ἐνάρχομαι
enárchomai
G1728 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To begin, to make a beginning, to start an action or process. In Koine and Hellenistic usage, particularly refers to initiating a process or undertaking, sometimes with a formal or ceremonial nuance. May emphasize the inception of a significant endeavor or rite.
Semantic Range
to begin, to initiate a process, to commence formally, to make a start, to perform the initial act (esp. in rites)
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐν ('in') and the middle/passive form ἄρχομαι from ἄρχω ('to begin, to lead').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical literature, ἐνάρχομαι appears infrequently and is mostly used in ritual or formal contexts, especially in reference to offering the first portions or performing the initial act in a sequence (often sacrifices or rites). In later Greek, including the LXX and New Testament period, the verb is rare but generally preserves the sense of 'to begin' or 'to make a formal commencement.' Its use is distinct from ἄρχομαι ('I begin') in that ἐνάρχομαι can carry a nuance of festal, ritual, or initiatory action, especially where a formal or auspicious beginning is in view. Standard English translations usually render it simply as 'to begin,' but this may miss ceremonial or initiatory shades. The strong's gloss 'rule' is incorrect for this verb and confuses it with ἄρχω ('to rule'). The prefix ἐν- here reinforces the sense of 'entering into a beginning' or 'initiating from within.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and ἄρχομαι; to commence on:--rule (by mistake for ἄρχω).
Root Family
ἀρχ- (enárchomai) — to begin, to initiate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1885 | ἐπαρχία | to a governed province |
| G536 | ἀπαρχή | first-offering portion |
| G744 | ἀρχαῖος | the primeval things |
| G746 | ἀρχή | ruling authorities |
| G747 | ἀρχηγός | founding leader |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1728-01 |
ἐναρξάμενοι | enarxamenoi | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL |
having begun | having begun | having begun | 1 |
G1728-02 |
ἐναρξάμενος | enarxamenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
began | having initiated | having begun | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1728-01 |
Galatians 3:3 | ἐναρξάμενοι | enarxamenoi | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL |
having begun | having begun | having begun |
G1728-02 |
Philippians 1:6 | ἐναρξάμενος | enarxamenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
began | having initiated | having begun |