ἐμπλέκω
emplékō
G1707 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To entangle, entwine, or interweave with or in something; in figurative use, to become implicated or involved in affairs, situations, or associations, especially in a way that restricts freedom or action. Core meaning involves physical interlacing, but New Testament usage extends to being caught up or involved in worldly concerns or other obligations.
Semantic Range
to entwine, to weave in, to interlace, to become entangled, to become involved, to become ensnared or implicated, to be caught up in
Root / Etymology
Compound of ἐν (in, with) and πλέκω (to plait, twist, weave); thus, 'to entwine in' or 'to weave into.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐμπλέκω commonly refers to physically intertwining, such as weaving or plaiting objects together (e.g., threads, garlands, branches). Figurative uses develop in Hellenistic and especially Koine Greek, where the term often refers to becoming involved or enmeshed in situations or obligations. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:4), the verb is used metaphorically to warn against becoming 'entangled' in mundane affairs, especially those that distract from more important commitments (here, military service as a metaphor for spiritual dedication). The Septuagint employs the verb primarily with physical meanings, such as animals entangled in thickets, but occasionally also in figurative senses. English translations typically render the figurative sense as 'entangle' or 'become entangled,' but may not adequately reflect the nuance of being deeply implicated or ensnared. The contrast with simple involvement is important; ἐμπλέκω usually implies an entanglement that is difficult to extract oneself from. Related verbs include πλέκω (to weave/plait) and συναναμίγνυμι (to mix up with, become involved with), though the latter has a less physical sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and πλέκω; to entwine, i.e. (figuratively) involve with:--entangle (in, self with).
Root Family
πλεκ- (emplékō) — to interweave, to plait, to entwine
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1707-01 |
ἐμπλακέντες | emplakentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
entangled | having been entangled | having been entangled | 1 |
G1707-02 |
ἐμπλέκεται | empleketai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
entangles himself | is being entangled | is being entangled | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1707-02 |
2 Timothy 2:4 | ἐμπλέκεται | empleketai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
entangles himself | is being entangled | is being entangled |
G1707-01 |
2 Peter 2:20 | ἐμπλακέντες | emplakentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
entangled | having been entangled | having been entangled |