ἐναγκαλίζομαι (enagkalizomai)
enagkalizomai
to embrace
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb enagkalizomai describes the physical act of taking someone into one’s arms, specifically a gesture of affectionate embrace. It is a rare term in the New Testament, appearing only twice, both within the Gospel of Mark. The word conveys a sense of closeness and personal connection, moving beyond a simple greeting to a more intimate holding.
Its usage highlights Jesus’ relational nature. In Mark 9:36, he takes a child into his arms to teach about humility, and in Mark 10:16, he embraces the children brought to him for blessing. This specific action underscores the value Jesus places on the vulnerable and the young, using physical touch to communicate acceptance and care.
The word’s rarity makes its appearances significant. By choosing this term rather than a more general word for love or greeting, the text emphasizes the tangible warmth of Jesus’ interaction with children. It serves as a concrete illustration of divine affection, showing that spiritual truth is often communicated through simple, human gestures of embrace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word enagkalizomai captures a specific, tender moment of taking someone into your arms. It is not just a polite greeting but an intimate act of holding close. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this gesture with children, showing that God’s care is physical, personal, and warm. This simple action reveals how deeply He values those who are small or vulnerable in our eyes.
When you feel overlooked or insignificant, remember that Jesus embraces you with the same affection. His touch communicates acceptance before any words are spoken. You do not need to earn this closeness; it is offered freely as a sign of His love and presence in your daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having taken in [His] arms1×
- having embraced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐναγκαλισάμενος2×
Key Verses
-
Mark 9:36
He took a little child and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them,
Jesus takes the child into His arms to physically demonstrate that humility and smallness are central to entering God's kingdom.
-
Mark 10:16
He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
He embraces the children before blessing them, showing that relational closeness precedes spiritual impartation.