Introduction

Understanding the Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for grasping the depth and nuance of the biblical text. The Greek word ἐναγκαλίζομαι (enagkalízomai) is one such word that enriches our understanding of human emotions and actions as depicted in the Bible. This verb is particularly significant in its depiction of a tender and affectionate action, often related to the embrace of loved ones. Its use in the New Testament offers insights into the cultural and emotional contexts of the time, providing a glimpse into how such expressions of affection were valued in ancient Greek culture and the early Christian community.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐναγκαλίζομαι (enagkalízomai) [en-an-gah-LEE-zo-my]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐν (en) meaning “in” or “on,” and ἀγκάλη (ankalē) meaning “arm.” The word literally means “to take into the arms.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (deponent middle voice)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To embrace: The primary meaning of ἐναγκαλίζομαι is “to embrace” or “to take into the arms.” It conveys a sense of warmth, affection, and close physical contact.
• To hug: The word is also used to describe the action of hugging, particularly in the context of expressing love or comfort.

Similar Words:

• καταφιλέω (kataphiléō) [ka-ta-fi-LEH-o]: This word means “to kiss,” often used in the context of greeting or expressing affection. While both words are related to expressions of affection, ἐναγκαλίζομαι focuses on the physical act of embracing, while καταφιλέω emphasizes the act of kissing.
• συμπεριλαμβάνω (symperilambánō) [sym-pe-ri-lam-BA-no]: This verb means “to enfold” or “to embrace together,” often implying a more inclusive or communal embrace. It differs from ἐναγκαλίζομαι in that it suggests a broader or more collective action rather than an individual, intimate embrace.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐναγκαλίζομαι is a deponent verb, meaning it is middle in form but active in meaning. This grammatical structure often conveys a sense of personal involvement or emotional engagement in the action. The word is most commonly found in the middle voice, reflecting the subject’s participation in the action of embracing.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon highlights the verb ἐναγκαλίζομαι as a tender and affectionate action, particularly used in contexts where individuals express deep emotional connection through physical embrace. It is noted for its occurrence in intimate settings, often between close family members or loved ones.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐναγκαλίζομαι as a verb that conveys the action of embracing or holding someone in the arms, with an emphasis on the emotional and affectionate aspects of the gesture. It is a word that captures the warmth and closeness of the relationship between the individuals involved.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἐναγκαλίζομαι in the context of biblical expressions of love and affection, noting that it is often associated with moments of comfort, reassurance, and the strengthening of bonds between individuals.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a classical perspective, noting the use of ἐναγκαλίζομαι in Greek literature to describe physical embraces in various contexts, from familial relationships to friendships, often conveying deep emotional connections.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἐναγκαλίζομαι as a verb meaning “to embrace” or “to take into one’s arms,” emphasizing its usage in intimate, affectionate contexts within the New Testament.

Scripture References

• Mark 9:36: “And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms (ἐναγκαλίζομαι), he said to them…”
• Mark 10:16: “And he took them in his arms (ἐναγκαλίζομαι) and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐναγκαλίζομαι (G1723: enagkalízomai)

The verb ἐναγκαλίζομαι (enagkalízomai) encapsulates the warmth and affection conveyed through physical embrace. This word, rich in emotional depth, appears in the New Testament to describe moments of intimate connection, particularly between Jesus and those He cared for. Understanding this word provides valuable insight into the nature of relationships in the biblical world and the cultural significance of physical expressions of love and comfort.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the act of embracing was more than just a physical gesture; it was a powerful expression of relational closeness, trust, and emotional connection. The use of ἐναγκαλίζομαι in the New Testament highlights the importance of these gestures in expressing love and care within the early Christian community.