ἔκβασις

a way out, escape, result

Definition

The Greek word ἔκβασις (ekbasis) primarily means 'a way out' or 'an escape,' but it also carries the sense of 'an outcome' or 'result.' In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it refers to God's faithful provision of a 'way of escape' from temptation, emphasizing deliverance from a difficult situation. In Hebrews 13:7, it shifts meaning to denote the 'outcome' or 'result' of a manner of life, pointing to the final, observable end of faithful conduct. Thus, the word bridges the concepts of divine rescue in the present and the ultimate consequence of a life lived in faith.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it is used in a pastoral, encouraging context about God's faithfulness in providing a 'way out' of temptation. In Hebrews 13:7, it is used in a reflective, exhortative context, urging believers to consider the faithful 'outcome' or 'end result' of the lives of their leaders as an example to imitate.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, meaning 'out of') and the noun βάσις (basis, meaning 'a step,' 'base,' or 'a going'). The compound literally means 'a going out' or 'a stepping out from,' which naturally extends to the ideas of an exit, escape, or final result. It shares a root with verbs of motion, grounding its meaning in the concept of movement toward an endpoint.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects God's active providence with human responsibility. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it underscores God's faithfulness and sovereignty in providing rescue, a key doctrine of divine grace and help in trials. In Hebrews 13:7, it highlights the importance of observable faithfulness and the testimony of a life's end result, encouraging perseverance and imitation of godly examples. Understanding this dual meaning enriches reading by showing how God's provision ('way out') leads to a faithful 'outcome' in the lives of believers.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a 'way out' (ἔκβασις) could relate to military, philosophical, or theatrical contexts, denoting an escape from a siege, a solution to a problem, or the resolution of a plot. The biblical usage taps into this general understanding of a decisive exit or conclusion but infuses it with theological meaning centered on God's faithfulness and the ultimate purpose of a life of faith.

ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis, G629) — emphasizes redemption or release, often through payment, whereas ἔκβασις is a more general 'way out.' ἔξοδος (exodos, G1841) — a departure or exodus, often a major, collective leaving, while ἔκβασις can be a personal escape or result. διέξοδος (diexodos, G1327) — a way out through something (like a pass), more geographical; ἔκβασις is more abstract or situational.

Word Details

Scripture References