Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the understanding of Greek words is essential for deepening our comprehension of New Testament texts. Each term carries significant theological and cultural weight, shaping how we interpret the scriptures. The Greek verb ἐγκαλέω (Strong’s G1458: enkaleō) is particularly important because it pertains to legal accusations or charges. This word is primarily used in judicial contexts, reflecting the legal practices and societal norms of ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Its relevance extends to understanding how early Christians interacted with the legal systems of their time, especially in the context of persecution and legal trials, making ἐγκαλέω a crucial term for Biblical exegesis and historical analysis.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐγκαλέω (enkaleō) [en-kal-eh’-o]
• Etymology: Derived from the combination of ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and καλέω (kaleō), meaning “to call” or “to summon.” The term literally means “to call in” or “to accuse,” indicating the action of bringing someone into court or levying charges against them.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Accuse: The primary meaning of ἐγκαλέω is to accuse someone of wrongdoing or to bring charges against them in a legal context.
• To Call into Account: The term can also mean to hold someone accountable for their actions, often in a formal or legal setting.

Similar Words:

• κατηγορέω (katēgoréō) [kat-ay-gor-eh’-o]: This verb also means “to accuse” but is more general, often used in the context of public accusations or indictments. ἐγκαλέω tends to be used more specifically in judicial settings.
• διαβάλλω (diabállō) [dee-ab-al’-lo]: Meaning “to slander” or “to accuse falsely,” this word emphasizes malicious intent, while ἐγκαλέω is more neutral, focusing on the formal act of accusation rather than the nature of the accusation itself.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἐγκαλέω is a verb and follows the regular Greek verb conjugation patterns. It is used in the present, imperfect, and aorist tenses, depending on the context of the legal action being described.
• The word is often found in contexts where legal or formal accusations are made, particularly in situations where early Christians were brought before authorities.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἐγκαλέω is defined as “to accuse” or “to charge,” with a focus on its use in legal settings. The lexicon highlights its application in the New Testament where formal accusations or charges are brought against individuals, often in the context of persecution or legal trials.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐγκαλέω as a verb meaning “to bring charges against” or “to accuse,” particularly in a judicial sense. The term is noted for its role in describing the legal proceedings faced by early Christians, as well as its broader use in ancient Greek legal practices.

Vine’s: ἐγκαλέω is noted as a verb that means “to accuse” or “to call to account,” emphasizing its use in legal contexts. Vine’s discusses the significance of the term in the New Testament, especially in relation to the trials and accusations faced by figures such as Paul.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐγκαλέω is recognized as a verb meaning “to accuse” or “to indict,” used in various legal and judicial contexts. The lexicon notes its application in both formal court settings and more general accusations of wrongdoing.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἐγκαλέω is listed as “to accuse” or “to call to account,” with emphasis on its Biblical usage in describing the legal challenges and accusations encountered by early Christians.

Scripture References:

• Acts 19:38: “If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint (ἐγκαλεῖν) against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges (ἐγκαλέω) against one another.”
• Acts 23:29: “I found that he was accused (ἐγκαλεῖται) about questions of their law, but charged (ἐγκαλεῖται) with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐγκαλέω (G1458: enkaleō):

The verb ἐγκαλέω (G1458: enkaleō) is a key term in the New Testament, particularly in the context of legal accusations and judicial proceedings. It is used to describe the formal act of accusing someone of a crime or wrongdoing, often in the context of early Christian trials before Roman and Jewish authorities. Understanding ἐγκαλέω provides valuable insight into the legal challenges faced by early Christians and the broader judicial practices of the time. This term also reflects the cultural and societal importance of law and order in ancient Greek and Roman societies, as well as the mechanisms through which accusations were formally brought against individuals.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The legal term ἐγκαλέω was not only used in formal court settings but also in more informal accusations within communities. In the New Testament, this word is often associated with the trials of the Apostle Paul, who was frequently accused (ἐγκαλέω) of violating Jewish laws and customs. These accusations, brought by religious leaders and others, were part of the broader context of persecution faced by early Christians as they sought to spread the Gospel in a hostile environment. Understanding the use of ἐγκαλέω in these contexts highlights the adversities encountered by the early church and the legal challenges they had to navigate.