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Introduction
In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding small but significant words can greatly enhance one’s interpretation of Scripture. The Greek word ἐκεῖ (ekeí) is one such word, commonly translated as “there” in English. Although it may seem simple, its use in the New Testament is crucial for understanding the location and context of events, teachings, and narratives. By examining this word, one gains insight into how the Gospel writers emphasized specific places and actions, thereby offering a richer understanding of the text and its connection to both the physical and spiritual geography of the ancient world.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκεῖ (ekeí) [eh-KAY]
- Etymology: The word ἐκεῖ derives from the Greek pronoun ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos), meaning “that” or “that one,” which indicates a distance in space or time.
- Part of Speech: Adverb (indicating place).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- There: The primary meaning of ἐκεῖ is “there,” indicating a specific location that is distant from the speaker or writer.
- In that place: It can also emphasize a specific place where something significant occurs or where a person or event is located.
Similar Words:
- ὧδε (hóde) [HOH-deh]: This word means “here” and is often used to indicate a place that is close to the speaker or writer, in contrast to ἐκεῖ, which refers to a place further away.
- ἐκεῖθεν (ekeíthen) [eh-KAY-then]: This word means “from there” and is used to describe movement away from a location, emphasizing the departure point.
Further Insights
- Morphology: ἐκεῖ is an indeclinable adverb, meaning it does not change form based on gender, number, or case. This characteristic makes it straightforward in usage but requires attention to context for proper interpretation.
Morphology Table (No Declension)
| Function | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Indicating place | ἐκεῖ | “The disciples went there (ἐκεῖ).” |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Notes that ἐκεῖ is used frequently in the New Testament to specify locations, often with theological significance. It emphasizes the distinction between places and the importance of certain sites in the narrative.
- Thayer’s: Describes ἐκεῖ as a straightforward adverb of place, with particular emphasis on its role in marking the presence of events or people in locations of interest.
- Vine’s: Highlights how ἐκεῖ is often used in contrast to ὧδε (here), particularly in dialogues where Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly locations.
- LSJ: Points out the use of ἐκεῖ in classical literature, where it often appears in descriptions of battles, travels, and locations of significant events.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐκεῖ as an adverb meaning “there,” emphasizing its role in the placement of actions and events within the narrative structure.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 2:9 – “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was (ἐκεῖ).”
- John 6:3 – “Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples (ἐκεῖ).”
- Luke 23:33 – “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there (ἐκεῖ), along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.”
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἐκεῖ was commonly used to describe the location of events, particularly in narratives where the distinction between different places was important for the story.
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | “Iliad” | “The warriors gathered there (ἐκεῖ) to discuss their strategy.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “The temple stood there (ἐκεῖ), a place of great reverence and awe.” |
| Xenophon | “Anabasis” | “The army halted there (ἐκεῖ) to rest before the next day’s march.” |
Summary of ἐκεῖ (G1563: ekeí)
The Greek adverb ἐκεῖ (ekeí) is a simple yet significant word in the New Testament, frequently used to denote specific locations of events, people, or actions. By understanding its use, readers can gain deeper insights into the geographical and narrative context of the Scriptures. This word not only points to physical places but also serves as a tool for emphasizing the importance of certain locations in the unfolding of the biblical narrative. Whether in theological discussions or historical descriptions, ἐκεῖ plays a vital role in directing the reader’s attention to where significant events occurred.
Did You Know?
The word ἐκεῖ, though often translated simply as “there,” can carry significant theological weight. For instance, when Jesus refers to “where I am” (ἐκεῖ) in John 14:3, He is not just speaking of a physical location but also hinting at the spiritual and relational closeness that His followers will experience with Him.
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