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Introduction
The study of Greek words in Biblical texts is essential for uncovering the rich layers of meaning embedded in the Scriptures. The word ἐκπνέω (ekpnéō) is particularly significant due to its direct connection with life and death, as it describes the act of breathing one’s last breath or expiring. Understanding this term is crucial not only for interpreting specific New Testament passages but also for appreciating the cultural and linguistic nuances of ancient Greek, where the concept of breath was intimately linked to life and the soul. This word provides insight into how the ancients viewed the final moments of life, and it helps modern readers grasp the depth of expressions related to death in the biblical texts.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκπνέω (ekpnéō) [ek-PNEH-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ- (ek-), meaning “out of,” and the verb πνέω (pnéō), meaning “to breathe.” Together, ἐκπνέω literally means “to breathe out,” signifying the final act of expelling breath, often interpreted as dying or expiring.
- Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To breathe out
- To expire
- To breathe one’s last breath
Similar Words: The verb ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnḗskō), meaning “to die,” is closely related but carries a broader connotation of death in general. In contrast, ἐκπνέω specifically focuses on the act of expiring or breathing out the last breath. Another related term is ψυχή (psuchḗ), often translated as “soul” or “life,” which emphasizes the life force that departs at the moment of death.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: ἐκπνέω is a verb formed by the combination of ἐκ- (ek-), a prefix meaning “out of,” and πνέω (pnéō), which means “to breathe.” The term is used in the present active indicative form, indicating an ongoing action in the context of a narrative, often describing the precise moment of expiration in a character’s life.
- Grammatical Features: The verb can be found in various tenses and voices depending on its usage in different contexts. Here is an overview of its conjugation in the present active indicative:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ἐκπνέω | ἐκπνέομεν |
| 2nd | ἐκπνέεις | ἐκπνέετε |
| 3rd | ἐκπνέει | ἐκπνέουσιν |
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: ἐκπνέω is defined as “to breathe out” or “to expire,” with a focus on the moment of death when the final breath is taken.
- Thayers: This lexicon describes ἐκπνέω as “to breathe one’s last,” particularly in the context of a person’s final moments, underscoring the physical and spiritual significance of this act.
- Vines: In Vines’ Expository Dictionary, ἐκπνέω is highlighted for its use in describing the exact moment of death, marking the transition from life to death with the last breath.
- LSJ: The term is used in both literal and figurative senses in classical Greek literature, often describing the act of expiring in a poetic or dramatic context.
- Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἐκπνέω as “to breathe out,” emphasizing its use in describing the final breath taken at death.
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Scripture References
- Mark 15:37 – “And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last (ἐκπνέω).”
- Luke 23:46 – “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this, he breathed his last (ἐκπνέω).”
- Acts 5:5 – “When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last (ἐκπνέω), and great fear came upon all who heard of it.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He breathed his last (ἐκπνέω) on the battlefield, his spirit leaving with a sigh.” |
| Euripides | Alcestis | “She laid her head back and breathed out (ἐκπνέω), her life departing quietly.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The king, struck down, breathed his last (ἐκπνέω) before his loyal followers.” |
Summary of ἐκπνέω (G1606: ekpnéō)
The Greek word ἐκπνέω (ekpnéō) is a verb that conveys the act of breathing out one’s last breath, marking the precise moment of death. This term is used in the New Testament to describe the final moments of Jesus on the cross, as well as the deaths of others in key narrative moments. The word holds significant weight in both biblical and classical contexts, symbolizing the transition from life to death. Understanding ἐκπνέω provides a deeper appreciation of how ancient cultures perceived and described the moment of death, and its usage in Scripture underscores the solemnity and gravity of the final breath.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek culture, the act of breathing out the last breath was often seen as the moment when the soul or spirit left the body. This belief is reflected in both religious practices and literary descriptions, where ἐκπνέω is used to poetically capture the passing of life. This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of physical breath and spiritual life in ancient thought.
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