ἐνειλέω (eneileō)
eneileō
to enwrap
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eneileō means to wrap or roll something up tightly. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 15:46, where Joseph of Arimathea wraps Jesus’ body in a linen cloth before placing it in the tomb. The word conveys a sense of careful, deliberate covering, suggesting both respect for the dead and the physical act of securing the shroud.
Its root combines the preposition en ("in") with eilō ("to roll" or "wind"). This combination emphasizes the action of enclosing or enveloping. In the Septuagint, it translates the Hebrew word for wrapping, as seen in 1 Kings 21:9, where a similar act of covering is described. The usage here highlights the tangible, human response to death — a final gesture of care before burial.
Though rare, this word anchors the narrative in physical reality. It reminds readers that Jesus’ death was real, his body handled with reverence, and his burial prepared according to custom. The simplicity of the term underscores the solemnity of the moment without embellishment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἐνειλέω describes the careful act of wrapping Jesus’ body in linen. In Mark 15:46, Joseph of Arimathea uses this verb to show deep respect for the Lord. This simple action highlights the reality of Jesus’ death and the tenderness of those who cared for Him.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God enters fully into human experience. He did not bypass suffering or burial customs. Instead, He accepted them, showing that every part of life, even death, is held within His care. This physical act points to the dignity given to every human life by its Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he wrapped [Him]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνείλησεν1×
Key Verses
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Mark 15:46
He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
This verse uses ἐνειλέω to describe Joseph wrapping Jesus' body, emphasizing the physical reality of His death and the respectful care taken in burial.