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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the full meaning and nuances of Scripture. The word ἔκδοτος (ekdotos) is particularly significant as it is used in contexts that deal with betrayal, surrender, and being handed over. This word carries profound implications in the New Testament, particularly in relation to the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Understanding this term is crucial not only for interpreting key Biblical passages but also for gaining insight into the cultural and historical contexts of the ancient world where betrayal and surrender were common themes.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἔκδοτος (ekdotos) [EK-do-tos]
- Etymology: Derived from the root ἐκ- (ek-), meaning “out of” or “from,” and δίδωμι (didōmi), meaning “to give” or “to hand over.” The word ἔκδοτος literally means “given out” or “delivered up.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective. It does not have declensions like nouns or verbs, but it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Given Over: ἔκδοτος primarily refers to someone or something that has been “given over” or “handed over,” often in the context of betrayal or surrender.
- Betrayed: The word also carries the connotation of being betrayed, particularly in a legal or judicial sense where someone is handed over to authorities or enemies.
Similar Words:
- παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi) [pa-ra-DI-do-mi]: While ἔκδοτος refers to the state of being handed over, παραδίδωμι focuses on the action of delivering or betraying someone to another, often used in the context of delivering Jesus to the authorities.
- προδίδωμι (prodidōmi) [pro-DI-do-mi]: Another related word, προδίδωμι, also means “to betray,” but it emphasizes the act of betrayal, often by someone close, like a friend or ally.
Further Insights
- Morphology: As an adjective, ἔκδοτος modifies nouns and can be found in different genders, numbers, and cases. However, it does not have its own declensions but follows the pattern of the nouns it modifies.
Morphology Table
| Gender/Case | Singular | Plural | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine | ἔκδοτος | ἔκδοτοι | “He is given over” |
| Feminine | ἔκδοτη | ἔκδοται | “She is given over” |
| Neuter | ἔκδοτον | ἔκδοτα | “It is given over” |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἔκδοτος as “handed over” or “delivered up,” particularly in contexts where someone is betrayed or surrendered to another’s power.
- Thayer’s: Highlights the usage of ἔκδοτος as “delivered,” especially in legal or judicial contexts where someone is handed over to authorities.
- Vine’s: Focuses on the connotations of betrayal and surrender, emphasizing the term’s use in the context of Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion.
- LSJ: Notes that ἔκδοτος can also mean “abandoned” or “given up,” broadening its usage to include situations where someone is left to the mercy of others.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἔκδοτος as “given up” or “delivered up,” often used in the context of betrayal or judicial surrender.
Scripture References:
- Luke 24:7 – “The Son of Man must be delivered (ἔκδοτος) into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
- Acts 2:23 – “This Man, delivered (ἔκδοτος) by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death.”
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἔκδοτος is used in contexts of surrender and betrayal, often within military or judicial settings.
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “He was ἔκδοτος (delivered) to the enemy after the battle.” |
| Thucydides | “History of the Peloponnesian War” | “The city was ἔκδοτος (given over) to the invaders without resistance.” |
| Aeschylus | “Prometheus Bound” | “Prometheus was ἔκδοτος (handed over) to Zeus by the Titans.” |
Summary of ἔκδοτος (G1560: ekdotos)
The Greek word ἔκδοτος (ekdotos) plays a crucial role in conveying the themes of betrayal, surrender, and being handed over. It is particularly significant in the New Testament where it describes the betrayal and surrender of Jesus Christ to the authorities, an act that led to his crucifixion. Understanding ἔκδοτος provides deeper insight into the nature of betrayal in the ancient world and its implications in the context of the Gospel narratives.
Did You Know?
The word ἔκδοτος is closely related to the legal and military practices of the ancient world, where surrendering or betraying someone to the enemy was a serious and often fatal action. This word’s use in the New Testament, particularly in relation to Jesus’ betrayal, underscores the gravity of such actions in both historical and spiritual contexts.
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