ἐντός

entós

G1787 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Adverb and preposition indicating spatial or metaphorical location: within, inside. Primarily designates something located on the interior of a boundary or limit, whether literal (as in physical space) or figurative (as within a person, group, or concept). Can refer to physical interiority, inner qualities, or inward states depending on context.

Semantic Range

inside (physical space), within (figurative/inward sense), interior (of a group or boundary), inwardly, among (when denoting non-physical proximity or presence)

Root / Etymology

From preposition ἐν ('in, among') with the suffix -τός, forming an adverb of place. Closely related to Indo-European locative forms.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐντός is used to describe spatial interiority (e.g., 'inside the house') and, less frequently, inwardness in non-physical senses (e.g., 'within the soul' or 'within oneself'). In the Septuagint and Koine literature, including the New Testament, its usage expands to denote not only physical spaces but also internal aspects such as inner disposition or qualities (e.g., Luke 17:21, 'the kingdom of God is within/among you'). English translations sometimes obscure this nuance, often rendering it simply as 'within', but context may require broader senses such as 'in your midst' or 'among you'. The word never takes a direct object and functions as an adverb or preposition, usually governing the genitive or occurring absolutely.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐν; inside (adverb or noun):--within.

Root Family

ἐντός (entos) — inside, within, interior

Root ἐντός inside, within

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1787-01 ἐντὸς entos ADV inside within inside 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1787-01 Matthew 23:26 ἐντὸς entos ADV inside within inside
G1787-01 Luke 17:21 ἐντὸς entos PREP GEN within within within