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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for delving deeper into the meanings behind scriptural texts. The Greek word ἔξοδος (exodos) is particularly significant as it conveys ideas of departure, exit, or a way out. This term is not only foundational for interpreting New Testament passages but also for grasping broader cultural and historical contexts within ancient Greek society, especially in relation to journeys, departures, and even death.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἔξοδος, transliterated as exodos [EX-oh-dos]
- Etymology: Derived from ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and ὁδός (hodos, “way, road”), meaning “a way out” or “exit.”
- Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- A way out, an exit
- Departure or going out
- End of life, death
- A journey or expedition
Similar Words: ἔξοδος (éxodos) compared to ὁδός (hodos) [ho-DOS], which means “way” or “road.” While ἔξοδος specifically emphasizes a way out or departure, ὁδός is a more general term for a path or route. Another related word is ἔκβασις (ékbasis) [EK-ba-sis], meaning “an exit” or “way of escape,” which is more focused on escaping danger or a predicament.
Further Insights: ἔξοδος is a second declension noun in Greek and follows a typical pattern in its case endings. It is often used metaphorically to refer to a departure from life (death) or a significant journey or exodus, as seen in its usage in both classical literature and biblical texts.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The word ἔξοδος is defined primarily as a “way out” or “exit,” but also carries the meaning of a “departure” from life, i.e., death. The term is often used in a metaphorical sense to imply a final departure or journey.
Thayers: This lexicon describes ἔξοδος as “an exit” or “way out,” highlighting its use in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It notes its application to refer to a journey or expedition, as well as an euphemism for death.
Vines: Focuses on ἔξοδος in the context of its biblical use, specifically noting its implication of departure or death, and its usage in describing the journey of the Israelites from Egypt, known as the Exodus.
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LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon expands on the meanings of ἔξοδος to include “marching out” or “military expedition,” and “the end of life,” highlighting its broader use in classical texts to denote exits, departures, and finalities.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἔξοδος as “an exit” or “departure,” derived from ἐκ (ek) and ὁδός (hodos), providing the sense of leaving or journeying out of a place or state.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 9:31: “Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease [ἔξοδον] which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.”
- Hebrews 11:22: “By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing [ἔξοδον] of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”
- 2 Peter 1:15: “Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease [ἔξοδον] to have these things always in remembrance.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “They took the exodus (ἔξοδος) from the city, marching out to meet their fate.” |
| Sophocles | Oedipus Rex | “The prophecy foretold his exodus (ἔξοδος) from this life.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “The soldiers’ exodus (ἔξοδος) marked the beginning of a great journey.” |
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Exodus | “And the exodus (ἔξοδος) of the Israelites was led by Moses through the Red Sea.” |
| Septuagint | Wisdom of Solomon | “Their journey and exodus (ἔξοδος) shall be remembered for generations.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 114 (LXX 113) | “When Israel went out (exodus, ἔξοδος) from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language.” |
Summary of ἔξοδος (G1841: éxodos)
The Greek word ἔξοδος (Strong’s G1841), meaning “exit,” “departure,” or “journey,” is a multifaceted term that appears in various contexts within both biblical and classical literature. It highlights ideas of departure, whether it is the literal leaving of a place, a figurative reference to death, or the spiritual journey of a people, as in the Exodus of Israel. Its rich usage across different texts provides a deeper understanding of the Greek worldview concerning journeys, exits, and the end of life. This word also enriches our interpretation of the New Testament passages where it is used to denote significant moments of transition or departure.
Did You Know?
The term “Exodus” used to describe the second book of the Bible, detailing the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, comes directly from the Greek word ἔξοδος. It not only refers to the physical journey but also symbolizes spiritual liberation and the journey towards the promised land, reflecting the multi-layered meaning of this ancient word.
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