ἐγκαινίζω
enkainízō
G1457 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make new, inaugurate, dedicate; to initiate or renew the use of something, especially by a formal ceremony or rite. The primary sense is to inaugurate or dedicate for the first time, particularly with reference to an altar, temple, or other sacred object, but can extend metaphorically to the installation, initiation, or consecration of persons or things.
Semantic Range
to dedicate (a building, altar, or object), to inaugurate (a covenant, institution, or pathway), to consecrate, to install or set apart for sacred or special use, to renew (in the sense of making something new again)
Root / Etymology
From ἐγκαινία (enkainia, 'dedication' or 'festival of dedication'), itself from ἐν (en, 'in') and καινός (kainos, 'new'). Thus, meaning 'to make new,' 'to inaugurate.' The root is καιν- ('new').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐγκαινίζω is rare but is attested with the meaning 'to renew' or 'to dedicate (as new).' More common in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in contexts of religious or public ceremonies of inauguration or the dedication of buildings, altars (see LXX: Leviticus 8:11, 1 Maccabees 4:86), or implements. In the New Testament (Hebrews 9:18; 10:20), the term assumes ritual significance, referencing the inauguration of a covenant or the consecration of a 'new and living way.' In later Greek and patristic literature, the verb is also applied to the consecration of altars, churches, or persons for sacred service. Standard English translations generally reflect 'dedicate' or 'consecrate,' but the underlying term places emphasis on the idea of making something new for use, or initiating something into sacred or official function. Closely related conceptually to ἀνακαινίζω ('to make new') but ἐγκαινίζω specifically carries the sense of ceremonial inauguration or dedication.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐγκαίνια; to renew, i.e. inaugurate:--consecrate, dedicate.
Root Family
καιν- (enkaínia) — to make new, to dedicate, to renew
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1456 | ἐγκαίνια | dedication festivals |
| G2537 | καινός | new things |
| G2538 | καινότης | in newness |
| G340 | ἀνακαινίζω | to make new again |
| G341 | ἀνακαινόω | being made new again |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1457-01 |
ἐνεκαίνισεν | enekainisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he inaugurated | he inaugurated | he inaugurated | 1 |
G1457-02 |
ἐνκεκαίνισται | enkekainistai | V PRF PASS IND 3P SG |
was inaugurated | has been inaugurated | has been inaugurated | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1457-02 |
Hebrews 9:18 | ἐνκεκαίνισται | enkekainistai | V PRF PASS IND 3P SG |
was inaugurated | has been inaugurated | has been inaugurated |
G1457-01 |
Hebrews 10:20 | ἐνεκαίνισεν | enekainisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he inaugurated | he inaugurated | he inaugurated |