ἔνοχος (enochos)
enochos
liable for
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective enochos describes a state of being held liable or bound to something, often carrying a forensic weight in Scripture. It denotes a person who is subject to a charge, connected to a crime, or accountable for a specific penalty. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in legal or moral contexts where an individual is deemed guilty of an offense or worthy of a particular punishment.
This term highlights the serious consequences of violating divine law. Jesus uses it starkly in Matthew 5:21-22 to warn that anger toward a brother makes one liable to judgment, just as insulting someone renders them subject to the council. Similarly, in Mark 3:29, blasphemy against the Spirit is described as making one enochos to eternal condemnation, emphasizing the gravity of the offense.
The word’s force lies in its implication of obligation and consequence. It is not merely about feeling guilty but about being legally or morally bound to answer for an action. Translators often render it as "liable," "guilty," or "worthy of punishment," depending on whether the context focuses on the crime committed or the penalty incurred. This usage underscores the seriousness with which Scripture treats moral accountability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word enochos reminds us that our actions carry real weight. It describes a state of being held liable or accountable for what we do. In everyday life, this might feel like a heavy burden, but in Scripture, it highlights the seriousness of how we treat others and God. When Jesus speaks about anger or harsh words, He is not just describing bad manners; He is pointing out that these attitudes make us liable to judgment. This is a sobering thought, yet it also shows how seriously God takes our relationships.
Understanding this word helps us see why forgiveness and humility are so important. We all stumble, and sometimes we feel the full force of our own accountability. But the Gospel offers hope because Jesus took that liability upon Himself. Instead of facing condemnation alone, we can find mercy in Him. This knowledge invites us to be careful with our words and hearts, not out of fear, but out of gratitude for the grace that covers our failures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- liable4×
- guilty2×
- subject1×
- guilty.1×
- deserving1×
- Deserving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔνοχος6×
- ἔνοχός1×
- ἔνοχος.1×
- ἔνοχον1×
- ἔνοχοι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
Jesus uses this concept to show that uncontrolled anger makes a person liable to judgment, linking internal attitude to external consequence.
-
Mark 3:29
but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.”
This verse highlights the ultimate seriousness of the term, stating that blasphemy against the Spirit leaves one subject to eternal condemnation.
-
James 2:10
For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.
James uses this idea to explain that failing in even one point makes a person guilty of breaking the entire law, emphasizing total accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does enochos mean in the Bible?
How is enochos different from just feeling guilty?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of…
Matthew 5:22But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever…
Matthew 26:66What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death!”