ἔνταλμα (entalma)
entalma
precept
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun entalma refers to a specific command or precept issued by an authority. Derived from the verb entellō, meaning "to charge" or "to order," it denotes a formal injunction rather than a general principle. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, always in the plural form, emphasizing established rules of conduct.
The word carries a tone of strict obligation. Jesus uses it in Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7 to critique religious traditions that people elevate above divine law, quoting Isaiah to show how human ordinances can obscure true worship. Similarly, Colossians 2:22 describes regulations concerning food and drink as "precepts" that have an appearance of wisdom but lack spiritual power. The term highlights the contrast between external rules and internal faith.
Its usage in these contexts underscores a tension between human tradition and divine command. By labeling certain practices as entalmata, the biblical authors distinguish between God’s authoritative instructions and man-made requirements. This distinction remains central to understanding how early Christians navigated cultural norms against their theological convictions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word entalma points to a specific command or rule issued by an authority. It is not a vague suggestion but a formal instruction that demands obedience. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, always in the plural form. This repetition highlights how established rules of conduct were central to the religious debates of that era.
Jesus used this word to critique those who elevated human traditions above divine law. He warned that following man-made precepts can lead to worship that is empty and vain. This reminds us to test our practices against Scripture, ensuring they align with God’s will rather than mere cultural habits.
Similarly, the letter to the Colossians warns against regulations that have an appearance of wisdom but lack spiritual power. These rules might seem wise for self-control, but they cannot transform the heart. True faith rests on Christ alone, not on external requirements that perish with use.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] precepts2×
- commandments1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐντάλματα3×
Key Verses
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Matthew 15:9
And they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’”
Jesus quotes Isaiah to show how human traditions can obscure true worship when they replace God's commands.
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Mark 7:7
They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
This verse parallels Matthew, emphasizing that teaching man-made commandments as doctrine leads to vain worship.
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Colossians 2:22
(all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?
Paul uses this term to describe regulations that seem wise but lack any value in restraining the flesh.