ἐκεῖσε

thither, there

Definition

ἐκεῖσε is an adverb of place meaning 'thither' or 'to that place,' indicating direction toward a previously mentioned or implied location. It is the directional counterpart to the more common adverb ἐκεῖ ('there'), specifying movement to a destination rather than static presence. In its two New Testament occurrences, it consistently carries this sense of purposeful movement toward a specific locale. For example, in Acts 21:3, it describes the ship's intended destination ('sailing for Syria, we were to land there [ἐκεῖσε]'), and in Acts 22:5, Paul speaks of traveling 'there [ἐκεῖσε]' to Damascus with authority.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Acts, and always in narrative contexts describing travel. It appears in accounts of sea voyage (Acts 21:3) and a land journey (Acts 22:5), highlighting its function to denote the goal or endpoint of movement. The usage is straightforward and consistent, with no significant variation in meaning between the passages.

Etymology

Derived from the demonstrative adverb ἐκεῖ ('there') combined with the directional suffix -σε, which indicates motion toward a place. It is related to the pronoun ἐκεῖνος ('that one'). The formation is analogous to ὅδε ('hither') from ὧδε ('here'), creating a pair of directional adverbs. Its root sense is 'to that (place) there.'

Semantic Range

In the Greco-Roman world, precise directional language was important for travel, commerce, and official missions, as reflected in the narrative of Acts. The word's use in Acts 22:5, regarding Paul's journey to Damascus under official authority, subtly underscores the deliberate, purposeful nature of his trip—a journey that God would dramatically redirect. The term itself carries no unique cultural baggage beyond its functional linguistic role.

ἐκεῖ (ekeí, G1563) — means 'there,' indicating a static location rather than direction toward it. ὅδε (hóde, G5602) — means 'hither' or 'to this place,' indicating direction toward the speaker, whereas ἐκεῖσε indicates direction away from the speaker toward a distant point.

Word Details

Scripture References