Brief Overview of ἐκδιώκω (Strong’s G1559: ekdiōkō)

Introduction

The study of Greek words in Biblical contexts provides profound insights into the meanings and implications that may not be immediately apparent in translations. The Greek word ἐκδιώκω (ekdiōkō) is particularly important for understanding concepts related to pursuit, persecution, and persistence in the New Testament. This word highlights both the physical and metaphorical aspects of pursuit, whether it be in terms of chasing down an enemy or persistently following a certain path or ideology. Understanding this word is crucial for interpreting several New Testament passages, especially those related to the persecution of early Christians and the persistence required in following Christ.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκδιώκω (ekdiōkō) [ek-dee-O-ko]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ- (ek-), meaning “out of” or “away from,” combined with διώκω (diōkō), meaning “to pursue” or “to chase.” The word literally implies “to chase out” or “to drive away.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, (second aorist tense).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Pursue: The word ἐκδιώκω is used to describe the act of pursuing someone or something, often with a sense of urgency or determination. It can refer to both physical pursuit and metaphorical pursuit, such as pursuing a goal or idea.
• To Persecute: In a more negative sense, ἐκδιώκω is used to describe the act of persecuting someone, particularly in the context of religious or ideological persecution. This meaning is significant in understanding the experiences of early Christians as described in the New Testament.

Similar Words:

• διώκω (diōkō) [dee-O-ko]: While similar, διώκω generally refers to pursuit without the added intensity of “driving out” or “chasing away” implied by ἐκδιώκω.
• καταδιώκω (katadiōkō) [ka-ta-dee-O-ko]: This word also means to pursue, but with an added sense of pursuing thoroughly or completely, often used in the context of hunting or chasing to exhaustion.

Further Insights

• Morphology: ἐκδιώκω is a verb and is most commonly found in the second aorist tense, which indicates a simple past action without focus on duration or repetition. The word is typically used in an active voice, emphasizing the subject’s direct involvement in the act of pursuit or persecution.

Lexicon Insights

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• BDAG: ἐκδιώκω is defined as “to drive out, pursue, or persecute,” emphasizing the intensity of the pursuit, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.
• Thayer’s: Highlights ἐκδιώκω as a verb meaning “to pursue after, drive away, or persecute,” with specific references to religious persecution.
• Vine’s: Focuses on the usage of ἐκδιώκω in contexts of persistence in pursuit, whether of a person, an ideal, or in the context of persecution.
• LSJ: Notes the classical usage of ἐκδιώκω as primarily “to drive out” or “chase away,” particularly in military or judicial contexts.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐκδιώκω as “to pursue, to drive out, or to persecute,” often used in the context of opposition or conflict.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted (ἐκδιώκω) for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
• 2 Timothy 3:12 – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (ἐκδιώκω).”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκδιώκω is frequently used in contexts involving pursuit or expulsion, often in military or legal settings. It implies a forceful and determined effort to chase out or eliminate an opponent or adversary.

Summary of ἐκδιώκω (G1559: ekdiōkō)

The Greek word ἐκδιώκω encapsulates the concepts of pursuit and persecution, highlighting the intensity and determination behind such actions. Whether used in the context of physical chasing or metaphorical persecution, this word provides insight into the struggles and challenges faced by individuals, particularly in the New Testament context of religious persecution. Understanding ἐκδιώκω enriches the interpretation of passages that deal with persistence, opposition, and the pursuit of justice or truth. It also reflects the broader Greek cultural understanding of pursuit, whether in warfare, law, or moral endeavors.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκδιώκω is not only significant in religious texts but also in legal and military contexts in ancient Greece. It often implied a relentless pursuit, leaving no room for escape, which mirrors the intensity of early Christian experiences of persecution.