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ἐναγκαλίζομαι

enankalízomai

G1723 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To take into one’s arms, to enfold or embrace by placing the arms around someone; specifically, to hold or clasp to oneself as an act of affection or care. The central sense relates to the physical act of embracing, particularly referencing a gentle or loving gesture. In extended contexts, the word may also highlight the act of lifting a child, welcoming, or bestowing affection through personal, physical contact.

Semantic Range

to embrace, to take (a child/person) into one’s arms, to hug, to clasp closely, to welcome warmly

Root / Etymology

From ἐν (en, 'in, into') and ἀγκάλη (ankalē, 'the bent arm', 'the fold of the arm'). The verb is a middle form, indicating the subject acts upon or for themselves. The root is ἀγκαλ-, relating to the curve or crook of the arm.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in both Hellenistic Greek and the Septuagint, ἐναγκαλίζομαι typically appears in affectionate or familial contexts, frequently referring to the act of taking a child or loved one into one’s arms (e.g., Luke 2:28; Mark 9:36, 10:16). It is a more specific term than the general verbs for 'to embrace' or 'to hold,' emphasizing the action as tender or welcoming. In Koine Greek, especially in the New Testament, this verb expresses a distinctly intimate gesture often associated with blessing, parental devotion, or greeting. Standard English translations render this as 'to take in (the) arms,' 'to embrace,' or 'to hug,' but these may miss the nuance of parental or affectionate intention prevalent in Koine usage. There is little evidence of the word in Classical Greek, and its NT and LXX usage is relatively specialized.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐν and a derivative of ἀγκάλη; to take in one's arms, i.e. embrace:--take up in arms.

Root Family

ἐναγκαλίζομαι (enankalizomai) — to bend the arm, to hold in one's arms, to embrace

Root ἀγκαλ- to bend the arm, to hold in one's arms, to embrace

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1723-01 ἐναγκαλισάμενος enagkalisamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG He took them in His arms having taken into his arms having taken into his arms 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1723-01 Mark 9:36 ἐναγκαλισάμενος enagkalisamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG taking him in his arms having taken into his arms having taken into his arms
G1723-01 Mark 10:16 ἐναγκαλισάμενος enagkalisamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG He took them in His arms having taken into his arms having taken into his arms
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