Brief Overview of ἐκτινάσσω (Strong’s G1621: ektinássō)

Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the nuances of specific words is crucial for interpreting the text accurately. The word ἐκτινάσσω (ektinássō) is a Greek verb found in the New Testament that holds significant meaning, particularly in contexts involving separation or rejection. This word, though not as commonly discussed as others, carries weight in the passages where it is used, often signifying a physical or metaphorical shaking off or rejection. Its usage sheds light on the actions and attitudes of individuals in the Biblical narrative, as well as offering insights into ancient Greek culture and language.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκτινάσσω (ektinássō) [ek-tee-NAHS-so]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of” or “from,” and the verb τινάσσω (tinássō), meaning “to shake” or “to move.” Combined, the word ἐκτινάσσω literally means “to shake out” or “to shake off.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (transitive verb)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Shake Off – This primary meaning is used in contexts where something is physically or metaphorically shaken off, often to indicate rejection or refusal.
• To Shake Out – Similar to the first meaning, this refers to the act of shaking something out, such as dust from one’s feet, symbolizing the removal or rejection of something.

Similar Words:

• ἀπορρίπτω (aporríptō): Meaning “to throw off” or “to cast away,” this word carries a similar connotation of rejection but with an emphasis on forceful removal.
• ἐκβαλώ (ekbalō): While this word also means “to cast out,” it is more commonly used in contexts of expulsion or driving out, differing slightly from the act of shaking off.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The verb ἐκτινάσσω is a compound verb, where the prefix ἐκ- adds the idea of outward motion to the base verb τινάσσω. This construction emphasizes the complete action of shaking something off and away from oneself, often with a sense of finality or rejection.
• Usage in Context: In the New Testament, ἐκτινάσσω is used metaphorically to describe the act of rejecting or separating oneself from something undesirable, as in the context of shaking the dust off one’s feet as a testimony against those who do not receive the message of the Gospel.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: ἐκτινάσσω is defined as “to shake off” or “to shake out,” particularly in contexts where this action symbolizes rejection or distancing oneself from something.
• Thayers: This lexicon notes that the word carries the sense of shaking off as a deliberate act of rejection, often in a figurative sense.
• Vines: Highlights the use of ἐκτινάσσω in the New Testament as a symbolic gesture, representing the act of refusing further association or responsibility for a particular situation.
• LSJ: Provides a broader interpretation, noting that ἐκτινάσσω can refer to any vigorous shaking motion, whether literal or figurative.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐκτινάσσω as “to shake off,” with an emphasis on the completeness of the action and its symbolic significance in contexts of rejection or separation.

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Scripture References

• Matthew 10:14 – “And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off (ἐκτινάσσω) the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.”
• Mark 6:11 – “And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off (ἐκτινάσσω) the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκτινάσσω (G1621: ektinássō)

The Greek verb ἐκτινάσσω (ektinássō) carries a potent meaning of “shaking off” or “shaking out,” particularly in contexts of rejection or separation. This verb is used in the New Testament to symbolize the act of rejecting a place or people who do not receive the message of the Gospel. The action of shaking off the dust from one’s feet, as prescribed by Jesus to His disciples, serves as a powerful metaphor for leaving behind what is unworthy and moving forward. Understanding ἐκτινάσσω enhances our comprehension of these passages and deepens our appreciation for the cultural and symbolic actions within the Biblical narrative.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the act of shaking off dust or other substances was often symbolic, signifying a complete break or the rejection of something unwanted. This practice was not only limited to religious contexts but was also seen in social and legal settings, where individuals would shake off associations or responsibilities that they no longer wished to carry.