ἐντός (entos)
entos
inside
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb entos means simply "within" or "inside." In the New Testament it appears only twice, yet each instance carries significant weight by locating something intangible in a specific physical or spiritual space. It functions as a preposition taking the genitive case to define what lies inside.
Its most famous usage occurs in Luke 17:21, where Jesus tells the Pharisees that the kingdom of God is "within you" (entos hymōn). Translators and scholars have long debated whether this phrase points to an inner spiritual reality within the human heart or a physical presence among the people. The word itself does not resolve this debate; it merely marks the location as interior.
The second occurrence in Matthew 23:26 describes the inside of a cup. Jesus uses the term to contrast outward cleanliness with inward moral corruption, highlighting that true purity must begin within. In both cases, entos directs attention away from external appearances toward what is hidden beneath the surface.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word entos reminds us that what matters most often lies beneath the surface. In Matthew 23:26, Jesus uses it to describe the inside of a cup. He points out that cleaning only the exterior leaves the interior untouched, mirroring how we might focus on outward behavior while neglecting our inner character. This image invites honest self-reflection rather than harsh judgment.
Luke 17:21 offers another perspective by stating that God’s Kingdom is within us. While scholars debate whether this means inside the human heart or present among the people, the word itself directs attention inward. It suggests that divine presence and spiritual reality are not just external events but intimate experiences found in the depths of our being.
These two uses show that entos bridges physical space and spiritual truth. Whether looking at a cup or searching for God, the focus shifts from what is visible to what is real. This encourages a faith that values inner integrity and personal connection with the divine over mere appearance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- inside1×
- in the midst1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐντὸς2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 23:26
You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.
Jesus uses entos to contrast external ritual cleanliness with internal moral corruption, emphasizing that true purity must begin within.
-
Luke 17:21
neither will they say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, God’s Kingdom is within you.”
The term locates the Kingdom of God in an interior space, prompting reflection on whether this refers to the human heart or immediate presence among the listeners.