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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial because many terms carry deep theological significance and cultural nuances that shape interpretation. The Greek word ἔξεστι (exesti) is particularly significant in Biblical interpretation, often translated as “it is lawful” or “it is permitted.” This word reflects the idea of legal or moral permission and appears frequently in discussions concerning Jewish law and societal norms in the New Testament. It provides insight into ancient Greek culture’s legal and ethical frameworks and highlights how these concepts were viewed in early Christian thought.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἔξεστι, transliterated as exesti [EX-es-tee]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and the verb εἰμί (eimi, “to be”), combining to mean “it is allowed” or “it is possible.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; impersonal verb, present tense, indicative mood.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- It is lawful; it is permitted.
- It is possible; it is allowed.
- It is fitting; it is proper.
Similar Words: ἐπιτρέπω (epitrepo) [ep-i-TREP-oh] – Both ἔξεστι and ἐπιτρέπω can convey the idea of permission. However, ἐπιτρέπω often means “to permit” or “to allow” in the sense of giving permission directly, whereas ἔξεστι refers more broadly to something being lawful or allowed by a general standard or rule.
Further Insights: The verb ἔξεστι is impersonal and typically appears in contexts where legality, propriety, or permissibility is under discussion. It is often used in a judicial or ethical sense, pointing to what is allowed or permitted by law or custom. The term is an impersonal verb, meaning it is often used without a specific subject, indicating a general state of affairs rather than a direct action by a person.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ἔξεστι as “it is lawful, it is permitted” in various legal and ethical contexts. The term is used in the New Testament to denote actions that are acceptable under the Jewish Law or general moral standards.
Thayers: Explains ἔξεστι as “it is right, it is possible,” frequently used in rhetorical questions or discussions about moral and legal boundaries, often relating to the actions of Jesus and His followers and the challenges they faced from religious authorities.
Vines: Focuses on ἔξεστι in relation to divine and human law, noting its use in the Gospels to question what is allowable under the Law of Moses versus what Jesus teaches about the true intent of the law.
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LSJ: Lists ἔξεστι with meanings like “it is allowed” or “it is permitted,” commonly found in classical texts to discuss what is permissible in terms of actions, speech, or legal matters.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides the definition of ἔξεστι as “it is right” or “it is possible,” highlighting its frequent use in both Biblical and classical Greek to define what is acceptable or allowed.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 12:2: “But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, ‘Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful [ἔξεστιν] to do on the Sabbath.'”
- Mark 3:4: “And He said to them, ‘Is it lawful [ἔξεστιν] to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?’ But they were silent.”
- Acts 16:21: “And they are teaching customs that are not lawful [ἔξεστιν] for us as Romans to accept or practice.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “It is not lawful (ἔξεστι) for a man to keep what is not his.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “In matters of law, it is not always possible (ἔξεστι) to legislate for every detail.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “It is permitted (ἔξεστι) for men to marry their daughters in some barbarian customs.” |
Summary of ἔξεστι (G1832: exesti)
The Greek word ἔξεστι (Strong’s G1832) is an impersonal verb meaning “it is lawful,” “it is permitted,” or “it is possible.” In the New Testament, it is commonly used to discuss what is allowed under Jewish law or societal norms. The term often appears in rhetorical contexts, questioning the validity or permissibility of certain actions, particularly in debates between Jesus and the Pharisees. In classical Greek literature, it similarly refers to legal or social permissions and boundaries. Understanding this word provides essential insights into both ancient Greek thought and Biblical interpretation.
Did You Know?
In the New Testament, ἔξεστι is often used by religious leaders to challenge Jesus or His disciples on what is considered lawful under the Mosaic Law, highlighting the tension between the letter of the law and its spirit. This usage underscores the transformative nature of Jesus’ teachings, which often redefined what was considered “lawful” or “permissible” in light of a higher moral standard.
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