Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for a deeper comprehension of the New Testament texts. The Greek word ἔξειμι (exeimi) is particularly significant due to its various uses and meanings, which provide insight into New Testament narratives and broader ancient Greek culture. This word, which conveys the idea of exiting or going out, appears in contexts that involve departure or movement, making it relevant for understanding both literal and figurative language in scripture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἔξειμι, transliterated as exeimi [ex-EH-ee-mee]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and the verb εἶμι (eimi, “to go”), indicating the action of going out or exiting.
- Part of Speech: Verb (used in various forms, primarily in the present tense).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
- To go out or to exit.
- To depart or to leave a place.
- Figuratively, to leave a condition or state, often implying a change or transition.
Similar Words: ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai) [ex-ER-kho-mai] – While both ἐξέρχομαι and ἔξειμι imply leaving or going out, ἐξέρχομαι is more frequently used to denote a physical exit or departure from a location, whereas ἔξειμι can imply a broader range of exits, both literal and metaphorical.
Further Insights: The verb ἔξειμι is often used to describe a departure or exit, whether from a physical place or a metaphorical state. Its prefix ἐκ intensifies the action, suggesting a movement outward from an enclosed or defined space. This verb appears in the present tense, indicating a continuous or ongoing action of exiting or departing.
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἔξειμι is defined as “to go out” or “to exit,” often used in contexts where someone is leaving a place or state. It carries the nuance of departing from within to outside, emphasizing the motion and direction of leaving.
Thayers: Notes that ἔξειμι means “to go forth” or “to depart,” and is often used in narrative contexts to describe a literal departure from a physical location. It may also be used figuratively to signify moving away from a state or condition.
Vines: Discusses ἔξειμι primarily in terms of exiting or going out. It is closely related to verbs that describe movement or transition from one place or condition to another, highlighting its use in both literal and metaphorical narratives.
LSJ: In classical Greek, ἔξειμι is translated as “to go out” or “to exit.” It appears frequently in works discussing movement, travel, or departure, emphasizing the action of leaving or withdrawing from a place.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἔξειμι as “to go forth,” “to depart,” or “to exit,” with a strong focus on its literal usage in describing physical exits and departures.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 17:15: “Those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed [ἔξειμι].”
- Acts 13:42: “As Paul and Barnabas were leaving [ἔξειμι] the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “They decided to go out (ἔξειμι) from the city and confront the enemy.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “The soldiers were ordered to exit (ἔξειμι) the camp and engage in battle.” |
| Plato | Phaedo | “He must depart (ἔξειμι) from this life to another, as the soul is eternal.” |
Summary of ἔξειμι (G1826: exeimi)
The Greek word ἔξειμι (Strong’s G1826) is a verb meaning “to go out,” “to depart,” or “to exit.” It is used in various New Testament passages to describe literal departures, such as leaving a place, as well as metaphorical exits from states or conditions. Its usage in classical Greek literature reflects similar meanings, often employed to convey movement, travel, or transition. Understanding this word provides deeper insight into the dynamics of movement and transition in biblical and classical contexts.
Did You Know?
The word ἔξειμι not only appears in the New Testament to describe literal departures, such as Paul leaving the synagogue, but it also has rich classical roots. It was used by philosophers like Plato to describe existential departures, symbolizing the soul’s journey from one state to another. This dual application in both physical and metaphysical contexts shows the versatility and depth of this Greek verb in conveying various kinds of transitions.
This page is made possible by the generosity of coffee club members. Your support keeps spiritual truth free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Thank you and I would like to pray this blessing on you.
