Lexical Summary egkainizo: To dedicate, to inaugurate, to renew Original Word: ἐγκαινίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consecrate, dedicate. From egkainia; to renew, i.e. Inaugurate -- consecrate, dedicate. see GREEK egkainia HELPS Word-studies 1457 egkainízō (from 1722 /en, "in" and kainizō, "make fresh, new") – properly, make qualitatively new (like consecrating or dedicating something); to renew (inaugurate), advancing to a new sphere (dimension) of reality. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1457: ἐγκαινίζωἐγκαινίζω (T WH ἐνκαινίζω, see ἐν, III 3): 1 aorist ἐνεκαινισα; perfect passive ἐγκεκαινισμαι; a word exclusively Biblical and ecclesiastical (Winers Grammar, 33); to innovate, i. e.: 1. to renew: 2 Chronicles 15:8. 2. to do anew, again: σημεῖα, Sir. 33:6 (Sir. 36:6). 3. to initiate, consecrate, dedicate, (Deuteronomy 20:5; 1 Kings 8:63; 1 Samuel 11:14, etc.): διαθήκην, Hebrews 9:18; ὁδόν, Hebrews 10:20. STRONGS NT 1457a: ἐγκακέωἐγκακέω, ἐγκάκω ((see below); 1 aorist ἐνεκάκησα; (κακός); (properly, to behave badly in; hence) to be weary in anything, or to lose courage, flag, faint: adopted by L T Tr WH in place of R G ἐκκακέω (which see) in Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:13 — except that T WH write ἐνκακέω in Luke 18:1; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 3:13; so WH in 2 Thessalonians 3:13, also; see ἐν, III. 3; (cf. Tdf.'s note on 2 Corinthians 4:1; Meyer ibid., who thinks that ἐκκακέω may have been a colloquial form. See the full exhibition of the usage of the manuscripts given by Dr. Gregory in his Proleg. to Tdf. edition 8, p. 78.) (Found a few times in Symm. (Genesis 27:46; Numbers 21:5; Isaiah 7:16; also Proverbs 3:11 Theod.); Clement of Rome, 2 Cor. 2, 2 [ET]; in secular writings only in Polybius 4, 19, 10 τό πέμπειν τάς βοηθείας ἐνεκακησαν they culpably neglected to send aid (add Philo de confus. lingg. § 13 (Mang. i., 412, 36) οὐκ ἐκκακουμενος; ἐκναμφθην.) Strong’s Greek 1457 highlights the decisive act of inaugurating or dedicating something wholly to God. In Scripture it marks the formal beginning of a covenantal relationship or access that did not exist before. Its two New Testament occurrences stand in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where the writer contrasts the inauguration of the Mosaic covenant with the superior dedication accomplished by Jesus Christ. Old Testament Background • In the Septuagint the cognate verb and noun group describe the dedication of the altar and tabernacle furnishings (Numbers 7:10; Numbers 7:84) and the temple under Solomon (1 Kings 8:63; 2 Chronicles 7:5). Usage in the Epistle to the Hebrews Hebrews 9:18 draws the reader back to Exodus 24:5–8: “Even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood”. Blood marked the public ratification of Israel’s relationship with Yahweh. Hebrews 10:20 then presents the fulfillment: “by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body”. Christ’s own sacrifice becomes the act that dedicates forever-open access to the heavenly Holy of Holies. Theological Implications 1. Covenant Ratification: Both covenants are launched by sacrificial blood, yet only Christ’s blood perfects and endures (Hebrews 9:12). Connections with Covenant Theology • Jeremiah 31:31–34 foretold a new covenant inscribed on hearts. Hebrews 8:6–13 cites this prophecy and ties its formal commencement to Jesus’ death. Historical Insights Greek inscriptions use the verb family for unveiling temples, statues, or city gates—public ceremonies that declared a new reality. Hebrews leverages a familiar civic term to proclaim the grandest of dedications: a crucified and risen High Priest ushering believers into God’s presence. The term’s linkage with the Feast of Dedication would also resonate with Jewish readers who honored the temple’s rededication after desecration. Practical Ministry Applications • Personal Consecration: Believers are called to embody the reality that their lives and bodies have been “dedicated” through Christ (Romans 12:1). Worship and Liturgical Reflection Each celebration of Communion proclaims the inaugurated covenant, encouraging joyful confidence to “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). Hymns and prayers that recall the opened veil anchor congregations in the once-for-all dedication accomplished by Christ. Related Terms and Concepts Covenant, blood, consecration, newness, sanctuary, altar, Feast of Dedication, mediator, access, worship. Conclusion Strong’s 1457 encapsulates God’s pattern of beginning sacred relationships and spaces through sacrificial dedication. From Sinai’s sprinkled altar to the torn curtain at Golgotha, Scripture traces one continuous storyline: God inaugurating a dwelling with His people, culminating in Jesus Christ, whose blood permanently consecrates believers for unhindered fellowship with the living God. Englishman's Concordance Hebrews 9:18 V-RIM/P-3SGRK: χωρὶς αἵματος ἐνκεκαίνισται NAS: the first [covenant] was not inaugurated without KJV: the first [testament] was dedicated without INT: apart from blood has been inaugurated Hebrews 10:20 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 1457 |
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