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Introduction
In the study of biblical Greek, understanding the precise meaning and usage of words can greatly enhance the interpretation of the New Testament. The word ἐκεῖσε (ekeîse) is one such word, important for its role in conveying direction or destination in a spatial sense. This adverb, often translated as “thither” or “to that place,” is used to indicate movement toward a specific location, which is vital for understanding the geographical and narrative flow in various New Testament passages. Exploring the word ἐκεῖσε provides deeper insights into how locations and movements are described in ancient Greek texts, enhancing both biblical and classical studies.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκεῖσε (ekeîse) [eh-KAY-seh]
- Etymology: Derived from the demonstrative pronoun ἐκεῖνος (ekeínos), meaning “that” or “that one,” combined with an adverbial ending indicating direction or movement.
- Part of Speech: Adverb
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Thither: Refers to the act of moving or being directed toward a specific place, often a distant or previously mentioned location.
- To that place: Indicates the destination of a movement or action, emphasizing the location in question.
Similar Words:
- ἐκεῖ (ekeî) [eh-KAY]: A related word meaning “there” or “in that place,” which is used to describe a stationary position rather than movement toward a location.
- ποῦ (poû) [poo]: Meaning “where,” this word is used to inquire about a location rather than indicate movement toward it.
Further Insights
- Morphology: As an adverb, ἐκεῖσε does not decline like nouns or adjectives. However, its formation from the demonstrative pronoun ἐκεῖνος highlights its function of pointing to a specific location. The addition of the suffix -σε is what gives it its directional meaning, focusing on movement toward a place rather than merely identifying a location.
Example Usage:
- Matthew 2:22: “But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither (ἐκεῖσε).”
- John 11:7: “Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again (ἐκεῖσε).”
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐκεῖσε as an adverb indicating direction toward a particular place, often used in the context of physical movement or travel.
- Thayer’s: Notes that ἐκεῖσε is used to indicate direction or destination, frequently in narratives involving travel or movement toward a specific location.
- Vine’s: Highlights the usage of ἐκεῖσε in contrast to other adverbs like ἐκεῖ, emphasizing its role in indicating motion toward a place rather than mere presence at a location.
- LSJ: Provides examples of ἐκεῖσε in classical literature, showing its consistent use to denote movement or direction toward a specific place.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐκεῖσε as a word denoting movement “to that place,” often in the context of travel or geographical references in the New Testament.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 2:22 – “He was afraid to go thither (ἐκεῖσε).”
- John 11:7 – “Let us go into Judaea again (ἐκεῖσε).”
- Luke 15:15 – “And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine (ἐκεῖσε).”
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἐκεῖσε was used similarly to indicate direction or movement toward a place, often in the context of travel or movement within a narrative.
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | “Odyssey” | “And then they journeyed thither (ἐκεῖσε) to the land of the Phaeacians.” |
| Xenophon | “Anabasis” | “The soldiers marched thither (ἐκεῖσε), crossing the river with difficulty.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “From that place, they sailed thither (ἐκεῖσε) to Asia.” |
Summary of ἐκεῖσε (G1566: ekeîse)
The Greek adverb ἐκεῖσε (ekeîse) plays an important role in the New Testament, indicating movement toward a specific location. Its primary meanings center around the concept of “thither” or “to that place,” making it essential for understanding directions, journeys, and movements described in biblical narratives. The word is rooted in the demonstrative pronoun ἐκεῖνος, with the adverbial ending -σε giving it a clear directional sense. In classical and biblical Greek, ἐκεῖσε is consistently used to point to a destination, enriching our understanding of how ancient texts describe spatial relationships and movements.
Did You Know?
The word ἐκεῖσε not only describes physical movement toward a place but can also imply a figurative journey or direction in more abstract contexts, such as moving toward a goal or purpose in life. This dual usage highlights the versatility of Greek adverbs in both literal and metaphorical language.
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