ἐντέλλομαι

I give orders, command

Definition

The verb ἐντέλλομαι means to give a command, order, or instruction, often with a sense of formal authority and enduring obligation. In the New Testament, it is used for divine commands from God, such as the instructions given in the Law (Matthew 15:4, Mark 10:3). It also describes authoritative instructions given by Jesus to his disciples, as seen when he commands them to keep his teachings (Matthew 28:20) or gives specific orders about his transfiguration (Matthew 17:9). The term implies that the command carries weight and is to be obeyed.

Biblical Usage

ἐντέλλομαι appears 17 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and Acts. It is frequently used in discussions about the Mosaic Law, where characters cite what 'Moses commanded' (Matthew 19:7, Mark 10:3). Jesus also uses it for his own authoritative instructions, giving it a new covenantal context (Matthew 28:20). In narrative settings, it describes a master giving orders to servants (Mark 13:34) or specific directives for a task (Mark 11:6).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in') and the root related to τέλλω (tellō, 'to accomplish' or 'to bring to an end'), though the latter is rare. The compound suggests the idea of imposing a charge or duty 'upon' someone. Cognates include ἐντολή (entolē, G1785, 'commandment'), which is the noun form. The meaning centers on the authoritative delivery of an instruction that is to be carried out.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges divine authority in the Old Covenant (the Law given through Moses) and the New Covenant (the teachings of Jesus). When Jesus commands (ἐντέλλομαι) his followers in Matthew 28:20, it establishes his words with the same ultimate authority as God's earlier commands, forming the basis for Christian discipleship and obedience. Understanding this term highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God's authoritative instruction in Christ.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish cultural context, commands from a superior (a master, king, or God) were expected to be obeyed without question. The term implies a formal, binding charge, not a casual suggestion. For Jewish listeners, it would directly evoke the commandments (ἐντολαί) of the Torah, the binding instructions of God. Jesus' use of the same term for his own teachings would have been striking, asserting his divine authority on par with the Law.

κελεύω (keleuō, G2753) — a more general term for giving an order, often in military or immediate contexts, with less emphasis on lasting authority. παραγγέλλω (parangellō, G3853) — to command, charge, or announce, frequently used for instructions from a leader, especially Paul in his letters; can imply a command passed along. λέγω (legō, G3004) — a very common verb meaning 'to say' or 'speak,' which can be used for commands but lacks the specific nuance of formal, authoritative injunction.

Word Details

Scripture References