ἐναγκαλίζομαι

From the study of Mark 10:16

Range of meaning

To take into the arms, hold in the arms, embrace. It comes from ankalē, 'the bent arm', the arm curled to carry or hug. It is a physical, close word: carrying and cradling, not a formal greeting.

Against the English

'Took them in his arms' (BSB, WEB, YLT) and 'took them up in his arms' (KJV) are accurate. 'Took them up' is a good touch, since a small child taken into the arms is usually lifted. 'Embraced' is also correct but can sound more formal than the Greek picture of cradling.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament the word appears only in Mark: here and in 9:36, where Jesus sets a child among the disciples and takes it in his arms. The related noun is used in Luke 2:28, where Simeon takes the baby Jesus 'into his arms' (eis tas ankalas). In the Greek Old Testament the verb shows up in Proverbs 6:10 / 24:33 for folding the arms against the chest. Elsewhere in Greek it is used for hugging and holding close.

From the study of Mark 9:36

Range of meaning

To take into the crook of one's arms, to hug or hold close (from en, 'in', plus ankalē, 'bent arm'). It is a rare word, appearing only twice in the New Testament.

Against the English

KJV, WEB and BSB have 'taken (him/the child) in his arms'; NIV and NLT are similar. 'Took in his arms' is accurate. 'Embraced' would bring out the warmth a little more. None of the major versions loses the image.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the LXX, the related phrase in Prov 6:10 and 24:33 describes folding the arms over the chest. In classical and later Greek it means holding someone in one's arms. In the New Testament it appears only at Mark 9:36 and 10:16, where Jesus takes children in his arms and blesses them.