Brief Overview of ἐξάγω (Strong’s G1806: exagō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for delving deeper into Biblical texts and interpreting their meanings accurately. The Greek word ἐξάγω (exagō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of leading or bringing out, which has profound implications in both New Testament narratives and ancient Greek culture. Knowing this word enhances comprehension of passages related to guidance, liberation, and movement, providing richer insights into the text’s context.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐξάγω (exagō) [eks-AH-go]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and ἄγω (agō), meaning “to lead” or “to bring.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; typically used in the active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To lead out or bring out.
• To bring forth or produce.
• To guide out, particularly in the sense of leading people or animals.

Similar Words: ἄγω (agō) [AH-go], meaning “to lead” or “to bring.” While ἄγω is a more general term for leading or guiding, ἐξάγω specifies leading out or bringing out from one place to another, often with a purpose or intention such as guidance or deliverance.

Further Insights: ἐξάγω is a compound verb that combines the prefix ἐκ- (“out of”) with ἄγω (“to lead”), giving it a specific nuance of leading out from a particular place or state. The verb can appear in various tenses and voices, reflecting different contexts in which something or someone is being led out or brought forth.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ἐξάγω as “to lead out,” commonly used to depict leading people or animals out of a location. It also refers to producing or bringing forth results or outcomes.
Thayer’s: Defines ἐξάγω as “to lead out” or “to bring out,” with particular emphasis on guiding or escorting people from one place to another, often used in contexts of liberation or guidance.
Vines: Highlights the word’s usage in Biblical contexts, noting its frequent appearance when discussing God or Jesus leading or guiding people out of danger, captivity, or other circumstances.
LSJ: Lists ἐξάγω as meaning “to lead out,” often used in military or civic contexts where a leader brings out troops or citizens from a place. It can also refer to bringing forth arguments or evidence in rhetorical contexts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes ἐξάγω (G1806) as “to lead out” or “to bring forth,” commonly used in the New Testament to describe both literal and figurative guidance or movement.

Scripture References

• Luke 24:50 – “And He led them out (ἐξάγω) as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them.”
• Acts 7:36 – “He brought them out (ἐξάγω), after that He had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.”
• Acts 13:17 – “The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm brought He them out (ἐξάγω) of it.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐξάγω (G1806: exagō)

The Greek word ἐξάγω (exagō) is rich in meaning and application, emphasizing the act of leading or bringing out from one place to another. In biblical contexts, it is often used to describe divine guidance, such as God leading the Israelites out of Egypt. In classical Greek literature, it can refer to both military and civic leadership. Understanding ἐξάγω enhances one’s ability to interpret various biblical passages that deal with themes of guidance, liberation, and movement.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐξάγω is used in both military and divine contexts in ancient Greek literature? While it describes leaders bringing troops out of camp in secular writings, in the Bible, it is used to describe God’s deliverance of His people, underscoring the word’s versatility and profound significance in conveying both physical and spiritual guidance.