Brief Overview of ἔκβασις (Strong’s G1545: ekbasis)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in biblical studies because the New Testament was originally written in Greek. Each word carries nuances that may not always be fully captured in translation. One such word is ἔκβασις (ekbasis), which plays a significant role in understanding passages related to deliverance, escape, or outcomes. This word is particularly relevant for interpreting the New Testament and understanding the cultural and linguistic context of the early Christian era. The study of ἔκβασις not only sheds light on specific biblical passages but also provides insight into the broader concepts of divine deliverance and resolution within ancient Greek thought.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἔκβασις (ekbasis) [pronounced ek-BAH-sis]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἐκβαίνω (ekbainō), meaning “to go out” or “to exit.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine (Third Declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Exit: Refers to the act of going out or an outcome.
• Way of escape: Often used metaphorically to describe a way out of difficult circumstances.
• End or conclusion: Can indicate the result or final stage of a situation.

Similar Words: The word ἔξοδος (exodos) is similar in meaning to ἔκβασις, as both can denote a way out or an exit. However, ἔξοδος often has a broader sense, including the concept of a journey or a significant departure, like the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, while ἔκβασις focuses more on the outcome or the means of escape from a specific situation.

Further Insights

Morphology

The word ἔκβασις is a third-declension feminine noun. Understanding its declension is essential for recognizing its role in sentences, especially in biblical exegesis.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἔκβασις is defined primarily as a way out or escape, often used in contexts of deliverance, either physically or metaphorically.

Thayer’s: This lexicon notes ἔκβασις as an outcome or end, particularly emphasizing its usage in Hebrews 13:7 where it refers to the end or result of a person’s conduct.

Vine’s: Vine’s highlights the word as indicating an exit or the result of a course of action, emphasizing its metaphorical use in the New Testament.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon broadens the meaning to include departure, finish, or conclusion, especially in classical Greek literature.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἔκβασις as an exit, i.e., (by analogy) the issue or end of a matter, particularly a way of escape.

Scripture Verses: The word ἔκβασις is found in Hebrews 13:7, where it refers to considering the outcome of a person’s way of life, encouraging believers to imitate their faith.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔκβασις (G1545: ekbasis)

ἔκβασις is a Greek noun that primarily denotes an exit, way of escape, or the end result of a situation. It is closely related to the concept of deliverance, both in physical and metaphorical senses, and is particularly significant in biblical exegesis for understanding passages like Hebrews 13:7. Its classical usage also shows its broader application in ancient Greek literature, where it often conveys the idea of an outcome or conclusion. This word is a rich term that ties into themes of resolution and deliverance in both scripture and classical thought.

Did You Know?

The word ἔκβασις is not only used in religious texts but also has significant applications in ancient Greek tragedies, where it often denotes the final resolution or escape from a tragic situation. This highlights the word’s versatility in conveying both physical and metaphorical forms of deliverance.