NAS Word Usage – Total: 4

1. to shake off so that something adhering shall fall
   1. by this symbolic act a person, expresses extreme contempt for another and refuses to have any further dealings with him
   2. to shake off for (the cleansing of) one’s self

Etymology and Basic Definition

The Roots of Ektinasso

Ektinasso (εκτινάσσω) is composed of two parts: “ek” (εκ), meaning “out” or “from,” and “tinasso” (τινάσσω), meaning “to shake off” or “to cause to move.” Hence, Ektinasso essentially means “to shake out” or “to shake off.”

Basic Usage in Ancient Greek

In ancient Greek literature, Ektinasso was used to describe actions like shaking dust off one’s feet or shaking off an attachment. Its usage in everyday language could range from the physical act of shaking to more metaphorical contexts, like removing influence or detachment from a situation or person.

Ektinasso in the New Testament

Biblical References

The word Ektinasso appears in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Here are some prominent verses where the term is used:

1. Matthew 10:14 (NIV): “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
2. Luke 9:5 (NIV): “If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
3. Acts 13:51 (NIV): “So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.”

Context and Meaning

In these passages, Ektinasso is used by Jesus and his disciples in the act of shaking off the dust from their feet. This was a symbolic gesture directed at towns that rejected their message. By shaking off the dust, they were essentially detaching themselves from the influence and responsibility of those who refused to listen indicating that they had done everything in their power to share their message, and now it was up to the hearers to either accept or reject the teachings.

Cultural and Historical Background

Jewish Traditions and Customs

Understanding Jewish customs can shed light on why this action and word carried such significance. In the first-century Jewish context, shaking off dust had a symbolic meaning. Jews considered the land of Israel holy, and gentile lands unclean. When Jews traveled through gentile regions, they would shake the dust from their feet upon returning to Israel as a symbol of purifying themselves from unclean influences.

Application to the Early Christian Mission

In applying this metaphor, Jesus instructed his disciples to treat any Jewish town that rejected their message as unclean. This shaking off of dust wasn’t just symbolic but a stark warning to the towns about their hard-heartedness and unwillingness to receive the message of Jesus.

Theological Implications

Responsibility and Testimony

Using Ektinasso conveys a profound theological message. It highlights the responsibility of both the messenger and the receiver. The disciples were to share the message of Jesus without discrimination, but they also were not to be burdened by rejection. The act of shaking off the dust served as a testimony against those who refused to listen, showing that the responsibility for that decision lay with the rejecters.

Detachment from Rejection

Moreover, Ektinasso symbolizes spiritual and emotional detachment. The disciples were instructed to move on without harboring resentment or feeling defeated. This act of shaking off the dust was an acknowledgment that their work and efforts were valid, but the acceptance of the message was ultimately up to the hearers.

Warnings and Judgment

Ektinasso also carries an element of warning interlinked with the concept of divine judgment. By treating rejecting towns as unclean, the disciples were issued a silent yet powerful warning: rejecting the Gospel had serious consequences. It indicated a separation from the blessings and promises offered through Jesus.

Modern-Day Applications

Personal Detachment from Negative Influences

While the exact cultural context of Ektinasso may not be directly applicable today, its principles can be drawn into our modern lives. It can remind individuals to detach from negativity and not to dwell on rejection. When someone or a situation rejects positive and constructive influence, sometimes it’s appropriate to shake off the dust and move forward.

Handling Rejection in Spreading Messages

For those involved in missionary work, teaching, or sharing important messages, Ektinasso offers wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of delivering a message with sincerity and leaving the ultimate decision of acceptance or rejection to the recipients without carrying the emotional weight of their decisions.

Conclusion

Understanding the phrase “What does Ektinasso mean in Greek in context of the Bible?” provides a richer comprehension of certain New Testament teachings. Ektinasso is more than just a physical act; it’s a symbolic gesture filled with profound spiritual, emotional, and theological implications. It instructs modern readers on handling rejection, assigning responsibility, and trusting the outcome of efforts to a higher power. Through its study, we can learn the balance between diligent endeavor and letting go of control over others’ responses.