Brief Overview of ἐντρέπω (Strong’s G1788: entrepō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies because it provides depth and context to the scriptures, revealing nuanced meanings that are often lost in translation. The Greek word ἐντρέπω (entrepō) is particularly significant as it carries the meanings of “to turn,” “to respect,” or “to be ashamed.” It is used in both literal and metaphorical senses, conveying actions of turning or inclining oneself in shame, respect, or consideration. This word’s usage in the New Testament often points to interpersonal dynamics, attitudes of humility, or reverence, making it crucial for understanding ethical and relational teachings in Christian texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐντρέπω (entrepō) [en-TREH-po]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: From ἐν (en, “in”) + τρέπω (trepō, “to turn”), literally meaning “to turn in” or “to direct towards.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It follows the standard Greek verb conjugation patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Turn Inward — to turn oneself in consideration or reflection.
• To Respect — to show honor or regard, often in a social or moral sense.
• To Be Ashamed — to feel shame or embarrassment, leading to a change in behavior.

Similar Words: ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō) [e-pee-STREH-fo], which means “to turn back” or “return,” often in a physical or repentant sense. αἰσχύνομαι (aischynomai) [es-KHEE-no-my], meaning “to be ashamed” or “to feel disgrace,” focuses more on the emotional response rather than the action of turning or showing deference, as ἐντρέπω does.

Further Insights: ἐντρέπω can be used reflexively or transitively, meaning it can describe turning oneself (reflexive) or causing another to turn or feel a certain way (transitive). The verb appears in various tenses, which can affect its meaning. For example, in the middle voice, it can imply self-directed action, such as turning oneself inward in shame or reflection.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐντρέπω is defined as “to turn,” “to respect,” or “to cause to feel shame.” It is often used in contexts of interpersonal relationships where one person shows respect or deference to another, or where one feels ashamed and turns away.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐντρέπω as “to turn about” or “to reverence,” highlighting its dual nature of physical turning and metaphorical turning, such as turning in shame or reverence. It emphasizes the social and ethical contexts in which the word is used.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary defines ἐντρέπω primarily as “to turn,” noting its use in both literal and figurative senses. The dictionary emphasizes the concept of shame as a motivating factor for turning or changing behavior, particularly in moral teachings.

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LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a broader definition of ἐντρέπω as “to turn” or “to cause to turn,” focusing on its classical usage in various Greek texts. It notes that the word can mean “to respect” or “to feel ashamed,” depending on the context.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance lists ἐντρέπω as “to regard” or “to turn,” particularly in contexts where one shows deference or is ashamed. It is noted for its flexible application across different contexts and meanings.

Scripture References

• Matthew 21:37 – “But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence (ἐντρέψονται) my son.”
• Luke 18:2 – “Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded (ἐντρέπετο) man.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:14 – “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed (ἐντραπῇ).”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐντρέπω (G1788: entrepō)

ἐντρέπω (entrepō) is a Greek verb that means “to turn,” “to respect,” or “to be ashamed.” It is significant in Biblical studies and classical literature for its versatile use in describing actions that involve turning oneself physically or metaphorically, showing deference or respect, or feeling shame. This word is used to convey changes in attitude, behavior, or emotional state, often in response to ethical or moral teachings. In the New Testament, ἐντρέπω is used in contexts of respect, reverence, and the call to self-reflection or repentance, making it a key term for understanding relational dynamics and moral exhortation.

Did You Know?

The concept of ἐντρέπω was central in both Greek philosophy and early Christian teachings about character and behavior. In Greek ethics, to ἐντρέπω oneself could mean to turn away from vice or shame and towards virtue or respect. In early Christian communities, the term evolved to imply a respectful or repentant turning toward God, emphasizing humility and ethical conduct as core values of the faith.