doctrines.

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Vines: Vines highlights the use of ἐντυπόω in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe both the physical creation of artwork and the shaping of moral character through teaching.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon emphasizes the classical usage of ἐντυπόω, detailing its presence in philosophical contexts where the “impression of ideas” or “imprinting of knowledge” was discussed.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: This concordance provides a concise definition, emphasizing the root meanings of “engraving” or “impressing” and connecting them to Biblical usages that involve shaping one’s character or beliefs.

Scripture References

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐντυπόω (G1795: entupoō)

The Greek word ἐντυπόω (entupoō) primarily conveys the idea of impressing or engraving, both in a literal sense—such as on stone or metal—and in a metaphorical sense, referring to the imprinting of teachings or values on a person’s character. This dual significance makes it a valuable term in Biblical studies, illustrating how spiritual truths are meant to be deeply impressed upon believers. Its usage in both classical and Biblical contexts highlights its relevance in discussions about moral and spiritual formation.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the term ἐντυπόω not only refers to physical engraving but also played a role in ancient Greek education and philosophy? It was often used to describe the process of embedding knowledge and virtue in the minds of students, a concept echoed in the way spiritual teachings are “engraved” on the hearts of believers in Christian texts.