Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the nuances of individual words can significantly deepen our comprehension of the New Testament’s message and its cultural backdrop. One such word is ἐκκομίζω (ekkomízō), a verb that carries the literal meaning of “to carry out” but also holds deeper connotations in both Biblical and classical contexts. This word provides insight into ancient practices related to funerals, burials, and the movement of objects or people from one place to another. Understanding ἐκκομίζω allows readers to appreciate the subtle layers of meaning that can be lost in translation, making it a valuable word for both theological study and historical understanding.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκκομίζω (ekkomízō) [ek-ko-MEE-zoh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and the verb κομίζω (komízō), meaning “to carry” or “to bring.” Thus, ἐκκομίζω means “to carry out.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (active voice, indicative mood)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Carry Out: The basic meaning of ἐκκομίζω is “to carry out,” often in the context of removing something from a place.
• To Carry Away: It can also mean “to carry away,” implying movement from one location to another, often with a sense of purpose or necessity.
• To Bring Forth for Burial: In a more specific context, ἐκκομίζω can refer to the act of carrying out a body for burial, a practice common in ancient funerary customs.

Similar Words:

• κομίζω (komízō) [ko-MEE-zoh]: While ἐκκομίζω focuses on carrying something out, κομίζω generally means “to bring” or “to carry” and does not imply movement out of a place.
• ἐξάγω (exágō) [ek-SAH-goh]: This verb means “to lead out” and is more commonly used in contexts where guiding or leading is involved rather than carrying.

Further Insights

• Morphology: The verb ἐκκομίζω is formed by the combination of ἐκ (ek) and κομίζω (komízō), emphasizing the action of carrying out. The verb is regular in its conjugation, following typical patterns for Greek verbs in the active voice.

Verb Conjugation Chart (Present Active Indicative)

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: The BDAG lexicon notes that ἐκκομίζω is used primarily in contexts of removing or carrying something out, often with an emphasis on the act of transporting a body for burial.
• Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon expands on this by noting the term’s use in funerary customs, where it refers to the ritual act of carrying out the dead for burial.
• Vine’s: Vine’s dictionary highlights ἐκκομίζω in narratives where physical removal or displacement is central, particularly in historical or ceremonial contexts.
• LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides examples from classical literature where ἐκκομίζω is used in both literal and metaphorical senses, illustrating its broader application.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance focuses on the verb’s literal meaning but also acknowledges its ritualistic use in ancient Greek customs.

Scripture References:

• Acts 5:6: “The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out (ἐκκομίζω) and buried him.”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκκομίζω is often associated with the removal of bodies for burial or the transporting of items from one place to another.

Summary of ἐκκομίζω (G1580: ekkomízō)

The Greek verb ἐκκομίζω (ekkomízō) encompasses the act of carrying something out, whether it be a body for burial or an object removed from one place to another. This term is particularly significant in the context of ancient funerary practices, where it describes a ritualistic action central to the mourning process. In the New Testament, ἐκκομίζω is used to convey the act of removal, often associated with death and burial, which holds both literal and symbolic meaning. Understanding ἐκκομίζω enriches our interpretation of the scriptures and offers a glimpse into the cultural practices of the ancient world.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκκομίζω was not only used in reference to burial practices but also played a role in legal and ceremonial contexts, where the act of carrying something out or away could symbolize the conclusion of a matter or the fulfillment of a duty.