Introduction

The study of Greek words is vital in Biblical scholarship, as each term can uncover deeper meanings within scripture and reveal the nuances of ancient texts. The Greek word ἐνέχω (enechō) is one such word that carries significant meaning in New Testament passages. Understanding ἐνέχω is essential for interpreting themes of personal relationships, conflicts, and moral behavior in the New Testament. Additionally, this word provides insight into the cultural and social dynamics of ancient Greek society, where concepts like animosity and harboring ill will were relevant both in interpersonal relationships and legal contexts.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐνέχω (enechō) [en-EH-kho]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, “in”) and the verb ἔχω (echō, “to have” or “to hold”), ἐνέχω literally means “to hold in” or “to have within.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Second conjugation)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To hold against someone: To bear a grudge or harbor ill will against another person.
• To cling to something internally: To retain an emotion, often of a negative nature, within oneself.
• To be ensnared: In a more figurative sense, to be trapped or caught up in something, such as anger or bitterness.

Similar Words:

• ἐχθρός (echthros) [ekh-THROS]: Means “enemy” or “hated,” and relates to active animosity rather than the more passive harboring of resentment implied by ἐνέχω.
• κρατέω (krateō) [kra-TEH-oh]: Means “to hold fast” or “to seize.” While this verb also involves holding or retaining something, it typically refers to physical holding or control rather than the internal or emotional retention implied by ἐνέχω.
• ὀργίζομαι (orgizomai) [or-GEE-zoh-my]: Means “to be angry.” This word describes the feeling of anger, whereas ἐνέχω often refers to the long-term harboring or holding onto such emotions.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνέχω is a compound verb formed from ἐν (“in”) and ἔχω (“to have/hold”). The combination emphasizes an inward or internal action, where something is held within or against someone.
• Linguistic Features: The verb ἐνέχω conveys a sense of continuous action or state, where the subject is actively holding onto or maintaining a particular stance or emotion. It suggests a depth of feeling that isn’t momentary but sustained.
• Conjugation: As a second conjugation verb, ἐνέχω follows the typical pattern of endings for its conjugation class.

Indicative Active Present Tense:

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon explains ἐνέχω as “to hold a grudge against someone,” primarily in contexts involving interpersonal relationships or internal conflicts. It emphasizes the idea of sustained, often hidden, animosity.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes ἐνέχω as “to be hostile toward” or “to be in opposition to.” It notes that the word frequently appears in legal and personal settings where enmity or grievances are held.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon highlights both the literal and figurative uses of ἐνέχω. It can mean “to be caught in a trap” or “to be bound,” as well as “to have a grudge” or “to be at odds with someone.”

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐνέχω under terms related to enmity and conflict, discussing its implications in terms of both harboring feelings and taking action based on those feelings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐνέχω as “to hold in,” especially with a connotation of ill will or enmity, indicating a deeper level of emotional or relational holding.

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐνέχω (G1758: enechō)

The Greek verb ἐνέχω (enechō) conveys the idea of holding onto something internally, particularly a grudge, ill will, or animosity. It is a compound verb that combines ἐν (“in”) and ἔχω (“to have/hold”), suggesting an inner retention or harboring. This word is significant in both Biblical and classical Greek contexts, often appearing in discussions about relationships, moral behavior, and internal struggles. Understanding ἐνέχω provides deeper insight into how the ancients viewed emotions like anger and hostility, both within the self and between individuals.

Did You Know?

The Greek word ἐνέχω is often associated with legal terminology in ancient texts, where holding a grudge or bearing animosity could have implications for court cases and social relationships. It wasn’t just about personal feelings—sometimes, it was about navigating the social and legal consequences of those emotions!