Brief Overview of ἐκτίθημι (Strong’s G1620: ektíthēmi)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for grasping the depth and nuance of the text. The Greek word ἐκτίθημι (ektíthēmi) is one such word that holds significant meaning, particularly in the context of explaining or revealing information. This word appears in key passages, contributing to the clarity and interpretation of events and teachings in the New Testament. Additionally, it offers insights into ancient Greek culture, where the act of revealing or setting forth ideas was integral to philosophical and rhetorical practices.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκτίθημι (ektíthēmi) [ek-TEE-thay-mee]
• Etymology: The word is a compound of the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of” or “from,” and the verb τίθημι (títhēmi), meaning “to place” or “to set.” Together, they form ἐκτίθημι, which literally means “to place out” or “to set forth.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (transitive verb)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Set Forth – Used in the sense of explaining or laying out information, particularly in an orderly or detailed manner.
• To Expound – Often in the context of teaching or explaining, this meaning emphasizes the act of making something clear or understandable.
• To Expose – In some contexts, ἐκτίθημι can imply revealing something hidden or making it known, which could include both ideas and physical objects.

Similar Words:

• ἀναλύω (analyō): Meaning “to analyze” or “to break down,” this word shares the connotation of explanation but often focuses more on dividing something into parts for understanding.
• ἐξηγέομαι (exēgéomai): Meaning “to lead out” or “to explain,” this word is also used in the context of expounding upon a subject, but it often carries a stronger implication of guiding someone through a process of understanding.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a compound verb, ἐκτίθημι combines the preposition ἐκ with the verb τίθημι. This construction emphasizes the act of bringing something out into the open, whether it be an idea, information, or an object. The word is typically used in the active voice, indicating the subject actively setting forth or revealing something.
• Usage in Context: In the New Testament, ἐκτίθημι is often used to describe the act of explaining or setting forth teachings, particularly in a way that makes them accessible and understandable to the audience.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: ἐκτίθημι is described as a verb meaning “to set forth” or “to explain,” especially in contexts where information is being made clear or exposed to an audience.
• Thayers: Notes that ἐκτίθημι carries the sense of setting out or laying before, often used in rhetorical contexts where a speaker explains or expounds upon a subject.
• Vines: Highlights the word’s use in didactic contexts, where the act of explaining or teaching is central, often in a manner that reveals previously hidden or unclear information.
• LSJ: Provides a broader range of meanings, including “to expose” or “to reveal,” which can apply to both physical objects and abstract ideas.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐκτίθημι as “to expound” or “to explain,” with a focus on the process of making something known or understood.

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Scripture References

• Acts 11:4 – “But Peter began and explained (ἐκτίθημι) it to them in order:”
• Acts 18:26 – “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained (ἐκτίθημι) to him the way of God more accurately.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκτίθημι (G1620: ektíthēmi)

The Greek verb ἐκτίθημι (ektíthēmi) is a significant term in the New Testament, carrying the essential meaning of “to set forth” or “to explain.” It is used to describe the act of expounding upon teachings, making them clear and understandable to others. This word is particularly important in the context of early Christian teachings, where the clear and accurate explanation of doctrine was crucial. Understanding ἐκτίθημι provides valuable insights into the rhetorical and didactic practices of the time, as well as the importance placed on making complex ideas accessible to a wider audience.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκτίθημι was not only used in religious contexts but also in legal and philosophical settings in ancient Greece. It could describe the act of laying out a case in a courtroom or expounding on a philosophical argument, demonstrating its versatility and importance in various aspects of Greek society.