ΕΝΤΑΛΜΑ

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ἔνταλμα primarily denotes a "command, injunction, order," a noun signifying an official directive or authorization. The word originates from the verb ἐντέλλω (entellō), meaning "to entrust, to command, to give an order." Its usage is broad, encompassing administrative and legal acts, as well as religious or ethical precepts.

In classical Athens, an ἔνταλμα could be an official command from the state to an official, or an instruction to citizens. The word implies the existence of a superior authority issuing the command and the recipient's obligation to execute it. It is not merely advice but a binding directive, often carrying legal weight.

Over time, particularly in Koine Greek and Hellenistic texts, the meaning of ἔνταλμα expanded to include any kind of command or ordinance, including divine commands or moral imperatives. In Christian literature, although the word ἐντολή (entolē) is more frequent, ἔνταλμα retains its official and binding character, often in legal or administrative contexts, as seen in Colossians 2:22.

The word maintains its significance in Modern Greek, primarily in the legal sphere, where "ένταλμα σύλληψης" (arrest warrant) or "ένταλμα πληρωμής" (payment order) are common terms, underscoring the continuity of the concept of an official and binding command.

Main Meanings

1. Official command, injunction — The primary meaning, a binding directive from a superior authority.
2. Administrative or legal order — A document issued by the state or a court, e.g., an "arrest warrant" or "payment order."
3. Precept, mandate — An imposition or requirement, often with moral or religious content.
4. Assignment, charge — The act of entrusting a duty or responsibility.
5. Authorization — The granting of official permission or right to perform an action.
6. Instruction, directive (with authority) — A guideline that must be followed, not merely a suggestion.

Word Family

TEL- (root of the verb τέλλω, meaning "to complete, to command")

The Ancient Greek root TEL- is fundamental to understanding concepts related to completion, purpose, authority, and execution. It derives from the verb τέλλω (tellō), which originally meant "to raise, to lift" and subsequently "to complete, to accomplish, to bring to an end." From this idea of completion, the meaning of "command" or "order" developed, as a command is something that must be completed or executed. This root has given rise to a plethora of words covering a wide range of meanings, from the end of an event to the performance of a religious ceremony or an administrative act.

In Ancient Texts

The use of entallma in various texts highlights its official and binding nature.

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΕΝΤΑΛΜΑ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, with a revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
• Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
• Demosthenes — Orations. Edited and translated by J. H. Vince. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1935.
• Diodorus Siculus — Library of History. Edited and translated by C. H. Oldfather. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1933.
• Thucydides — History of the Peloponnesian War. Edited and translated by C. F. Smith. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1919.
• Bible, New Testament — Novum Testamentum Graece. Edited by B. Aland et al. 28th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.
• Montanari, F. — Vocabolario della lingua greca. 3rd ed. Torino: Loescher, 2013.