Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies to uncover the nuanced meanings and contexts within scripture. The Greek word ἔντευξις (enteuxis) is particularly significant because it means “petition,” “intercession,” or “entreaty.” This noun appears in the New Testament in contexts related to prayer and supplication, often highlighting the role of intercessory prayer. Studying ἔντευξις offers valuable insights into how early Christians and ancient Greeks viewed communication with the divine, particularly in terms of making requests or interceding on behalf of others.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἔντευξις (enteuxis) [EN-tev-ksis]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + τεύχω (teuchō, “to hit upon” or “to meet”), giving the meaning of “encounter,” “meeting,” or “intercession.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. It follows the third declension pattern in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Intercession — the act of intervening on behalf of another through prayer or petition.
• Petition — a formal request made to a higher authority, often in a prayerful context.
• Entreaty — a humble or earnest request, especially in a spiritual or divine setting.

Similar Words: προσευχή (proseuchē) [pros-ef-KHAY] also means “prayer” but generally refers to all forms of prayer, not specifically intercession. δέησις (deēsis) [DEH-ee-sis] translates to “supplication” or “request” and often focuses on asking for specific needs. In contrast, ἔντευξις specifically refers to intercessory prayer or petitions made on behalf of others, suggesting a more mediatory role.

Further Insights: ἔντευξις is a feminine noun that emphasizes the concept of meeting or encounter, especially in the context of prayer or petition. As a third-declension noun, it has a variable stem and follows irregular patterns in its declension.

Declension of ἔντευξις

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἔντευξις is defined as “intercession” or “petition.” It is used primarily in contexts where a mediator makes a request on behalf of someone else, often in a formal or religious setting. BDAG emphasizes its use in the New Testament to describe intercessory prayer.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἔντευξις as “a falling in with, meeting with” and “intercession.” It notes the term’s specific application to prayers made on behalf of others, particularly within early Christian communities.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words explains ἔντευξις as “intercession” or “petition,” highlighting its usage in passages that discuss praying for others. It underscores the mediatory nature of this type of prayer, where one intervenes before God for another’s benefit.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a more general definition of ἔντευξις as “meeting with” or “intercession,” noting its use in broader Greek literature to describe formal petitions or appeals to authority, particularly in legal or political contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines ἔντευξις as “intercession” or “petition,” pointing out its application in contexts where mediation or intercession is needed, especially in spiritual or religious scenarios.

Scripture References

• 1 Timothy 2:1 – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions (ἔντευξις), and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”
• 1 Timothy 4:5 – “For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (ἔντευξις).”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔντευξις (G1783: enteuxis)

ἔντευξις (enteuxis) is a Greek noun meaning “intercession,” “petition,” or “entreaty.” It is significant in Biblical contexts for describing the act of making formal requests or interceding on behalf of others, particularly through prayer. This word appears in passages where the concept of mediating or intervening is emphasized, often highlighting the spiritual practice of praying for others. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, ἔντευξις is used to express the importance of petitionary roles, whether in legal, political, or religious settings.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek and early Christian contexts, the concept of ἔντευξις was not just about making requests but also about representing others before a higher authority. It was an essential practice in both political and religious spheres, where a trusted individual or leader would intervene on behalf of a group or person. In the New Testament, ἔντευξις particularly reflects the communal aspect of prayer, where believers are encouraged to pray for one another, emphasizing the unity and mutual support within the Christian community.