ἐγκαίνια
enkaínia
G1456 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The act or occasion of inaugurating or restoring something as new, specifically the ceremonial dedication or rededication of a sacred place (e.g., the temple). In Hellenistic and Second Temple Jewish contexts, most notably refers to the festival commemorating the purification and rededication of the Jerusalem temple after its defilement, commonly known as the Feast of Dedication. More generally, can also mean any occasion or festival marking the initiation, renewal, or restoration of an object, institution, or place as set apart for sacred use.
Semantic Range
dedication, rededication, inauguration, consecration, festival of dedication, renewal of sacred use
Root / Etymology
From ἐν (in) and καινός (new), forming ἐγκαινία as 'making new', 'renewal', or 'dedication'. Cognate with the verb ἐγκαινίζω ('to renew, to dedicate') and the noun καινότης ('newness'). No known pre-Greek or external etymologies are attested; meaning developed within Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐγκαινία refers to inaugurations or dedications of buildings and altars, both sacred and secular. In the context of Hellenistic Judea, by the 2nd century BCE, the term became specifically associated with the annual festival commemorating the rededication of the Jerusalem temple under Judas Maccabeus after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (see 1 Maccabees 4:36–59). This event is known in later tradition as Hanukkah. In the New Testament (John 10:22), ἐγκαινία denotes this festival—the "Feast of Dedication"—without using the later English term "Hanukkah." Septuagint usage is rare but typically denotes the act of dedication or consecration of temple vessels and the altar (cf. Numbers 7:10, 1 Kings 8:63 LXX). English Bible translations frequently render ἐγκαινία as 'dedication', but this can obscure the festival's particular historical and communal context. Not to be confused with generic words for 'festival' (ἑορτή) or 'initiation' (τελετή).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter plural of a presumed compound from ἐν and καινός; innovatives, i.e. (specially) renewal (of religious services after the Antiochian interruption):--dedication.
Root Family
ἐγκαίνια (enkainia) — dedication, renewal, inauguration, consecration, making new
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1456-01 |
ἐνκαίνια | enkainia | N NOM N PL |
feast of Dedication | dedication festivals | dedication festivals | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1456-01 |
John 10:22 | ἐνκαίνια | enkainia | N NOM N PL |
feast of Dedication | dedication festivals | dedication festivals |