Introduction:

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament can significantly deepen one’s comprehension of the scriptures. The Greek language often conveys nuanced meanings that are not always captured fully in translation. The word ἔγκυος (éngkyos), which translates to “pregnant” in English, is one such term. This word holds particular relevance in both the New Testament context and the broader scope of ancient Greek culture. The concept of pregnancy in ancient times was often intertwined with ideas of expectation, potential, and the unknown, making ἔγκυος a word rich in both literal and metaphorical meaning.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἔγκυος (éngkyos) [eng’-koo-os]
• Etymology: The word is derived from two Greek roots: ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and κύω (kýō), meaning “to swell” or “to be pregnant.” Combined, these roots convey the idea of being “swollen within” or “pregnant.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective (Nominative Singular Feminine)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Pregnant: The primary meaning of ἔγκυος is “pregnant” or “with child.” It is used to describe a woman who is carrying a child within her womb.
• Figurative Use: While primarily used in a literal sense, ἔγκυος can also be applied metaphorically in some contexts to describe something that is “pregnant” with potential or full of something yet to be revealed.

Similar Words:

• κύω (kýō) [koo’-oh]: The root verb meaning “to be pregnant” or “to swell.” It directly relates to the concept of carrying something within, whether it be a child or another form of potential.
• φθαρτός (phthartós) [fthar-tos’]: Although not directly related in meaning, this word, meaning “perishable” or “mortal,” is sometimes contrasted with the concept of pregnancy, where ἔγκυος represents the potential for new life.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἔγκυος is an adjective and, in the nominative singular feminine form, it directly describes a woman who is pregnant.
• The word follows regular adjective declension patterns in Greek, with forms for different cases depending on its grammatical role in a sentence.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἔγκυος is defined as “pregnant, with child,” noting its straightforward use in contexts where the physical state of pregnancy is described. BDAG emphasizes its literal application in passages referring to expectant mothers.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon similarly defines ἔγκυος as “with child” or “pregnant.” It highlights the word’s usage in classical Greek as well as in the New Testament, where it often appears in descriptions of women expecting a child.

Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary also defines ἔγκυος as “pregnant,” pointing out its role in both literal and figurative contexts within Greek literature. Vine’s notes the potential for metaphorical use, particularly in philosophical texts.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon expands on the word’s classical usage, listing ἔγκυος as “pregnant” and detailing its appearance in various ancient Greek works, where it is used both literally and metaphorically.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἔγκυος simply as “pregnant,” with references to its appearances in both the New Testament and other Greek literature.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 24:19: “But woe to those who are pregnant (ἔγκυος) and to those who are nursing babies in those days!”
• Luke 21:23: “But woe to those who are pregnant (ἔγκυος) and to those who are nursing babies in those days!”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἔγκυος (G1471: éngkyos):

The adjective ἔγκυος (G1471: éngkyos) primarily describes the state of being pregnant, carrying a child within the womb. Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in eschatological contexts, underscores the vulnerability and urgency associated with impending events. The word is deeply rooted in Greek language and culture, reflecting both the physical reality of pregnancy and its symbolic potential. Understanding ἔγκυος enhances our comprehension of passages that speak to human experiences of anticipation, preparation, and the unknown.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? In ancient Greek culture, the concept of pregnancy, expressed through words like ἔγκυος, was often associated not only with the literal act of bearing a child but also with the idea of potential and creation. Philosophers would sometimes use the term metaphorically to describe the mind or the state of a society as “pregnant” with ideas or future events. This layered meaning adds depth to how we interpret the term in both Biblical and classical texts.