G1814
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as it provides deeper insight into the original meanings and context of scripture. The Greek word ἐξάλλομαι (exállomai) is particularly significant for interpreting passages that deal with sudden movements or actions, and it has implications for understanding ancient Greek culture and expressions in the New Testament.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐξάλλομαι, transliterated as exállomai [eks-AL-lo-mai]
- Etymology: Derived from the root word ἅλλομαι (hállomai), meaning “to leap” or “to spring.”
- Part of Speech: Verb, deponent form; middle voice.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- To leap out or spring forth.
- To jump suddenly or with force.
Similar Words: ἅλλομαι (hállomai) [HAL-lo-mai] – meaning “to leap.” The word ἐξάλλομαι is a more intense or forceful version, often implying a sudden or vigorous action.
Further Insights: The verb ἐξάλλομαι is in the middle voice, which indicates that the subject is performing the action upon themselves or is intimately involved in the action’s result. The declension of this verb follows typical patterns for Greek deponent verbs, where the middle voice is used but translated with an active meaning.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ἐξάλλομαι as “to leap out” or “to spring out,” often used in contexts where there is a sudden, forceful action.
Thayers: Emphasizes the meaning “to spring forth” and describes its usage in literature related to sudden movements or reactions.
Vines: Indicates that ἐξάλλομαι often conveys a sense of rapid or unexpected movement, particularly in physical or metaphorical contexts.
LSJ: Focuses on classical usage, stating it means “to leap out” and is commonly found in ancient Greek writings to describe sudden movements.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Offers the primary definition as “to leap out,” particularly noting its emphatic use to depict sudden or vigorous actions.
Related Scripture References
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “He would leap out (ἐξάλλομαι) of his bed at the sound.” |
| Plato | Republic | “The soul is quick to leap out (ἐξάλλομαι) when provoked.” |
| Aristophanes | The Frogs | “He leaps out (ἐξάλλομαι) in a rush, eager to take action.” |
Summary of ἐξάλλομαι (G1814: exállomai)
The Greek word ἐξάλλομαι is a vivid verb that denotes sudden, forceful actions such as leaping or springing forth. Its use in Biblical texts provides a dynamic portrayal of movement, often in response to stimuli. With roots in classical Greek literature, it retains a strong emphasis on rapid and powerful action, both in a physical and metaphorical sense.
Did You Know?
The word ἐξάλλομαι was often used by ancient playwrights and philosophers to depict sudden, dramatic actions in both literal and figurative contexts. In Biblical Greek, this word can help bring to life the intensity of moments where characters or forces make sudden, decisive moves.