ἐκβάλλω

I throw, cast, put out, banish, bring forth, produce

Definition

The verb ἐκβάλλω primarily means 'to cast out' or 'to drive out,' conveying a sense of forceful removal or expulsion. In the Gospels, it frequently describes Jesus casting out demons, as in Matthew 8:16, where he 'cast out the spirits with a word.' It also refers to the physical expulsion of people, such as the banishment of the unworthy into outer darkness (Matthew 8:12). In agricultural contexts, it can mean 'to produce' or 'bring forth,' as a tree brings forth fruit (implied in passages like Matthew 7:17-18). Additionally, it is used for removing a speck from a brother's eye (Matthew 7:4-5), indicating a careful, directed action.

Biblical Usage

ἐκβάλλω is used 76 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels (especially Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and Acts. Its most common context is the exorcism of demons, highlighting Jesus' authority over evil spirits (e.g., Matthew 8:31, 9:33). It also appears in teachings about final judgment, describing the expulsion of the wicked (Matthew 8:12), and in parables about fruitfulness. In Matthew 7:22, it is used by false prophets claiming to 'cast out demons' in Jesus' name, showing its association with spiritual authority. The usage spans literal expulsion, spiritual warfare, and metaphorical production.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of' or 'from,' and the verb βάλλω (ballō, G906), meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast.' The compound literally means 'to throw out.' This root is seen in English words like 'ballistic.' The prefix intensifies the action, emphasizing a forceful or definitive removal. Cognates include ἐκβολή (ekbolē), meaning 'a throwing out' or 'expulsion.'

Semantic Range

ἐκβάλλω is theologically significant as it vividly illustrates Jesus' messianic authority over the kingdom of darkness, demonstrating the inbreaking of God's reign through exorcisms (e.g., Matthew 12:28). It also underscores the reality of divine judgment, where unrepentant individuals are ultimately cast out from God's presence (Matthew 8:12). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the forceful, decisive nature of Christ's victory over evil and the seriousness of eschatological separation.

In the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, demonic possession was a widely accepted reality, and exorcists were known. Jesus' use of ἐκβάλλω to cast out demons, often simply 'with a word' (Matthew 8:16), contrasted with the elaborate rituals of contemporary exorcists, emphasizing his unique, inherent authority. The term's use for banishment (Matthew 8:12) would resonate with audiences familiar with social or political expulsion as a severe penalty.

ἀποβάλλω (apoballō, G577) — to throw off or away, often more reflexive or voluntary; ἐκπορεύω (ekporeuō, G1607) — to go out or proceed forth, less forceful, often for natural emergence; ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai, G1831) — to go out or come out, a more general term for departure.

Word Details

Scripture References