Lexical Summary entugchanó: To intercede, to make petition, to appeal Original Word: ἐντυγχάνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance plead with, make intercession. From en and tugchano; to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against) -- deal with, make intercession. see GREEK en see GREEK tugchano HELPS Word-studies 1793 entygxánō (from 1722 /en, "in," which intensifies 5177 /tygxánō, "to obtain by hitting the mark") – properly, "light upon (meet with), obtain" (LS); "to go and meet a person to converse, consult," i.e. to intervene ("intersect with"). [J. Thayer documents how this meaning is consistently the same in ancient Greek writers. The root of 5177 (tygxánō) means "to strike, hit the bulls-eye" ("spot on"). Accordingly, it is used in classical Greek as the antonym of harmartia ("to miss the mark, sin"), so Lucian, Xenophon, Homer, etc. (see Thayer, 5177 /tygxánō).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and tugchanó Definition to chance upon, by impl. confer with, by ext. entreat NASB Translation appealed (1), intercedes (2), make intercession (1), pleads (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1793: ἐντυγχάνωἐντυγχάνω; 2 aorist ἐνέτυχον; generally with a dative either of person or of thing; 1. to light upon a person or a thing, fall in with, hit upon, a person or a thing; so often in Attic. 2. to go to or meet a person, especially for the purpose of conversation, consultation, or supplication (Polybius, Plutarch, Aelian, others): with the addition περί τίνος, the genitive of person, for the purpose of consulting about a person, Acts 25:24 (R. V. made suit); to make petition: ἐνέτυχον τῷ κυρίῳ καί ἐδεήθην αὐτοῦ, Wis. 8:21; ἐνέτυχον τῷ βασιλεῖ τήν ἀπόλυσιν ... αἰτούμενοι, 3Macc. 6:37; hence, to pray, entreat: ὑπέρ with the genitive of person to make intercession for anyone (the dative of the person approached in prayer being omitted, as evident from the context), Romans 8:21, 34; Hebrews 7:25, (followed by περί with the genitive of person, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 56, 1 [ET]); τίνι κατά τίνος (to plead with one against anyone), to accuse one to anyone, Romans 11:2, cf. 1 Macc. 8:32 1 Macc. 10:61, 63f 1 Macc. 11:25. (Not found in the Sept.) (Compare: ὑπερεντυγχάνω.) ἐντυγχάνω (entynchánō) conveys purposeful approach to a superior on behalf of another. The verb is not casual prayer; it is an urgent appeal that carries the thought of access, advocacy, and prevailing representation. Whether voiced by accusers, prophets, the Holy Spirit, or the exalted Christ, it always describes speaking into the presence of authority with specific intent. Old Testament Background The Septuagint often employs cognate terms when Moses, Samuel, or the prophets “stand before” the LORD for Israel (for example, Exodus 32:11; Jeremiah 15:1). This background informs the New Testament writer’s choice: genuine intercession is relational access granted by God, not human presumption. The earthly priesthood foreshadowed a heavenly, perfect Advocate. Historical Usage in Acts 25:24 In Luke’s courtroom narrative the Jewish leaders “petitioned” (ἐνέτυχόν) Festus against Paul. Their repeated, united appeals demonstrate the word’s legal flavor: they were not merely complaining but pressing an official to act. This negative illustration highlights the stakes of intercession—when misdirected, it seeks condemnation; when directed by the Spirit, it seeks deliverance. The contrast prepares the reader for Paul’s later exposition of Christ’s righteous advocacy. Pauline Theology of Intercession (Romans 8) 1. The Spirit’s intercession (Romans 8:27). “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” The Spirit does not replace believer-prayer; He perfects it. While human weakness stumbles, the Spirit prays infallibly in harmony with divine purpose. The verb underscores that these petitions rise from within the believer yet reach the throne undistorted. 2. Christ’s intercession (Romans 8:34). “Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.” Calvary accomplished atonement; the Resurrection installed a living Advocate. Paul joins past, present, and future saving work in one verse. Because Christ’s intercession is continuous, no accusation can stand. The pastoral outcome is assurance: persecution, distress, or death cannot sever believers from the love of God in Christ. Intercession and Israel (Romans 11:2) Quoting Elijah, Paul writes, “Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel?” Elijah’s plea was a bold protest (cf. 1 Kings 19:10). Paul uses ἐντυγχάνω to show that even a prophet can misalign his desires with God’s redemptive plan. The Lord answers Elijah with seven thousand preserved believers, illustrating divine faithfulness despite flawed human intercession. Paul’s larger argument affirms that God’s covenant purpose for Israel remains intact; misguided petitions cannot nullify election. Christ as Eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:25) “Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews places ἐντυγχάνω in a priestly framework. The once-for-all offering (verse 27) is complemented by perpetual advocacy. “Save completely” (παντελῶς) means both duration and extent—temporal (to the uttermost) and qualitative (to perfection). Because Christ’s life cannot end, neither can His mediation. The believer’s security rests upon an indestructible priesthood rather than personal merit. Doctrinal Significance 1. Assurance of Salvation: Continuous intercession safeguards justified sinners against future condemnation. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Preaching: Highlight Christ’s living advocacy to combat fear and legalism. Practical Encouragement for Intercessors Believers emulate, but never replace, their heavenly Advocate. Knowing that both the Spirit and the Son present perfect petitions should humble human intercessors, yet embolden them to “come boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Persistent, informed, Scripture-saturated prayer becomes a joyful partnership with divine mediation. Conclusion Strong’s 1793 traces a line from flawed human appeals, through prophetic lament, to the Spirit’s groanings and the Son’s exalted pleas. Each occurrence magnifies the gospel: sinners are redeemed and preserved because the Triune God delights to plead their cause. Englishman's Concordance Acts 25:24 V-AIA-3SGRK: τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἐνέτυχόν μοι ἔν NAS: of the Jews appealed to me, both KJV: of the Jews have dealt with me, INT: of the Jews pleaded with me in Romans 8:27 V-PIA-3S Romans 8:34 V-PIA-3S Romans 11:2 V-PIA-3S Hebrews 7:25 V-PNA Strong's Greek 1793 |
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