The term "entangleth" is derived from the verb "entangle," which means to become involved in difficulties or complicated circumstances from which it is hard to escape. In the context of the Bible, "entangleth" is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral ensnarement that hinders one's walk with God.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Timothy 2:4 : "No soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." This verse uses the metaphor of a soldier to illustrate the Christian's call to avoid becoming ensnared in worldly matters that distract from serving Christ. The imagery suggests a single-minded devotion to the mission given by God, free from the distractions and complications of secular life.

2. 2 Peter 2:20 : "If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final state is worse than it was at first." Here, the apostle Peter warns against returning to sinful behaviors after having been freed through the knowledge of Christ. The term "entangled" signifies a relapse into sin, which results in a more perilous spiritual condition than before conversion.

Theological Implications:

The concept of being "entangled" in the Bible often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a state of bondage or captivity to sin, the world, or false teachings. It implies a loss of freedom and a hindrance to spiritual growth and effectiveness. The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to remain vigilant and steadfast, avoiding the snares that can lead to spiritual downfall.

Practical Application:

For Christians, the admonition against becoming "entangled" serves as a call to maintain spiritual discipline and focus. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to be wary of influences that can lead them away from their faith. This involves a conscious effort to disentangle oneself from sin, worldly distractions, and false doctrines, thereby living a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His purposes.

Related Concepts:

· Worldliness: The Bible often contrasts the life of a believer with the ways of the world. Being "entangled" in worldly affairs can lead to spiritual compromise and a diminished witness for Christ.

· Sin and Temptation: Entanglement in sin is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace to overcome the power of sin.

· Spiritual Warfare: The imagery of a soldier in 2 Timothy 2:4 underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where believers must remain focused and undistracted by the entanglements of life to effectively serve their Commander, Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

The biblical use of "entangleth" serves as a powerful reminder of the potential pitfalls in the Christian journey. It calls for vigilance, dedication, and a continual reliance on the Holy Spirit to navigate the complexities of life while maintaining a steadfast commitment to Christ.

2 Timothy ii. 7-Jan
... No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that
he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. ...
/.../homily iv 2 timothy ii.htm

Exhortations to Earnestness and Moderation.
... "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may
please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier; and if a man also strive for ...
/.../chapter i exhortations to earnestness and.htm

There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the ...
... Wherein if there is any error, yet as Truth is that which setteth free from all
error, and Falsehood that which entangleth in all error, one never errs more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 1 there is a.htm

For He Himself Also, with an Eye to the Like Necessities of Saints ...
... No man, going a warfare for God, entangleth himself with secular business;
that he may please Him to whom he hath proved himself. ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 16 for he himself.htm

Epistle Lxv. To the Clergy and People Abiding at Furni, About ...
... For it is written: "No man that warreth for God entangleth himself with the affairs
of this life, that he may please Him to whom he has pledged himself." [2737 ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxv to the clergy.htm

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within ...
... minds of the religious from consort with the world by summoning, nay rather enlisting
them, when he says, No man that warreth for God entangleth himself with ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vii that the ruler.htm

Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight?
... clerics, because they unsettle the mind too much, so too are warlike pursuits,
according to 2:Tim.2:4: "No man being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for.htm

Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes of all Things?
... Law are more strictly forbidden to occupy themselves in money-making trades, according
to 2:Tim.2:4, "No man being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether men are bound to 3.htm

Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Occupy Themselves with ...
... all the Fathers, not only to religious, but also to all the canonical clergy,"
according to 2:Tim.2:4, "No man being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 14.htm

Of the Inward Life
... all earthly things. Nothing so defileth and entangleth the heart of man
as impure love towards created things. If thou rejectest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter i of the inward.htm

Entangleth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Entangleth (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 2:4 No man
that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this ...
/e/entangleth.htm - 6k

Warreth (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;
that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (KJV WBS). ...
/w/warreth.htm - 6k

Entangling (1 Occurrence)

/e/entangling.htm - 6k

Entangles (2 Occurrences)

/e/entangles.htm - 7k

Service (317 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:4 No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of 'this'
life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. (ASV NAS RSV). ...
/s/service.htm - 42k

Chosen (197 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS). 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs
of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. ...
/c/chosen.htm - 53k

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