ἐκχωρέω

I go out, depart from

Definition

ἐκχωρέω means to depart from a place, often with a sense of urgency or finality. It can signify withdrawing from a location, as in Luke 21:21 where Jesus warns those in Judea to 'depart out' (ἐκχωρείτωσαν) to the mountains to flee impending disaster. The verb carries the nuance of moving out from within an area, implying a deliberate exit from a specific territory or situation. While its single New Testament use is in a context of flight, the root meaning broadly encompasses the act of going out or away.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 21:21, within Jesus's Olivet Discourse about the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Here, it is part of a dire warning for people to evacuate the region of Judea entirely when they see the city surrounded by armies. The usage is imperative and urgent, commanding a complete departure from the territory to find safety.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of' or 'from,' combined with the verb χωρέω (chōreō), which means 'to make room,' 'to go,' or 'to withdraw.' The compound thus literally means 'to go out from' or 'to make room by going out.' It shares a root with χώρα (chōra, 'country' or 'region'), emphasizing movement away from a defined space.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, ἐκχωρέω in Luke 21:21 is theologically significant as part of Jesus's prophetic warning. It underscores God's provision of a way of escape for the faithful during judgment, highlighting themes of divine warning, obedience, and salvation from catastrophe. Understanding this specific command to 'depart out' enriches the reading of eschatological passages by emphasizing the literal and urgent response required from believers.

In the first-century context, a command to 'depart out' of Judea would have been understood as a drastic measure, as it meant leaving one's homeland, property, and community. For an agrarian society, such a departure was a major life disruption. Jesus's instruction contrasts with common defensive strategies of fleeing to walled cities, instead advising complete abandonment of the region for remote mountains, which would have been counterintuitive and emphasized total reliance on the warning.

φεύγω (pheugō, G5343) — emphasizes fleeing from danger or persecution. ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai, G565) — a more general term for going away or departing, without the inherent urgency of ἐκχωρέω.

Word Details

Scripture References