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ἐντέλλομαι

entéllomai

G1781 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To command, to issue an order or directive, to give instructions with authority. In various contexts, refers to authoritatively instructing someone to perform or observe something, often with expectation of compliance. The term is used for both secular and divine commands, ranging from simple instructions to formal decrees or religious commandments.

Semantic Range

to command, to order, to give instructions, to charge with a task or duty, to enjoin solemnly, to give commandments

Root / Etymology

From ἐν (in, upon) and the base of τέλος (end, goal, completion); hence, literally, 'to put upon with aim or purpose.' The verb is a deponent middle, functioning as an active in meaning. Cognate with the noun ἐντολή (commandment, order).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐντέλλομαι is rarely found and is more common in Hellenistic and Koine literature. The term acquires particular usage in the Septuagint, where it regularly translates Hebrew roots (especially צִוָּה, tsivvah) associated with divine commandment, thus often conveying the sense of giving religious or moral laws. In the New Testament, ἐντέλλομαι predominantly denotes authoritative directives, especially those given by God, but can also refer to human authority figures imparting instructions. Modern English translations often render the verb as 'command,' 'give charge,' or 'direct,' but may under-represent the performative and solemn weight of the term in ancient usage. Unlike παράγγελλω (to transmit a message or give a direct order, often in military or legal contexts), ἐντέλλομαι emphasizes the formal, sometimes even binding, nature of the command as an enactment of will or law. Its use in legal, ritual, and didactic contexts further points to its function as a marker of obligation or duty placed upon the recipient.

Translation Consistency

primary "command" 15 occurrences

'Command' best captures the primary, authoritative sense in the SILEX range (to command, to order, to enjoin). It is the most common English rendering in the P2 data (10x 'commanded', 4x 'command') and sounds natural for both secular and divine directives, making it the most consistent base verb for all forms of G1781.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐν and the base of τέλος; to enjoin:--(give) charge, (give) command(-ments), injoin.

Root Family

ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai) — to command, to enjoin, to order

Root ἐντελ- to command, to enjoin, to order

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1781-02 ἐνετείλατο eneteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded 8
G1781-05 ἐντέλλομαι entellomai V PRS MID IND 1P SG command I command I command 2
G1781-04 ἐντελεῖται enteleitai V FUT MID IND 3P SG He will command he will command he will command 2
G1781-03 ἐντειλάμενος enteilamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG He had commanded having commanded having commanded 1
G1781-06 ἐντέταλται entetaltai V PRF MID IND 3P SG has commanded has commanded has commanded 1
G1781-01 ἐνετειλάμην eneteilamen V AOR MID IND 1P SG I have commanded I commanded I commanded 1

Occurrences in Scripture

15 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1781-04 Matthew 4:6 ἐντελεῖται enteleitai V FUT MID IND 3P SG He will command he will command he will command
G1781-02 Matthew 15:4 ἐνετείλατο eneteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded
G1781-02 Matthew 17:9 ἐνετείλατο eneteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG charged he commanded he commanded
G1781-02 Matthew 19:7 ἐνετείλατο eneteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded
G1781-01 Matthew 28:20 ἐνετειλάμην eneteilamen V AOR MID IND 1P SG I have commanded I commanded I commanded
G1781-02 Mark 10:3 ἐνετείλατο eneteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG did command he commanded he commanded
G1781-02 Mark 13:34 ἐνετείλατο eneteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded
G1781-04 Luke 4:10 ἐντελεῖται enteleitai V FUT MID IND 3P SG He will give charge he will command he will command
G1781-02 John 14:31 ἐνετείλατο eneteilato V AOR MID IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded
G1781-05 John 15:14 ἐντέλλομαι entellomai V PRS MID IND 1P SG command I command I command
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