ἐμπλέκω (emplekō)
emplekō
to entangle/involve
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb emplekō describes the physical act of weaving or interlacing threads, but in Scripture it carries a vivid metaphorical weight. It means to become entangled or deeply involved in something, often with a sense of being caught or trapped by the weave. The word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times highlighting the danger of spiritual snare.
In 2 Timothy 2:4, Paul uses it to describe a soldier who gets "entangled" in civilian affairs, distracting him from his duty. Similarly, 2 Peter 2:20 speaks of those who escape worldly corruption only to become entangled in it again, suggesting a return to the very nets they thought they had left behind. The imagery is one of tight, restrictive binding.
Its root combines a prefix meaning "in" with a verb for weaving or plaiting. This etymology underscores the complexity of the entanglement; it is not a simple stumble but a intricate snare that is difficult to unravel. Translators typically render it as "entangled," capturing the sense of being caught in a web of one’s own making or by external pressures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word emplekō paints a vivid picture of threads being woven together until they form a tight, restrictive knot. In Scripture, it describes not just simple involvement, but becoming caught in a web that is difficult to escape. This imagery reminds us that some commitments, though they may seem harmless at first, can slowly tighten around our lives and distract us from what matters most.
Paul uses this concept to encourage spiritual focus. He warns that getting entangled in the affairs of life can pull a believer away from their primary calling. Similarly, Peter highlights the danger of returning to old patterns of sin after finding freedom in Christ. The message is clear: our attention and loyalty require careful stewardship, as wandering into distracting or harmful situations can leave us feeling trapped.
When you feel pulled in many directions, this word invites you to pause and examine what is weaving through your life. It is not a call to isolation, but to intentional focus. By recognizing the threads that bind us, we can choose to loosen them and keep our hearts fixed on our true purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having been entangled1×
- entangles himself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμπλέκεται1×
- ἐμπλακέντες1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 2:4
No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
Paul uses this word to illustrate how civilian distractions can restrict a soldier's ability to please his commander.
-
II Peter 2:20
For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
Peter describes the tragic cycle of escaping worldly corruption only to be caught in it again, making the final state worse than the first.