Exegetical Meaning

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle) | Etymology: from a primary (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); | KJV: law

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Exegetical Meaning

The Greek word *entolē* refers to a command or instruction given by someone in authority—a directive that expects to be obeyed. At its heart, it carries the weight of obligation; when someone issues an *entolē*, they're not making a suggestion or offering advice, but laying down an expectation that should be followed. The word captures that authoritative quality of a genuine order, whether it comes from a military commander, a parent, or God himself. In Scripture, *entolē* appears frequently when referring to God's commands, especially in passages about the Law and obedience. You'll see it used for the Ten Commandments and for Jesus's teachings about how his followers should live. What's important to understand is that the word doesn't necessarily imply harshness or burden—it simply means a clear instruction deserving compliance. When Jesus speaks of his commandments to his disciples in John 14:15 ("If you love me, keep my commandments"), he uses *entolē* to describe directives rooted in love and relationship. The word is most commonly translated as "commandment" or "precept" in English Bibles. Sometimes you'll encounter "instruction" or "injunction" depending on context. The key is recognizing that whenever you see this word, Scripture is pointing to something God has clearly prescribed—something worth taking seriously and acting upon.

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