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ἐγκεντρίζω

enkentrízō

G1461 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To insert or graft (a shoot or branch) into another plant, specifically into a cultivated tree; to make a living union of two parts by inserting one into another. In figurative contexts, to cause someone or something to become incorporated or united into a community, group, or lineage, especially in an adoptive or non-native sense.

Semantic Range

to graft (a branch or shoot), to insert by cutting, to incorporate or integrate (metaphorical); to unite or bring into a group or lineage (fig.; esp. of a non-native element)

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἐν ('in, into') and a derivative of κέντρον ('point, spur, sharp end; sting'), likely related to the action of making a cut or incision in grafting. Thus, literally 'to put in by a sharp point' or 'to insert through piercing'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐγκεντρίζω is an agricultural term describing the horticultural practice of grafting a shoot into a different plant or tree, most commonly in olive or fruit cultivation. The term appears rarely in literature outside technical or botanical discussions. In the New Testament (notably Romans 11), Paul uses ἐγκεντρίζω metaphorically to describe Gentiles being 'grafted into' the cultivated olive tree, symbolizing their incorporation into the covenant community—this metaphor exploits both the specific technique and the concept of adoption or inclusion. In Septuagintal Greek, the term does not occur. English 'graff in(to)' is a traditional rendering; modern translations favor 'graft' or 'ingraft.' The root sense of insertion by cutting is retained throughout its uses.

Translation Consistency

primary "graft" 6 occurrences

The primary and most natural English rendering for ἐγκεντρίζω is 'graft' — it captures the literal horticultural sense (inserting a shoot/branch) and the common figurative sense (incorporate or unite a non‑native element into a community or lineage). 'Graft' is more specific and idiomatic than 'insert' or 'incorporate' and fits the attested translations and semantic range; all forms can be consistently inflected from this base verb.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐν and a derivative of κέντρον; to prick in, i.e. ingraft:--graff in(-to).

Root Family

ἐγκεντρίζω (enkentrizō) — to insert, to graft, to pierce, to incorporate

Root κεντρ- to insert, to graft, to pierce

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1461-03 ἐνκεντρισθήσονται enkentristhesontai V FUT PASS IND 3P PL will be grafted they will be grafted in they will be grafted in 2
G1461-01 ἐνεκεντρίσθης enekentristhes V AOR PASS IND 2P SG were grafted you were grafted in you were grafted in 2
G1461-04 ἐνκεντρισθῶ enkentristho V AOR PASS SUBJ 1P SG might be grafted in that I might be grafted in might be grafted in 1
G1461-02 ἐνκεντρίσαι enkentrisai V AOR ACT INF to graft in to graft in to graft in 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1461-01 Romans 11:17 ἐνεκεντρίσθης enekentristhes V AOR PASS IND 2P SG were grafted in you were grafted in you were grafted in
G1461-04 Romans 11:19 ἐνκεντρισθῶ enkentristho V AOR PASS SUBJ 1P SG might be grafted in that I might be grafted in might be grafted in
G1461-03 Romans 11:23 ἐνκεντρισθήσονται enkentristhesontai V FUT PASS IND 3P PL will be grafted in they will be grafted in they will be grafted in
G1461-02 Romans 11:23 ἐνκεντρίσαι enkentrisai V AOR ACT INF to graft in to graft in to graft in
G1461-01 Romans 11:24 ἐνεκεντρίσθης enekentristhes V AOR PASS IND 2P SG were grafted you were grafted in you were grafted in
G1461-03 Romans 11:24 ἐνκεντρισθήσονται enkentristhesontai V FUT PASS IND 3P PL will be grafted they will be grafted in they will be grafted in
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