Brief Overview of εἴκω (Strong’s G1502: eíkō)

Introduction:

Understanding Greek verbs like εἴκω (eíkō) is essential for interpreting the nuances of ancient Greek texts, including the New Testament. While εἴκω does not appear frequently in the New Testament, it holds significance in the broader context of ancient Greek literature and philosophy. The verb εἴκω means “to yield” or “to give way,” a concept that is deeply rooted in both everyday life and philosophical discourse. By examining this word, we can gain insights into how ancient Greeks understood concepts of resistance, submission, and compromise—ideas that are relevant to both secular and religious contexts.

Key Information:

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

Primary Meanings:

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

Similar Words:

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

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The verb εἴκω is a straightforward verb in the present active indicative, meaning it describes an action currently taking place or generally true.
• Verb Conjugation: As a Greek verb, εἴκω follows standard conjugation patterns, although it may not appear in many forms due to its specific usage contexts.

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG:
BDAG describes εἴκω as a verb meaning “to yield” or “to give way,” often used in contexts where a person or thing surrenders or retreats. The lexicon notes that while εἴκω is rare in the New Testament, it is significant in classical Greek literature, where it appears in discussions of moral philosophy and ethics.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon defines εἴκω as “to yield” or “to submit,” emphasizing its use in both literal and figurative contexts. Thayer’s points out that the word can convey 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 explains εἴκω as a verb that denotes giving way or submitting, often in a context of conflict or decision-making. Vine’s highlights that understanding this verb can shed light on broader themes of surrender and compromise in ancient Greek thought.

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, noting 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:

• While εἴκω itself may not appear directly in the New Testament, the concept it represents is found in various passages where themes of submission, yielding, or giving way are discussed.

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἴκω (G1502: eíkō)

The Greek verb εἴκω (eíkō), meaning “to yield” or “to give way,” captures a concept central to both everyday life and philosophical thought in ancient Greece. While εἴκω does not appear frequently in the New Testament, its relevance in classical literature and its implications for understanding themes of submission, surrender, and compromise make it an important word to study. This verb conveys not only physical yielding but also moral and intellectual submission, reflecting broader cultural attitudes toward conflict, decision-making, and virtue in ancient Greek society.

Did You Know?

The concept of yielding or giving way, captured by the verb εἴκω, was a significant theme in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in discussions about virtue and self-control. In the works of philosophers like Plato, the ability to yield or resist appropriately was seen as a marker of wisdom and moral character. This idea of measured yielding—whether in battle, in dialogue, or in personal conduct—was central to the ancient Greek understanding of what it meant to live a virtuous life.