Brief Overview of ἐκφέρω (Strong’s G1627: ekphero)

Introduction

In the study of the New Testament, understanding the nuances of Greek vocabulary is crucial for grasping the full meaning of the texts. The Greek word ἐκφέρω (ekphero) is a verb with significant implications both in the context of ancient Greek culture and Biblical interpretation. This word, used in various contexts to mean “bring forth,” “carry out,” or “bear,” appears in several key New Testament passages. Understanding ἐκφέρω not only deepens our comprehension of these specific verses but also offers insights into the broader cultural and theological significance of bearing or bringing forth, a concept central to many Biblical narratives.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκφέρω (ekphero) [EK-feh-roh]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and the verb φέρω (phero), meaning “to carry” or “to bear.” Together, ἐκφέρω literally means “to carry out” or “to bring forth.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To bring out or carry out: ἐκφέρω is commonly used to describe the act of carrying something out, whether physically, such as carrying out a body, or metaphorically, such as bringing forth a message or command.
• To bear or produce: In some contexts, the word can refer to bearing fruit or producing something, emphasizing the result of an action.
• To lead out or bring forth: The term can also imply leading or bringing something or someone out into the open, often in a more figurative sense.

Similar Words:

• φέρω (phero): This is the root word of ἐκφέρω and is a more general term meaning “to carry” or “to bear.” While ἐκφέρω specifically implies bringing something out, φέρω can be used more broadly.
• ἐκβάλλω (ekballo): Meaning “to cast out” or “to throw out,” this word shares the prefix ἐκ- with ἐκφέρω, but it often has a more forceful connotation, whereas ἐκφέρω can be more neutral or positive.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a verb, ἐκφέρω follows standard Greek conjugation patterns. It is most commonly found in the present active indicative form but can appear in other tenses depending on the context. The compound nature of the word (ἐκ + φέρω) emphasizes the action of carrying something out from within a place or situation.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: This lexicon highlights the use of ἐκφέρω in both literal and metaphorical contexts, noting its common occurrence in narratives involving the removal or bringing out of objects or people.
• Thayer’s: Defines ἐκφέρω as “to carry out” or “to bring forth,” with an emphasis on its New Testament usage in passages where bodies or messages are being carried out.
• Vine’s: Discusses the word primarily in the context of producing or bearing, with examples from both secular and Biblical Greek literature.
• LSJ: Lists several classical usages of ἐκφέρω, ranging from carrying out a body from a battlefield to bringing forth an argument in a debate.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes the specific application of ἐκφέρω in various New Testament passages, particularly in contexts involving physical carrying out.

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Scripture References

• Mark 15:20 – “And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out (ἐξήγαγον, aorist form of ἐκφέρω) to crucify him.”
• Acts 5:6 – “Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out (ἐκφέρω) and buried him.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκφέρω (G1627: ekphero)

The Greek word ἐκφέρω (ekphero) is a versatile verb that plays a significant role in both Biblical and classical Greek texts. It generally means “to carry out” or “to bring forth,” whether referring to physical objects, people, or more abstract concepts like ideas or commands. Its use in the New Testament adds depth to narratives involving movement, removal, or presentation, especially in solemn or significant contexts. Understanding ἐκφέρω enriches the reader’s comprehension of these passages, highlighting the importance of action and bringing forth in both practical and metaphorical senses.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκφέρω was commonly used in ancient Greek society to describe the act of carrying out the dead from the city for burial, a practice that reflected deep respect for the deceased. This cultural practice is echoed in the New Testament, where ἐκφέρω often appears in the context of burial and carrying out significant actions.