Understanding ἐκεῖ (ekei) Strong’s G1563: The Biblical Concept of “There” that Reveals Divine Presence and Purpose in Scripture

Pronunciation Guide: eh-KAY (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1563: ἐκεῖ (ekei) is an adverb of place meaning “there,” “in that place,” or “at that location.” It indicates a specific location often distinct from the speaker’s position and frequently carries spiritual or theological significance beyond mere geographical reference. In the New Testament, ἐκεῖ often marks places of divine activity, encounter, or revelation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb of place
• Origin: From an old dative form of ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos, “that one”)
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages, teachings of Messiah Jesus, and apocalyptic literature
• Frequency: Appears 95 times in the New Testament
• Usage Pattern: Often connects geographical locations with spiritual significance

ἐκεῖ Morphology:

• ἐκεῖ – standard adverbial form (“there”)
• ἐκεῖθεν – derived form meaning “from there” (indicating movement away from a place)
• κἀκεῖ – contraction (καὶ + ἐκεῖ) meaning “and there”

Origin & History

The adverb ἐκεῖ derives from the dative case of the pronoun ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos, “that one”), which itself comes from the demonstrative element ἐκ- meaning “there” or “yonder.” In classical Greek literature, it appears frequently in the works of Homer, Herodotus, and Plato to indicate specific locations relevant to narrative development.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἐκεῖ translates the Hebrew adverb שָׁם (sham), which similarly denotes “there” and often carries special theological significance, marking places of divine revelation or covenant activity. For example, in Genesis, שָׁם/ἐκεῖ frequently identifies locations where יהוה (Yahweh) manifests Himself to the patriarchs or where significant covenant events occur. This theological dimension of place-marking continues into New Testament usage, where ἐκεῖ often indicates locations of Messianic activity.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A specific physical location separate from the speaker’s position
• A place of divine activity or revelation
• A designated location for spiritual encounter
• A reference point in time (less common usage)
• A conceptual “there” referring to an idea or state rather than physical location

ἐκεῖ Translation Options:

• “There” – The most common and direct translation, appropriate in most contexts (Matthew 5:24)
• “In that place” – Emphasizes the locality aspect and works well when contrasting locations (Matthew 2:13)
• “At that location” – More formal and precise for technical or legal contexts (Luke 12:18)
• “Yonder” – An archaic but sometimes evocative translation that captures the sense of distance (KJV usage)
• “At that spot” – Useful when pinpointing a very specific location (John 11:15)

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἐκεῖ in the New Testament occurs in Matthew 2:13, where an angel instructs Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus: “and remain there [ἐκεῖ] until I tell you.” This usage establishes a pattern seen throughout Scripture where ἐκεῖ often marks places of divine protection, provision, or purpose.

Throughout the Gospels, ἐκεῖ frequently marks locations where Messiah Jesus performed miracles, taught, or revealed His divine nature. In the narrative of Jesus feeding the 5,000, Matthew 14:23 notes that after dismissing the crowds, “He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there [ἐκεῖ] alone.” This illustrates how ἐκεῖ can mark places of spiritual significance—locations of prayer, revelation, or divine communion.

• “and remain there [ἐκεῖ] until I tell you.” Matthew 2:13
• “Go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.” Matthew 17:27
• “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there [ἐκεῖ] in their midst.” Matthew 18:20
• “The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid there [ἐκεῖ] coats on them; and He sat on them.” Matthew 21:6-7
• “And He saw that they were straining at the oars, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, ‘Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.’ Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished.” Mark 6:48-51
• “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father… But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.'” John 4:21-23
• “Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” John 6:21

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern worldview, physical locations were never merely geographical coordinates but carried profound spiritual and theological significance. Places where divine encounters occurred became sacred spaces, often marked by altars, pillars, or place names commemorating the event. The Hebrew concept of מָקוֹם (maqom, “place”) reflected this understanding—certain locations were inherently charged with spiritual significance due to divine activity there.

This cultural understanding illuminates how ἐκεῖ functions in New Testament narratives. When Jesus instructs His disciples to go to a specific place where “there” (ἐκεῖ) they will find something or someone, it’s not merely providing geographical direction but establishing spiritual significance. For instance, in the Nativity narrative, Bethlehem is not merely where (ἐκεῖ) Jesus happened to be born, but the divinely ordained location fulfilling Micah’s prophecy—a place carrying covenantal and Messianic significance. Similarly, Jerusalem is not merely a city but “the place” (ἐκεῖ) where God chose to put His name, where atonement happens, and ultimately where redemption would be accomplished through the Messiah’s sacrifice.

Theological Significance

The seemingly simple adverb ἐκεῖ carries profound theological weight throughout Scripture. It repeatedly marks locations where divine purpose unfolds—where God makes covenant promises, delivers His people, reveals His will, or manifests His glory. This spatial language underscores a central biblical truth: our God is not an abstract deity but One who enters human history and geography. The Incarnation itself—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us—represents the ultimate expression of divine presence “there” (ἐκεῖ) in human experience.

One of the most profound uses of ἐκεῖ appears in Matthew 18:20, where Jesus promises, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there [ἐκεῖ] in their midst.” This reveals the Messiah’s ongoing presence with His people—a presence not limited by geography but guaranteed wherever believers gather in authentic community. The adverb thus becomes a powerful proclamation of Emmanuel, “God with us,” affirming that divine presence is not confined to temples or sacred mountains but available wherever faith is exercised. In the eschatological vision of Revelation, this presence culminates in the declaration that God’s dwelling will be “there” (ἐκεῖ) with His people eternally—the ultimate sacred space where Creator and creation are perfectly reunited.

Personal Application

Understanding ἐκεῖ invites us to recognize the sacred spaces in our own lives—those “there” moments where God has revealed Himself, provided direction, or demonstrated His faithfulness. This awareness calls us to develop spiritual attentiveness to place. Where has God met you? Where has He directed you to go? Where has He promised to be with you?

The promise that Jesus is “there” (ἐκεῖ) where believers gather in His name transforms our understanding of community. It elevates our church gatherings, small group meetings, and times of fellowship from mere social functions to sacred encounters with the living God. This realization should inspire reverence, expectation, and attentiveness when we gather with other believers. The next time you join with fellow believers, remember that the promised presence of the Messiah is literally “there” (ἐκεῖ) among you, creating a sacred space of divine-human communion wherever you may physically be.

Related Words

• ὧδε (hōde) [HOH-deh] – Means “here” or “in this place,” often contrasted with ἐκεῖ to distinguish between “here” (where the speaker is) and “there” (another location). While ἐκεῖ points away from the speaker, ὧδε points to the speaker’s immediate vicinity. See G5602
• ἐκεῖθεν (ekeithen) [eh-KAY-then] – Derived from ἐκεῖ, means “from there” or “from that place,” indicating movement away from a previously mentioned location. See G1564
• ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos) [eh-KAY-nos] – Demonstrative pronoun meaning “that one” or “that,” from which ἐκεῖ derives. Often indicates something distant or remote from the speaker. See G1565
• ὅπου (hopou) [HO-poo] – Relative adverb meaning “where” or “in which place,” often introducing a dependent clause about location. Unlike ἐκεῖ, it typically connects rather than points. See G3699
• ποῦ (pou) [poo] – Interrogative adverb meaning “where?” Used to ask about location rather than state it. Creates questions about place while ἐκεῖ provides answers. See G4226

Did you Know?

• In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of מָקוֹם (maqom, “place”) was so deeply associated with divine presence that “HaMakom” (The Place) became one of the names for God Himself. This parallels how ἐκεῖ in the New Testament often marks places of divine manifestation—suggesting that “thereness” itself can carry theological significance. When Scripture says God is “there” (ἐκεῖ), it speaks to His real presence in human experience and history.
• The Tabernacle in the wilderness was designed with a specific area called the Holy of Holies, where the presence of יהוה (Yahweh) dwelled between the cherubim. The High Priest could only enter “there” (ἐκεῖ in the Septuagint) once a year on Yom Kippur. This sacred space prefigured the ultimate “there” of divine presence that would be realized in the Messiah, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14) and made access to God’s presence available to all believers.
• In modern Greek, ἐκεῖ retains its ancient meaning of “there” and remains in common everyday usage. Greek speakers today use essentially the same word as biblical writers did nearly 2,000 years ago when giving directions or describing locations—a remarkable linguistic continuity demonstrating how this simple spatial concept has remained stable across millennia.

Remember This

ἐκεῖ reminds us that our God is not distant or abstract but reveals Himself in specific times and places, culminating in the incarnation of Messiah Jesus who promises, “I am there with you always, even to the end of the age.”