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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the depth and nuances of the New Testament text. The Greek word ἐξωθέω (Strong’s G1856: exōthéō) holds particular significance in biblical exegesis due to its usage in describing actions of force and expulsion. It helps convey themes of conflict and opposition in ancient texts, providing insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the time.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐξωθέω (exōthéō) [ek-SOH-theh-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, meaning “out of”) and the verb ὠθέω (ōthéō, meaning “to push” or “thrust”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; used in the active voice, typically in a present or aorist tense.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To drive out: Implies forcefully pushing someone or something out.
- To expel: Refers to the action of forcefully removing or banishing from a place or position.
- To thrust out: Used in contexts of aggressive or sudden ejection.
Similar Words: Related Greek words include ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) [ek-BAL-loh], which also means “to cast out” or “expel,” but often has a broader context including expelling demons or removing objects. Another similar word is ἐξορίσω (exorízō) [ex-o-REE-zoh], meaning “to banish” or “to exile,” which has a more permanent sense of removal from a community.
Further Insights: The verb ἐξωθέω (exōthéō) is constructed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and the verb ὠθέω (ōthéō), which means “to push” or “to thrust.” This combination suggests a strong, intentional action. Its usage is relatively rare, giving it a specific and pointed emphasis in texts where it appears.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐξωθέω (exōthéō) is defined as “to push out or expel.” It is often used in contexts of forceful removal, such as driving people out of a city or place.
Thayers: Describes the term as meaning “to drive out” or “to thrust out,” often in the context of expelling someone with force.
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Vines: Highlights its usage in both secular Greek and biblical contexts, where it conveys the idea of expulsion or forceful ejection.
LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐξωθέω (exōthéō) is often used in military or confrontational settings, indicating a forceful driving out of enemies or opponents.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἐξωθέω (exōthéō) as a verb meaning “to expel” or “drive out,” with references to its usage in specific New Testament passages.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 7:45: “Our fathers [in turn] brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out (ἐξωθέω) before our ancestors, until the time of David.”
- Luke 4:29: “They got up, drove him out (ἐξωθέω) of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “The philosopher must be gently guided, not thrust (ἐξωθέω) out of the city.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The invaders were thrust (ἐξωθέω) from the land with great force.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “The Athenians decided to thrust (ἐξωθέω) the enemy ships back to sea.” |
Summary of ἐξωθέω (G1856: exōthéō)
The Greek verb ἐξωθέω (exōthéō) captures the action of forceful ejection or expulsion, providing vivid imagery of conflict and opposition in both biblical and classical contexts. Its etymology underscores a sense of pushing out with intention, and its use in scripture often illustrates themes of conflict, rejection, or divine judgment. This word’s unique connotations make it a valuable term for understanding certain New Testament narratives and broader Greek literature.
Did You Know?
The verb ἐξωθέω (exōthéō) is derived from the same root as the English word “exodus,” which conveys the idea of a journey out or departure, particularly under divine direction or compulsion. This connection highlights the forceful, often dramatic, nature of movements associated with this term in ancient texts.
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