ἐκκλάω

I break off

Definition

The verb ἐκκλάω means 'to break off' or 'to break out.' In its three New Testament occurrences, it consistently refers to the breaking off of branches, specifically in the metaphor of the olive tree in Romans 11:17-20. Here, it describes God's action in breaking off unbelieving Jewish branches from the cultivated olive tree (representing God's people) due to their lack of faith. The action is deliberate and decisive, creating space for wild olive branches (believing Gentiles) to be grafted in. The word does not carry a secondary meaning in the biblical text; its usage is entirely metaphorical within this agricultural imagery.

Biblical Usage

ἐκκλάω is used exclusively by the Apostle Paul in Romans 11:17, 19, and 20. All instances are part of the same extended metaphor explaining God's dealings with Israel and the Gentiles. The word describes the divine judgment of removal from a position of covenant privilege. The pattern is uniform: it is God who does the 'breaking off' of natural branches because of unbelief, establishing a critical point in Paul's argument about grace and faith.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of' or 'from,' and the verb κλάω (klaō), meaning 'to break.' Thus, it literally means 'to break off' or 'to break out.' It is a compound verb that intensifies the action of breaking to imply a removal or separation. The root κλάω is also seen in words like κλάσμα (klasma, 'a fragment' or 'piece,' G2801), used for the broken pieces of bread.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it anchors Paul's metaphor of the olive tree in Romans 11, which illustrates the doctrine of God's sovereign election and the conditional nature of covenant standing. Understanding ἐκκλάω highlights that inclusion in God's people is by faith, not ethnic birthright, and that unbelief leads to removal. It warns against pride (Romans 11:20) and underscores God's severity toward the unbelieving and His kindness to those who continue in faith. The Greek term's precision enriches the metaphor, emphasizing a decisive divine act rather than a natural falling away.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the pruning and grafting of olive trees was a common agricultural practice. Listeners would understand that breaking off branches was a deliberate act by a gardener to improve the health and productivity of the tree. This cultural familiarity makes Paul's metaphor immediately accessible. The 'wild olive' (Gentiles) being grafted into a cultivated tree was an unusual practice, making Paul's illustration striking and memorable to highlight the surprising nature of God's grace.

κλάω (klaō, G2800) — The simple root verb meaning 'to break,' often used for breaking bread. ἐκκλάω adds the specific sense of breaking off or out. συγκλάω (synklaō, G4786) — Means 'to break together' or 'shatter,' used in Acts 27:41 for a ship breaking apart.

Word Details

Scripture References