Bible Dictionary
ENGAGE
To pledge, become surety, or commit oneself. In Jeremiah 30:21 the expression concerns one who has shown boldness or pledged himself.
Definition
To engage may mean to pledge, become surety, or commit oneself. In older usage it could describe taking responsibility or showing boldness.
Biblical Usage
Jeremiah 30:21 asks, in the King James Version, who has “engaged his heart.” The Revised Version renders the expression “he that hath had boldness,” with a marginal explanation, “hath been surety for his heart.”
Historical Background
The term is derived from a Hebrew verb meaning to pledge.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>en-gaj':</p><p>From `arabh, "to pledge," Jer 30:21, the King James Version "Who is this that engaged his heart?"; the Revised Version (British and American) "he that hath had boldness?"; the Revised Version, margin Hebrew "hath been surety for his heart?"</p>