ἐντολή (entolē)
entolē
commandment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 63 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun entolē denotes a command or injunction, carrying the weight of an authoritative prescription rather than a mere suggestion. In the New Testament, it is the standard term for religious precepts, most frequently translating the Hebrew miswah from the Old Testament. This lexical choice bridges the gap between ancient Israelite law and early Christian teaching, appearing prominently in the Gospels and the First Epistle of John to describe God’s directives.
The word encompasses a range of meanings, from the Ten Commandments cited by Jesus in Matthew 19:17 to the specific instructions Christ received from the Father, as seen in John 12:49. It also refers to the "new commandment" of mutual love that Jesus gives his disciples in John 13:34. Translators typically render it as "commandment," though this can sometimes obscure the nuance of a personal charge or order given by a superior.
A distinctive feature of entolē is its use in contexts where human traditions are contrasted with divine authority. For instance, Mark 7:8-9 records Jesus criticizing those who hold to "the commandments of men" while neglecting God’s law. This usage highlights the word’s role in defining authentic obedience against cultural or legalistic additions, emphasizing that true faithfulness follows the authoritative word of God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word entolē carries the weight of an authoritative instruction from a superior. In the New Testament, it bridges the gap between ancient Israel’s laws and the teachings Jesus gave to his followers. It is not merely a suggestion but a clear directive that shapes how we live out our faith in daily life.
Jesus often used this term to highlight what truly matters to God. He contrasted human traditions with divine commands, showing that authentic obedience comes from listening to God’s voice rather than following cultural habits. This distinction helps us focus on the core principles of love and righteousness.
For your Christian walk, understanding entolē reminds us that our actions are responses to a loving Father’s guidance. When we keep His commands, we demonstrate our trust in Him. This connection between belief and behavior is central to a life that honors God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 63 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- commandment22×
- commandments19×
- a commandment7×
- commandment.5×
- [the] commandment3×
- to [the] commandments1×
- of commandments1×
- of a commandment1×
- instructions:1×
- commands1×
- commandments:1×
- commandments.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐντολὴν16×
- ἐντολὰς14×
- ἐντολὴ10×
- ἐντολῆς7×
- ἐντολῶν3×
- ἐντολαῖς3×
- ἐντολή.2×
- ἐντολάς2×
- Ἐντολὴν1×
- ἐντολῶν·1×
- ἐντολῆς.¶1×
- ἐντολῆς.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:17
He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Jesus redirects the focus from his own goodness to the necessity of keeping God's commandments as the path to life.
-
Mark 7:8
“For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.”
This verse highlights the tension between human traditions and the authoritative commandment of God, warning against replacing divine instruction with cultural practices.
-
John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
Jesus introduces a 'new commandment' that redefines obedience through the specific lens of mutual love among disciples.
-
John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commandments.
This occurrence directly links the act of loving Jesus with the practical outcome of keeping his commandments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does entolē mean in the New Testament?
How is entolē different from nomos?
Where does Jesus mention a new commandment?
Why does Jesus contrast entolē with tradition?
Every Occurrence (63 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 6 verses
Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the…
Matthew 15:3He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?
Matthew 19:17He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life,…
Matthew 22:36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”
Matthew 22:38This is the first and great commandment.
Matthew 22:40The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”