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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for accurate interpretation of the New Testament and for grasping the nuances of ancient Greek culture. The Greek verb ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) is particularly significant due to its frequent use in the New Testament, where it often appears in contexts involving casting out demons, expelling individuals from a community, or throwing out something or someone. This word offers rich insights into the actions and intentions described in the Bible, revealing layers of meaning that are critical for both theological interpretation and understanding the cultural context of the time.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) [ek-BAL-loh]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ- (ek), meaning “out of” or “from,” and the verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning “to throw” or “to cast.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (second conjugation)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To cast out: Often used in the context of casting out demons or expelling individuals from a place or community.
- To throw out: Can refer to physically throwing something out, as in discarding or removing it.
- To send away: This usage extends to sending someone away, often with force or authority.
Similar Words:
- ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai): Meaning “to go out,” it is more passive compared to ἐκβάλλω, which implies forceful action.
- ἀποστέλλω (apostellō): Meaning “to send,” which can be more deliberate or purposeful, without the connotation of force.
Further Insights:
- Morphology:
- The word ἐκβάλλω is a compound verb, with the prefix ἐκ- (out) enhancing the base verb βάλλω (to throw). This combination gives the word a strong sense of forceful action. It follows the typical conjugation pattern for second conjugation Greek verbs.
| Tense | Active Voice | Middle/Passive Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Present | ἐκβάλλω (I cast out) | ἐκβάλλομαι (I am cast out) |
| Imperfect | ἐξέβαλλον (I was casting out) | ἐξεβαλλόμην (I was being cast out) |
| Future | ἐκβαλῶ (I will cast out) | ἐκβαλοῦμαι (I will be cast out) |
| Aorist | ἐξέβαλον (I cast out) | ἐξεβλήθην (I was cast out) |
| Perfect | ἐκβέβληκα (I have cast out) | ἐκβέβλημαι (I have been cast out) |
Lexicon Insights
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BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐκβάλλω as a verb that primarily means “to cast out” or “to drive out.” It is often used in the context of exorcisms in the New Testament, where Jesus or His disciples cast out demons. BDAG also notes its usage in expelling individuals from a group or community.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the forceful nature of the verb, highlighting its use in expelling or casting out with authority. Thayer’s notes that the word can also mean to send away or to reject something or someone.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary expands on the application of ἐκβάλλω in various contexts, from physical actions (such as throwing out) to more metaphorical uses (such as driving out evil spirits). Vine’s also discusses its significance in the context of Biblical exorcisms.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ provides a broader perspective, noting the word’s use in classical Greek literature, where it could mean to throw out, expel, or even to divorce. The verb’s forceful connotation is consistent across different contexts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐκβάλλω as a verb meaning “to cast out” or “to drive out,” with numerous references in the New Testament, particularly in the context of exorcisms performed by Jesus and His disciples.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 8:16: “And they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out (ἐξέβαλεν) the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.”
- Mark 1:34: “And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out (ἐξέβαλεν) many demons.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of the Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He cast (ἐξέβαλε) the spear from his hand and struck the shield of his opponent.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The people were cast out (ἐξεβλήθησαν) from their land by the invaders.” |
Summary of ἐκβάλλω (G1544: ekballō)
The Greek verb ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) is a powerful word used frequently in the New Testament, primarily in the context of casting out demons or expelling individuals. Its usage conveys a strong sense of forceful action, often associated with authority and power. Understanding ἐκβάλλω is crucial for interpreting passages related to exorcisms, as well as broader themes of removal or expulsion in the New Testament. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, maintaining its connotation of forceful expulsion, whether in physical or metaphorical contexts.
Did You Know?
The verb ἐκβάλλω is one of the most frequently used Greek words in the New Testament when describing the actions of Jesus and His disciples in dealing with demons. This highlights the word’s importance in understanding the spiritual warfare depicted in the Gospels, where the authority of Jesus is often demonstrated through His ability to cast out evil spirits.
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