NAS Word Usage – Total: 34

1. to go forth, go out, depart
2. metaph.
   1. to come forth, to issue, to proceed
      1. of feelings, affections, deeds, sayings
   2. to flow forth
      1. of a river
   3. to project, from the mouth of one
   4. to spread abroad, of a rumour

The Meaning of Ekporeuomai

In Greek, “Ekporeuomai” (ἐκπορεύομαι) is a compound word derived from “ek” (ἐκ), meaning “out of” or “from,” and “poreuomai” (πορεύομαι), meaning “to go” or “to proceed.” Combined, “Ekporeuomai” essentially means “to go out from” or “to proceed from a place.”

Usage in the New Testament

Ekporeuomai in the Gospels

The term “Ekporeuomai” is found throughout the New Testament, most notably within the Gospels. For instance, in the Gospel of Mark 7:20-23, Jesus teaches about the things that defile a person. He says, “What comes out of a person (ekporeuomai) is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come…” (NIV). Here, “Ekporeuomai” refers to the ideas and actions originating from one’s heart and mind.

This use of “Ekporeuomai” illustrates the internal source of behavior, emphasizing that purity and impurity stem from within, not from external factors.

Ekporeuomai in the Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation also employs “Ekporeuomai” to describe divine actions. Revelation 22:1 speaks of the river of life, saying, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing (ekporeuomai) from the throne of God and of the Lamb…” (NIV). This river symbolizes eternal life and blessings that proceed directly from God.

In this context, “Ekporeuomai” underscores the origin of divine life and blessings, showing their pure and heavenly source.

Theological Implications of Ekporeuomai

Origin and Source

The word “Ekporeuomai” plays a crucial role in expressing the idea of origin or source. Whether discussing the human heart as the origin of sin or the throne of God as the source of life, “Ekporeuomai” points readers toward understanding the root or beginning of something significant.

Moral Teachings

When Jesus used “Ekporeuomai” in moral teachings, He highlighted the importance of internal integrity over external observances. This reinforces the biblical theme that true righteousness comes from within and is evidenced by one’s actions and words.

Ekporeuomai in Different Translations

Variations Across Bible Versions

Translators often face the challenge of conveying the exact meaning of original Greek words like “Ekporeuomai” into receptive language. Some translations might use “proceed,” “come forth,” or “flow” depending on the context. For example:

King James Version (KJV): “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man” (Mark 7:20).

New International Version (NIV): “He went on: ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them” (Mark 7:20).

Each translation tries to capture the essence of “Ekporeuomai,” though they might use slightly different English words to do so.

Maintaining Original Meaning

While variations exist, the central idea remains the same across translations. “Ekporeuomai” always conveys a movement from an internal space to an external manifestation, whether it is something defiled from within a person or a pure river flowing from God’s throne.

Cultural and Historical Context

Understanding First-Century Greek Culture

To fully appreciate the word “Ekporeuomai,” one must consider the cultural and historical context of the New Testament. In first-century Greek culture, concepts of purity and origin were significant. The Greeks, including Jews living in Hellenistic societies, paid close attention to the sources of actions and phenomena, attributing great importance to where and how things originated.

Jewish Thought on Purity

Jewish thought, too, had elaborate teachings on purity, stemming from traditions outlined in the Torah. Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels challenge some of these established perspectives, redirecting the focus from external rituals to internal purity. By employing “Ekporeuomai,” the Gospels cleverly bridge the cultural context with Jesus’ revolutionary moral teachings.

How Modern Readers Can Apply Ekporeuomai

Self-Reflection and Morality

Understanding “Ekporeuomai” encourages readers to reflect on their internal motivations and origins of their actions. It invites a deeper examination of one’s heart and mind rather than concentrating solely on outward appearances.

Drawing Near to the Source of Life

In spiritual terms, recognizing that blessings like the river of life in Revelation flow from God can inspire believers to draw closer to their divine source. It reminds them of God’s infinite purity and the life-giving power that emanates from Him.

Conclusion

So, what does “Ekporeuomai” mean in Greek in the context of the Bible? It’s a profound word combining notions of origin and proceeding forth. Whether discussing the defiling things that come from the heart or the pure blessings originating from God’s throne, “Ekporeuomai” brings a layered depth to biblical passages. By understanding this term, modern readers can gain greater insight into the nuanced messages of the New Testament, leading to more meaningful self-reflection and spiritual growth.