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Introduction
The Greek preposition ἐκ (ek) is a small but powerful word in the New Testament, with a wide range of meanings and uses that are pivotal for interpreting Scripture accurately. Understanding ἐκ is essential for grasping the nuances of biblical texts, especially when it comes to concepts like origin, causality, and movement. This word is often translated as “out of,” “from,” or “by,” and it appears frequently in both the Gospels and the Epistles. Its usage is not only significant in theological contexts but also provides insight into the way ancient Greeks understood concepts of origin and separation.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκ (ek) [ek]
- Etymology: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root eghs, meaning “out” or “from.”
- Part of Speech: Preposition (used with the genitive case)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Out of: Indicates origin or source, such as “out of” a place, thing, or concept.
- From: Used to denote the point of departure, often referring to time, place, or cause.
- By: In some contexts, it can mean “by” in terms of agency or means.
Similar Words:
- ἀπό (apo) [ah-po]: Another preposition often translated as “from,” but generally used to indicate separation or distance rather than origin.
- ἐν (en) [en]: Often translated as “in” or “among,” ἐν focuses on being within something rather than originating from it.
Further Insights:
- Morphology:
- The word ἐκ is a preposition that requires the genitive case in Greek, which is used to show possession, origin, or the source. Its usage with the genitive case emphasizes the idea of something coming “out of” or originating from another thing.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG provides an in-depth analysis of ἐκ, noting that it is one of the most common prepositions in the New Testament. The lexicon highlights its role in indicating origin, separation, and causality, and how these meanings are critical for understanding many theological concepts in the New Testament.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes the use of ἐκ in contexts where the focus is on something proceeding out of a source or origin. It is particularly noted for its theological significance in passages that discuss spiritual rebirth, as in “born out of” the Spirit.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἐκ primarily in terms of its role in expressing source or origin, such as “out of” faith, “from” the Father, or “by” the Spirit. It also notes the preposition’s importance in explaining the process of salvation.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon provides examples of ἐκ in both classical and Hellenistic Greek, showing its broad applicability in various contexts. In classical literature, ἐκ is often used to describe physical movement out of a place, as well as abstract ideas like origins of thought.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐκ as appearing over 900 times in the New Testament, highlighting its frequency and importance. It is associated with concepts like deliverance, causality, and separation, which are key themes in many biblical passages.
Scripture References:
- John 1:13: “Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of (ἐκ) God.”
- Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from (ἐκ) hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
- James 2:18: “Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by (ἐκ) my works.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of the Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | The Iliad | “And out of (ἐκ) the mist came the mighty Achilles.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The people of Athens, from (ἐκ) their noble ancestry, have always valued freedom.” |
| Plato | The Republic | “Justice is born out of (ἐκ) the soul’s harmony and order.” |
Summary of ἐκ (G1537: ek)
The Greek preposition ἐκ is a fundamental word in the New Testament, appearing frequently to denote origin, causality, and movement out of something. It is essential for understanding many theological concepts, particularly those related to salvation, faith, and the nature of God. ἐκ is used in a variety of contexts, both literal and metaphorical, to indicate where something comes from or how it is generated. Its significance is highlighted by its frequent use in key scriptural passages and its presence in classical Greek literature, where it conveyed similar ideas of origin and departure.
Did You Know?
The preposition ἐκ is one of the oldest words in the Greek language, with roots tracing back to Proto-Indo-European. It has been used consistently throughout Greek history to express the idea of origin and source, making it a timeless concept in both language and thought.
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