ἐκχέω

I pour out, shed

Definition

The verb ἐκχέω primarily means 'to pour out' or 'to shed,' often describing the literal pouring of liquids like wine (Matthew 9:17, Mark 2:22) or water. In a figurative and significant sense, it is used for the shedding of blood, particularly in contexts of violence and sacrifice, as seen in Jesus' statement about His blood being 'poured out for many' (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24). It also carries the meaning of bestowing or expending something liberally, such as God's Spirit (Acts 2:17-18, referencing Joel 2:28-29) or divine wrath (Revelation 16:1-2).

Biblical Usage

ἐκχέω is used 28 times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. Its usage falls into clear patterns: literal pouring of wine in parables (Luke 5:37), the serious theological declaration of Jesus' sacrificial blood at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20), and accusations of shedding innocent blood (Matthew 23:35, Luke 11:50). In Acts and Revelation, it shifts to describe the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33) and the bowls of God's wrath (Revelation 16:1-4).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of' or 'from,' and the root verb χέω (cheō), meaning 'to pour.' It is a compound verb that intensifies the action to mean 'pour out completely.' Cognates include ἐκχύννω (ekchynnō, G1632—a variant form) and the simple verb χέω.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically central to the concepts of atonement and Pentecost. Jesus' declaration that His blood is 'poured out' (Matthew 26:28) directly connects to the sacrificial system, framing His death as a covenant-establishing offering. The 'pouring out' of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:17-33 fulfills prophecy and inaugurates the new covenant age. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the deliberate sacrificial language used for both Christ's death and the gift of the Spirit.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, pouring out a liquid, especially blood or wine, was a powerful symbolic act. Pouring out blood often referred to violent death or ritual sacrifice. Pouring out wine could symbolize waste, judgment, or, in a religious context, a libation offering to a deity. Jesus' use of the term at the Last Supper would have evoked these sacrificial and covenantal connotations for His disciples.

χέω (cheō, G5499) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to pour,' without the intensive 'out' prefix. ἐκχύννω (ekchynnō, G1632) — A variant spelling of ἐκχέω with identical meaning. προχέω (procheō, G4392) — Means 'to pour forth,' with a slightly different directional prefix.

Word Details

Scripture References