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G1777 · Greek · New Testament
ἔνοχος
Enochos
Adjective
Liable / Guilty / Subject to judgment

Definition

The Greek adjective enochos means liable, guilty, or subject to a penalty — held within (the grasp of) a legal charge or obligation. It combines en (in) and echo (to hold), creating the image of being 'held in' legal accountability.

Usage & Theological Significance

Jesus uses enochos in the Sermon on the Mount to escalate legal accountability: not just murder but anger makes one enochos to judgment (Matthew 5:21-22). In 1 Corinthians 11:27, eating the Lord's Supper unworthily makes one enochos — guilty against the body and blood of Christ. The word carries the weight of standing before a tribunal.

Theologically, enochos teaches that sin creates real legal liability before God. The only escape is the one who became enochos for us — Christ taking our guilt at the cross.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 5:21 You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'
Matthew 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment (enochos)...
1 Corinthians 11:27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty (enochos) of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
Mark 3:29 ...but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty (enochos) of an eternal sin.

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External Resources

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