Brief Overview of εἴκω (Strong’s G1503: eíkō)

Introduction:

Understanding Greek verbs like εἴκω (eíkō) is crucial for interpreting the subtleties of ancient Greek texts, including the New Testament. Although εἴκω does not appear frequently in the New Testament, its significance in ancient Greek literature and philosophy makes it an important word to study. The verb εἴκω means “to yield” or “to give way,” concepts that were integral to Greek thought, especially in discussions surrounding conflict, power dynamics, and moral decision-making. By exploring εἴκω, we gain insights into how ancient Greeks conceptualized actions involving resistance, submission, and compromise—ideas that resonate in various contexts, including the early Christian teachings.

Key Information:

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• Greek Word: εἴκω (eíkō) [AY-koh]
• Etymology: Likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *eik-, meaning “to yield” or “to give way.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present active indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To yield
• To give way
• To submit or surrender

Similar Words:

• ὑποχωρέω (hypochōréō) [hoo-poh-kho-REH-oh]: A verb meaning “to withdraw” or “to retreat,” used in similar contexts where yielding or stepping back is implied.
• ὑπακούω (hypakoúō) [hoo-pah-KOO-oh]: Meaning “to obey” or “to listen to,” this verb emphasizes submission to authority, a concept closely related to yielding.
• παραιτέομαι (paraiteomai) [pah-ra-EE-teh-oh-mai]: A verb meaning “to refuse” or “to decline,” implying yielding to another’s will or request by stepping back.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἴκω is a present active indicative verb, used to describe an action that is either ongoing or generally true.
• Verb Conjugation: As a Greek verb, εἴκω follows regular conjugation patterns. It is usually found in the present tense but can be conjugated in other tenses as well.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes εἴκω as a verb meaning “to yield” or “to give way,” typically used in contexts where one surrenders or retreats. The lexicon notes that while εἴκω is rare in the New Testament, it has a more significant presence in classical Greek literature, where it is associated with discussions of moral philosophy and ethical behavior.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon defines εἴκω as “to yield” or “to submit,” highlighting its use in both literal and figurative contexts. Thayer’s emphasizes that the word can describe both physical yielding, such as retreating in battle, and metaphorical yielding, such as giving in to temptation or authority.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary describes εἴκω as a verb denoting giving way or submitting, often in contexts involving conflict or decision-making. Vine’s suggests that understanding this verb can illuminate broader themes of surrender and compromise in ancient Greek thought and literature.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon provides a comprehensive overview of εἴκω, tracing its usage from Homeric epics to later philosophical texts. The lexicon highlights the word’s role in describing acts of submission, whether in physical, moral, or social contexts, and its importance in discussions of virtue and vice.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἴκω as a verb meaning “to yield” or “to give way,” noting its limited but meaningful appearance in Greek texts. Strong’s emphasizes that the verb often implies a conscious decision to surrender or retreat in the face of opposition or challenge.

Scripture References:

• εἴκω itself does not appear in the New Testament. However, the concept it represents—yielding or giving way—is present in various passages discussing submission, resistance, or compromise.

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἴκω (G1503: eíkō)

The Greek verb εἴκω (eíkō), meaning “to yield” or “to give way,” plays a critical role in classical Greek literature, where it often appears in discussions about conflict, morality, and ethical decision-making. While this verb does not appear in the New Testament, its significance in broader Greek culture provides valuable insights into the ancient understanding of submission and resistance. Studying εἴκω allows us to appreciate how the concept of yielding was understood and applied in various contexts, from physical combat to moral dilemmas.

Did You Know?

The concept of yielding or giving way, encapsulated by the verb εἴκω, was not only a physical action but also a significant moral and philosophical concept in ancient Greece. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle discussed the virtues of knowing when to yield and when to stand firm, making εἴκω a term that straddles both practical and ethical realms in Greek thought.