Understanding ἔκβασις (ekbasis) Strong’s G1545: The Divine Way of Escape that Reveals God’s Faithful Provision in Trials

Pronunciation Guide: ek-bah-sis (emphasis on the first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1545: Ἔκβασις (ekbasis) denotes “a way out” or “an exit,” specifically referring to the outcome, result, or escape from a situation. In the New Testament, it carries the particular meaning of God’s divinely provided way of escape from temptation or trials. This word encapsulates both the concept of deliverance from difficult circumstances and the resolution or conclusion of a process.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Feminine noun
• Root words: ἐκ (ek, “out from”) + βαίνω (bainō, “to go, walk”)
• Language origin: Koine Greek with classical Greek roots
• Primary usage: Found in epistolary teaching sections, particularly related to pastoral guidance on enduring trials
• Lexical category: Abstract noun denoting movement or transition

Ἔκβασις Morphology:

• ἔκβασις (nominative singular) – a way out, escape
• ἐκβάσεως (genitive singular) – of a way out
• ἐκβάσει (dative singular) – in/with/by a way out
• ἔκβασιν (accusative singular) – (direct object) a way out

Origin & History

The term ἔκβασις derives from the combination of the preposition ἐκ (out from) and the verb βαίνω (to go or walk), literally meaning “a going out” or “exit.” In classical Greek literature, this word was used practically to denote physical exits from places. Xenophon, in his “Anabasis,” employed the term to describe the infamous “exit” or “way out” for the Greek army from Persian territory.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the term appears in Wisdom of Solomon 2:17 and 8:8, where it refers to the outcome or result of events rather than a physical exit. This semantic shift from a literal “exit” to a more metaphorical “outcome” or “resolution” represents an important development in the word’s usage. By the time of the New Testament, ἔκβασις had developed this nuanced meaning that included both the concept of escape from danger and the conclusion or resolution of circumstances, particularly when divinely orchestrated.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A way out or escape from a difficult situation
• The outcome or result of a process
• The conclusion of a trial or testing
• A divinely provided exit from temptation
• The endpoint or resolution of circumstances

Ἔκβασις Translation Options:

• “Way of escape” – emphasizes the path or means provided to exit a difficult situation
• “Outcome” – focuses on the result or conclusion of a process
• “Resolution” – highlights the satisfactory conclusion of a difficult circumstance
• “Deliverance” – emphasizes the active rescue aspect while maintaining the concept of movement from danger to safety
• “Exit” – the most literal translation that preserves the physical movement imagery inherent in the original

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἔκβασις appears only twice, with its most significant usage in 1 Corinthians 10:13, where Paul assures believers that God “will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape [ἔκβασιν].” This usage beautifully captures the divine provision of a path out from trials and temptations, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in providing release from overwhelming situations.

The other occurrence is in Hebrews 13:7, where believers are encouraged to consider the outcome [ἔκβασιν] of their leaders’ conduct and imitate their faith. In this context, the word refers more to the conclusion or result of a life well-lived in faith, highlighting how a faithful life culminates in a divinely orchestrated conclusion.

• “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way of escape [ἔκβασιν] so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
• “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome [ἔκβασιν] of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of an ἔκβασις would have resonated with audiences familiar with Greek theatrical productions, where the ἔκβασις often referred to the exit or conclusion of a dramatic plot. This would have given Paul’s usage in 1 Corinthians 10:13 a particularly vivid quality to his readers. Just as a skilled playwright provides resolution to the dramatic tension in a play, God faithfully provides resolution to the trials His people face.

Additionally, the Jewish mindset would have connected this concept with the Exodus narrative, where God provided a literal “way out” (though not using this exact Greek term in the Septuagint) for the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This cultural background enriches our understanding of ἔκβασις as not merely any escape, but a divinely orchestrated deliverance that demonstrates God’s covenant faithfulness. The parting of the Red Sea served as the ultimate biblical paradigm of God creating an ἔκβασις where no natural exit seemed possible—a powerful image that would have informed the first-century understanding of this term.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἔκβασις reveals profound theological truths about God’s character and His relationship with believers. First, it affirms God’s sovereignty over trials and temptations—He both limits their intensity (“not beyond what you are able”) and determines their conclusion by providing the way out. This demonstrates that God remains in control even during our most difficult circumstances.

Second, ἔκβασις illustrates God’s faithfulness to His people. The provision of a “way of escape” is presented in 1 Corinthians 10:13 not as a possibility but as a divine promise. This assurance is grounded in God’s covenant loyalty, showing Him to be a God who can be trusted to fulfill His word. The promise of ἔκβασις reinforces that יהוה (Yahweh) is a God who delivers His people, echoing His self-revelation to Moses as the One who “has come down to rescue” (Exodus 3:8).

Third, the concept connects to Messianic theology, as Yeshua (Jesus) Himself is our ultimate ἔκβασις—through Him, God has provided the definitive “way out” from sin, death, and judgment. The Messiah’s resurrection serves as the paradigmatic example of God providing an ἔκβασις where none seemed possible, establishing a pattern for how God continues to work in believers’ lives.

Personal Application

Understanding ἔκβασις transforms how we approach trials and temptations in our daily walk with God. Rather than seeing difficult circumstances as evidence of God’s absence or indifference, we can recognize them as contexts in which His faithfulness will be displayed through the provision of a way out. This perspective fosters hope and endurance, enabling us to face challenges with confidence in God’s character rather than in our own strength.

Moreover, this concept teaches us to look for God’s provided exits. The way of escape isn’t always obvious—it requires spiritual discernment and often comes in unexpected forms. Sometimes the ἔκβασις isn’t immediate removal from the trial but divine enablement to endure through it. Learning to recognize and take God’s provided ways of escape develops our spiritual sensitivity and deepens our dependence on Him, ultimately strengthening our faith.

Related Words

• διέξοδος (diexodos, dee-ex’-od-os) – a way out through, thoroughfare, outlet; used to describe paths of outward movement or distribution. This term appears in Matthew 22:9 referring to the “main highways” where servants were sent to invite guests to the wedding feast. See G1327
• ἀπαλλαγή (apallagē, ap-al-lag-ay’) – deliverance, release, or escape; focuses more on the state of being freed rather than the path to freedom. Used in Hebrews 2:15 to describe release from the fear of death. See G525
• σωτηρία (sōtēria, so-tay-ree’-ah) – salvation, deliverance; broader term encompassing complete rescue and preservation. While ἔκβασις focuses on the path out, σωτηρία emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the rescue itself. See G4991
• ῥύομαι (rhyomai, rhoo’-om-ahee) – to rescue, deliver; a verb focusing on the active drawing or snatching away from danger. Unlike ἔκβασις, this term emphasizes the rescuer’s action rather than the path of escape. See G4506
• λύτρωσις (lytrōsis, loo’-tro-sis) – redemption, release by payment; focuses on liberation through ransom. Whereas ἔκβασις is about the way out, λύτρωσις emphasizes the price paid to secure release. See G3085

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek military strategy, identifying the ἔκβασις (exit route) before entering hostile territory was considered essential planning? Commanders would often send scouts ahead specifically to locate potential escape routes should a retreat become necessary. This contextualizes Paul’s usage in 1 Corinthians, suggesting that God, as the perfect strategist, always ensures a pre-planned escape route from spiritual dangers for His people.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, the word ἔκβαση (ekvasē), derived from the ancient ἔκβασις, is commonly used to describe the outcome of medical treatments or the prognosis of diseases? This semantic development preserves the core meaning of “conclusion” or “result” while applying it to contemporary medical contexts, showing the enduring relevance of this concept.
• Did you know that in the Jewish exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea represents the most dramatic biblical picture of an ἔκβασις in action? When the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea, with no apparent way out, God miraculously created an ἔκβασις through the waters. This historical event became foundational to Jewish understanding of divine deliverance and likely informed the theological framework behind Paul’s usage in 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Remember This

Ἔκβασις reminds us that in every trial, temptation, and seemingly impossible situation, our faithful God has already engineered a divine exit strategy—we need only trust Him enough to take it.