Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐγκαθέτος, the concept of spies or informants can be related to Hebrew terms such as רָגַל (ragal, Strong's H7270), which means "to spy" or "to explore," and מְרַגֵּל (meraggel, Strong's H7270), meaning "spy" or "scout." These terms are used in the Old Testament to describe individuals sent to gather information, as seen in the story of the twelve spies sent to Canaan (Numbers 13).

Usage: The term ἐγκαθέτος is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are secretly placed within a group to act as spies or informants. It appears in contexts where deceit and hidden motives are at play.

Context: The Greek term ἐγκαθέτος is found in the New Testament in Luke 20:20, where it describes individuals who were secretly placed to observe Jesus and catch Him in His words. The verse reads: "So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Him in something He said, so that they might hand Him over to the power and authority of the governor" (BSB). This passage highlights the malicious intent behind the use of ἐγκαθέτος, as these spies were not merely observers but were actively seeking to trap Jesus through deceit.

The use of ἐγκαθέτος reflects the broader theme of opposition to Jesus' ministry, where religious leaders sought to undermine His authority and teachings. The term underscores the covert and insidious nature of their tactics, as they employed deception to achieve their goals. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of truth versus deceit, where the righteous are often confronted by those who use underhanded methods to oppose God's work.

In the cultural and historical context of the New Testament, espionage and the use of informants were not uncommon, especially in politically charged environments. The presence of ἐγκαθέτος in the Gospel of Luke serves as a reminder of the constant scrutiny and challenges faced by Jesus during His earthly ministry.