Brief Overview of ἔξωθεν (Strong’s G1855: exōthen)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as it provides deeper insights into the meanings and nuances present in the original texts. The Greek word ἔξωθεν (exōthen), meaning “from outside” or “externally,” is particularly significant. It frequently appears in the New Testament and other ancient Greek literature, often to describe something that originates from or is situated outside of a particular location or boundary. Grasping the different uses of ἔξωθεν enhances our understanding of Biblical texts and offers a clearer picture of ancient Greek culture and worldview.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἔξωθεν, transliteration: exōthen, pronunciation: [EK-so-then].
Etymology root words: Derived from ἔξω (exō), meaning “outside,” combined with the suffix -θεν (-then), which denotes origin or source.
The part of speech: Adverb and preposition; it is used to describe an origin or source that is outside or external to a particular location or state.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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From outside, externally.
From without.
Outwardly, on the outside.

Similar Words: ἔξω (exō) and ἔκτος (ektos). ἔξω means “outside” or “without,” often used to denote a location or position outside a boundary, while ἔκτος similarly conveys “outside” but is more restrictive in denoting exclusion from a specific space. ἔξωθεν, on the other hand, specifically focuses on the source or origin being external, emphasizing the direction or manner in which something comes from outside.

Further Insights: ἔξωθεν is primarily used as an adverb or a preposition. As an adverb, it indicates that something is “from outside” or “externally.” When used as a preposition with the genitive case, it conveys an origin “from without.” This word is often employed to contrast internal and external states or actions, providing a nuanced way to describe what is happening on the surface versus what is occurring within.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἔξωθεν is defined as “from outside” or “externally,” with a focus on distinguishing between internal and external conditions or appearances. It is used to emphasize that something originates from an outside source or location.

Thayers: Defines ἔξωθεν as “from without” or “outside,” particularly highlighting contexts where it is used to denote external appearances as opposed to internal realities.

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Vines: Notes that ἔξωθεν means “from outside,” often used in opposition to what is inside or internal, suggesting a physical or metaphorical distinction between what is external versus internal.

LSJ: Recognizes ἔξωθεν as an adverb meaning “from outside” or “externally,” used to express an origin or source that is external to a given space or boundary.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἔξωθεν as “from without” or “externally,” emphasizing its use to denote something coming from or located outside a specific area or boundary.

Related Scripture References

Matthew 23:25 – “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside (ἔξωθεν) of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”
Mark 7:15 – “Nothing outside (ἔξωθεν) a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
Luke 11:39 – “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside (ἔξωθεν) of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.'”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English text with Greek word in parentheses (ἔξωθεν) next to the English word it corresponds to
Plato	Laws	“The laws must be maintained both from within and from outside (ἔξωθεν) to ensure justice and order.”
Herodotus	Histories	“The enemy forces camped from outside (ἔξωθεν) the walls, ready to besiege the city at dawn.”
Thucydides	History of the Peloponnesian War	“Supplies were sent from outside (ἔξωθεν) the city, sustaining the army during the prolonged conflict.”
Septuagint	Proverbs 24:27	“Prepare your work outside (ἔξωθεν), make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then build your house.”
Septuagint	Isaiah 36:11	“Speak now to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; do not speak to us in Judean in the hearing of the people outside (ἔξωθεν).”
Septuagint	Jeremiah 22:14	“Who says, ‘I will build myself a spacious house with large upper rooms and cut out windows in it, paneling it with cedar from outside (ἔξωθεν).”

**Summary of ἔξωθεν (G1855: exōthen)**

The Greek word ἔξωθεν (exōthen) is an adverb and preposition that means “from outside” or “externally.” It is used in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to indicate an origin or source that is outside a specific boundary or area. The word can describe both physical locations (e.g., from outside a city or building) and more abstract states (e.g., external appearances versus internal realities). Understanding its nuanced meanings provides valuable insights into interpreting Biblical passages and analyzing ancient Greek writings.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek literature and the New Testament, the word ἔξωθεν (exōthen) is often used metaphorically to draw attention to the difference between outward appearances and inner realities, much like the modern concept of “judging a book by its cover.”