Introduction:

The study of Greek words in the New Testament is essential for understanding the cultural, religious, and historical contexts that shaped the early Christian community. One such word, ἐγκαίνια (Strong’s G1456: enkainia), refers to a dedication or a festival of renewal and rededication. This term is particularly significant in the New Testament as it is used to describe the Feast of Dedication, a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Understanding ἐγκαίνια is crucial not only for interpreting the relevant Biblical passages but also for appreciating the historical and cultural backdrop of Jewish practices that influenced early Christian thought.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐγκαίνια (enkainia) [en-kah’-ee-nee-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek words ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and καινός (kainós), meaning “new.” The term literally translates to “renewal” or “dedication,” reflecting the concept of making something new or dedicating it anew.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter, Plural)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Dedication: The primary meaning of ἐγκαίνια refers to the act of dedicating something, particularly in a religious or ceremonial context.
• Festival of Dedication: In the New Testament, ἐγκαίνια specifically refers to the Jewish Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Similar Words:

• ἀνακαίνωσις (anakainōsis) [an-ak-ah’-ee-no-sis]: Meaning “renewal” or “renovation,” this word shares a similar root with ἐγκαίνια and is used to describe the process of making something new again, though it lacks the ceremonial or religious connotation of ἐγκαίνια.
• ἱερός (hierós) [hee-er-os’]: Meaning “sacred” or “holy,” this word is related to the idea of dedication but focuses more on the holiness or sacredness of the object or place being dedicated.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἐγκαίνια is a neuter plural noun, which is important to note because it often refers to a collective event or ceremony, rather than a singular act of dedication.
• The word is used specifically in the context of religious or ceremonial dedications, particularly within the Jewish tradition, making it a term loaded with cultural and historical significance.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἐγκαίνια is defined as “dedication” or “a festival of dedication,” with the lexicon emphasizing its use in the New Testament to refer to the Jewish Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). The word is noted for its historical significance in Jewish tradition, where it commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐγκαίνια as a noun meaning “dedication,” specifically in the context of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Thayer’s highlights the term’s importance in Jewish religious practices and its appearance in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is recorded as being present during this festival.

Vine’s: ἐγκαίνια is noted as a noun that means “dedication” or “renewal,” with a particular emphasis on its use in the New Testament to describe the Feast of Dedication. Vine’s discusses the term’s cultural and religious significance, particularly in relation to the Jewish practice of temple rededication.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐγκαίνια is recognized as a noun meaning “dedication” or “renewal,” used in various contexts to describe the act of dedicating a temple, building, or other significant structures. The lexicon notes its broad application in both religious and secular ceremonies of dedication.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἐγκαίνια is listed as “dedication” or “feast of dedication,” with emphasis on its Biblical usage to describe the Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Scripture References:

• John 10:22: “Then came the Festival of Dedication (ἐγκαίνια) at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐγκαίνια (G1456: enkainia):

The noun ἐγκαίνια (G1456: enkainia) plays a significant role in the New Testament, where it is used to refer to the Jewish Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah. This festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, following its desecration by foreign rulers. The word ἐγκαίνια is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and carries connotations of renewal, dedication, and religious celebration. Understanding this term enhances our comprehension of the cultural and religious context of the New Testament, particularly in relation to the practices and beliefs of the Jewish people during the time of Jesus. Its usage in classical Greek literature further illustrates its broader significance in describing ceremonies of dedication and renewal.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The Feast of Dedication, referred to as ἐγκαίνια in the New Testament, is still celebrated today as Hanukkah. This eight-day Jewish festival commemorates the miracle of the Temple’s menorah burning for eight days on a single day’s worth of oil after the Maccabees reclaimed and rededicated the Temple. Hanukkah, though a post-Old Testament festival, holds a deep connection to Jewish identity and heritage, and its mention in the New Testament highlights the continuity of Jewish traditions into the early Christian era.