ἐνάλιος (enalios)
enalios
marine
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective enalios describes anything belonging to or living in the sea. Derived from a prefix meaning "in" and the word for salt water, it literally translates to "marine" or "sea-dwelling." In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in James 3:7.
James uses it to categorize the diverse creatures of the ocean, grouping them as a single class of life that humans can tame. The source data confirms its specific application to marine animals rather than the water itself. This singular usage highlights the vast variety of sea life under one descriptive label.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word enalios simply means marine or belonging to the sea. James uses it in his letter to describe the vast variety of creatures that live in the ocean. He notes that humans have found a way to tame every kind of beast, bird, reptile, and sea creature. This observation highlights the incredible power and ingenuity people possess over nature.
Yet this same passage reminds us of how complex life can be. Just as we manage the wild animals around us, we are called to manage our own words and actions. The diversity of creation reflects a world full of different needs and behaviors. We can look at the sea creatures and see how much variety exists even within one category.
This simple word invites us to appreciate the order in nature. It shows that humans have a unique role in caring for the earth. By observing how we interact with the natural world, we can learn about our own responsibilities. The taming of these creatures points to a deeper call to stewardship and care for God's creation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- things of the sea1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐναλίων1×
Key Verses
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James 3:7
For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and sea creature is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind;
This verse uses enalios to group sea creatures with other animals, showing that humans have tamed every kind of marine life just as they have tamed land animals and birds.