Introduction

Understanding the Greek words in the Bible is essential for grasping the nuanced meanings behind scriptural texts and their interpretations. The Greek word ἐνεδρεύω (enedreuō) is one such term that provides deeper insight into ancient contexts of conflict, strategy, and hidden dangers. This word is particularly significant for New Testament interpretation, where it often appears in contexts involving treachery or ambush. The term’s relevance extends beyond biblical literature, shedding light on the ancient Greek culture’s views on warfare, tactics, and moral dilemmas.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐνεδρεύω (enedreuō) [eh-neh-DREH-oo]
• Etymology: Derived from the noun ἐνέδρα (enedra, “ambush”) and the verb-forming suffix -ευω (-euō), indicating an action related to setting an ambush.
• Part of Speech: Verb (not declined; its forms change with tense, mood, voice, etc.).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Lie in Wait: Refers to the act of setting up an ambush or lying in wait for someone, often with hostile intent.
• To Ambush: Directly relates to the military or strategic action of attacking by surprise from a concealed position.
• To Plot Against: Can also mean planning or conspiring against someone in a hidden or deceitful manner.

Similar Words:

• ἐπιβουλεύω (epibouleuō) [eh-pee-boo-LEH-oo]: This word also means “to plot” or “to conspire,” but it tends to focus more on the planning aspect rather than the actual ambush.
• ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē) [eh-pee-BOO-lay]: Another related term, meaning “plot” or “conspiracy,” emphasizing the intentionality behind the scheme.
• παραφυλακή (paraphylakē) [pa-ra-fy-la-KEE]: This term refers to a “guard or watch set against surprise attacks,” which is conceptually related to ἐνεδρεύω but describes a defensive action rather than an ambush.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνεδρεύω is a verb that follows standard Greek verb conjugation patterns. The word itself is a combination of ἐν (in) + ἕδρα (seat or position) + the verbal suffix -ευω, suggesting an active attempt to position oneself to attack.
• Notable Linguistic Features: The word’s construction illustrates a blend of place and action, implying a stationary position followed by a swift offensive maneuver. It also implies intentionality and premeditation in its usage, aligning with themes of secrecy and strategy.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon describes ἐνεδρεύω as a verb that means “to set an ambush, lie in wait for.” It also highlights its metaphorical use in certain passages to refer to plotting or planning deceitfully.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the hostile nature of the word, describing it as “to lie in wait” or “to ambush,” particularly in the context of setting a trap for an unsuspecting victim.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon emphasizes the word’s classical usage in military contexts, explaining it as “to set up an ambush” and connecting it to the idea of tactical deception.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐνεδρεύω is used in the New Testament to describe scenarios where enemies lie in wait to attack, providing deeper theological insights into how it illustrates spiritual or moral entrapment.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance defines ἐνεδρεύω simply as “to lie in wait,” noting its limited but significant appearances in the New Testament to convey hidden dangers or threats.

Scripture References

• Luke 11:54 – “Laying wait (ἐνεδρεύοντες) for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνεδρεύω (G1748: enedreuō)

The Greek verb ἐνεδρεύω (enedreuō) is rich in its depiction of deceit, strategy, and warfare, making it a crucial term for biblical and classical studies. Its primary meaning is “to lie in wait” or “to ambush,” and it captures the essence of premeditated hostility or hidden threat. Found in the New Testament, particularly in contexts describing the actions of enemies, this word reflects both physical and metaphorical dangers. Its roots in ancient Greek military terminology provide a lens through which we can better understand the cultural and strategic contexts of ambush tactics in antiquity.

Did You Know?

The term ἐνεδρεύω was not only used to describe physical ambushes in battle but was also metaphorically applied to describe spiritual or moral traps set by opponents. Early Christian writers often used such terms to depict the unseen spiritual battles that believers face, adding a layer of depth to New Testament interpretations.