ἐντυγχάνω
entynchánō
G1793 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To meet with or come into contact (deliberately or by chance); in extended contexts, to petition, appeal, intercede, or make an earnest request on behalf of someone or something, whether positive (for) or negative (against). The base meaning is 'to encounter' or 'approach,' with context extending to seeking audience with a person of authority or making a formal request/intercession.
Semantic Range
to meet with, to encounter, to approach (formally or informally), to seek an audience, to appeal, to make a request, to intercede (advocate for or against), to petition
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐν ('in, into') and the verb τυγχάνω ('to happen upon, to meet with, to obtain'). The compound originally conveyed the idea of 'meeting with' someone or something.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐντυγχάνω primarily referred to encountering, meeting with, or coming into contact with another, sometimes by chance but also intentionally. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the semantic range broadened: the term could refer to seeking an audience, making requests to authorities, or interceding on behalf of others. Notably, in many New Testament contexts (e.g., Romans 8:27, 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), ἐντυγχάνω denotes intercession or advocacy, typically in the context of a mediator or advocate speaking or appealing to a superior, such as a ruler or deity, for the benefit of another. English translations often render it as 'intercede' or 'plead.' However, it can also imply petitioning in opposition (against, not only for someone). The word is not limited to spiritual or religious contexts—classical usage includes secular appeals, audience with officials, or general advocacy. This nuanced range is less visible in standard translations using only 'intercession.'
Translation Consistency
Approach captures the basic sense of coming to or meeting someone (whether by chance or deliberately) and naturally extends to seeking an audience, petitioning, or interceding on behalf of someone. It is a common, natural English verb that fits the typical usages in the SILEX semantic range while remaining consistent across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and τυγχάνω; to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against):--deal with, make intercession.
Root Family
ἐντυγχάνω (entynchánō) — meet, encounter, approach, appeal, intercede, make a request
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1793-02 |
ἐντυγχάνει | entugchanei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
intercedes | is appealing | intercedes | 3 |
G1793-03 |
ἐντυγχάνειν | entugchanein | V PRS ACT INF |
make intercession | to meet with | to intercede | 1 |
G1793-01 |
ἐνέτυχόν | enetuchon | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
have dealt | they met with | they met with | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1793-01 |
Acts 25:24 | ἐνέτυχόν | enetuchon | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
have dealt | they met with | they met with |
G1793-02 |
Romans 8:27 | ἐντυγχάνει | entugchanei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
intercedes | is appealing | intercedes |
G1793-02 |
Romans 8:34 | ἐντυγχάνει | entugchanei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
intercedes | is appealing | is interceding |
G1793-02 |
Romans 11:2 | ἐντυγχάνει | entugchanei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
pleads | is appealing | is pleading |
G1793-03 |
Hebrews 7:25 | ἐντυγχάνειν | entugchanein | V PRS ACT INF |
make intercession | to meet with | to intercede |