Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately and appreciating its rich linguistic heritage. The Greek word ἔλευσις (éléusis) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of coming or arrival, often in the context of an anticipated or important event. This term not only helps us grasp the nuances of various New Testament passages but also connects us to the broader cultural and literary context of ancient Greece, where the concept of arrival or coming was often imbued with both literal and symbolic meanings. Exploring ἔλευσις offers a deeper understanding of how early Christians perceived significant events, especially those related to the coming of Christ.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἔλευσις (éléusis) [EH-loo-sis]

Etymology:

• Derived from the verb ἔρχομαι (érchomai), meaning “to come” or “to arrive.” The noun form ἔλευσις emphasizes the action or event of coming.

Part of Speech:

• Noun (Feminine, third declension)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

• Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Coming, particularly in the sense of an arrival or approach of a person or event.
• Arrival, often used to describe the coming of a significant figure or the occurrence of an important event.

Similar Words:

• παρουσία (parousía) [pah-roo-SEE-ah]: This noun also means “coming” or “presence” and is often used in the New Testament to refer specifically to the second coming of Christ. While ἔλευσις focuses more generally on the event of arrival, παρουσία carries a deeper connotation of presence and the impact of the arrival.
• ἥξω (hēxō) [HAY-ksoh]: A verb meaning “to come” or “to have arrived,” often used in contexts where the focus is on the action of arriving. Unlike ἔλευσις, which is a noun, ἥξω emphasizes the process rather than the event.

While both ἔλευσις and παρουσία involve the idea of arrival, ἔλευσις is more neutral and general, whereas παρουσία often carries a sense of a significant or divine presence.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἔλευσις is a feminine noun that follows the third declension pattern in Greek. The word is often used in literary and Biblical contexts to describe significant arrivals or comings, such as the anticipated coming of the Messiah in the New Testament. Table: Declension of ἔλευσις (éléusis) Case Singular Plural Nominative ἔλευσις ἔλευσεις Genitive ἐλεύσεως ἐλεύσεων Dative ἐλεύσει ἐλεύσεσι(ν) Accusative ἔλευσιν ἔλευσεις Vocative ἔλευσις ἔλευσεις

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἔλευσις as “coming” or “arrival,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to describe the event of a person’s arrival, particularly in the context of significant or anticipated events. The lexicon highlights how the term is often used to describe the coming of Christ or other important figures.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἔλευσις as “arrival” or “coming,” with an emphasis on its usage in prophetic and eschatological contexts in the New Testament. The lexicon notes that the word often carries an implication of expectation or significance.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἔλευσις in relation to the broader concept of arrival or coming, particularly in eschatological passages. It is noted that while the word is less frequent in the New Testament, its use is always significant, often indicating the arrival of an important event or person.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon outlines the classical usage of ἔλευσις, where it was commonly used to describe the arrival of persons, particularly those of note, as well as the coming of events that were expected or anticipated.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἔλευσις as “coming” or “arrival,” focusing on the term’s use in describing the event of arriving, particularly in prophetic or significant contexts within the New Testament.

Scripture References:

• Acts 7:52 – “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming (ἔλευσιν) of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered.”
• Hebrews 10:37 – “For yet a little while, and the coming one (ἐρχόμενος) will come (ἥξω) and will not delay.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἔλευσις (G1660: éléusis):

The Greek word ἔλευσις, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is an important term in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In the Bible, it is used to describe significant events, particularly those associated with the arrival of important figures or the fulfillment of prophecy. This word also resonates with the broader cultural value of anticipation in ancient Greek society, where arrivals were often seen as pivotal moments. Understanding ἔλευσις provides valuable insights into both the theological dimensions of the New Testament and the cultural ideals of expectation and arrival in the ancient world.

Did You Know?

The term ἔλευσις is closely related to the Eleusinian Mysteries, a set of ancient Greek religious rites associated with the goddess Demeter and the promise of life after death. The word ἔλευσις, in this context, symbolized the arrival or coming of initiates to participate in these sacred mysteries, highlighting the cultural significance of the term as both a literal and symbolic journey.