ἐκλύω

I am unstrung, become weak, fail

Definition

The verb ἐκλύω (eklyō) carries the core idea of becoming 'unstrung' or 'loosened,' leading to a state of weakness or exhaustion. In its literal sense, it describes physical weariness, as when the crowds following Jesus are described as 'faint' or 'weary' from lack of food (Matthew 9:36, 15:32; Mark 8:3). In a metaphorical sense, it refers to spiritual or moral weakening, such as growing 'weary' in doing good (Galatians 6:9) or losing heart in the face of hardship (Hebrews 12:3, 5). Thus, it spans the spectrum from physical fatigue to the collapse of inner resolve.

Biblical Usage

ἐκλύω is used six times in the New Testament, primarily in the passive voice ('I am faint/grow weary'). It appears in narratives describing Jesus's compassion for physically exhausted crowds (Matthew 9:36, 15:32; Mark 8:3) and in epistolary exhortations warning believers against spiritual discouragement. In Galatians 6:9, Paul uses it to urge perseverance in good works, while in Hebrews 12:3-5, the author applies it to the danger of growing weary under divine discipline or persecution.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, 'out of') and the verb λύω (lyō, 'to loose, untie, release'). The compound literally means 'to loose out' or 'unstring,' originally used for relaxing a bowstring. This concrete image evolved to describe a person whose strength or resolve is 'unstrung' or drained away, leading to the meanings of physical faintness and spiritual weariness.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures a key human struggle in the Christian life: perseverance. It highlights the reality of spiritual fatigue and the constant need for divine encouragement. Understanding ἐκλύω enriches reading by showing that biblical exhortations to 'not grow weary' (Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 12:3) directly address this specific condition of being 'unstrung,' offering hope that God provides strength to renew our resolve.

The original metaphor of 'unstringing' a bow would have been immediately understood in a culture familiar with archery. A loosened bow is ineffective and powerless, a vivid image for someone whose physical or moral strength has dissipated. This cultural context adds depth to the term, emphasizing a complete loss of tension and capacity, which differs from a modern understanding of simple tiredness.

κάμνω (kamnō, G2577) — emphasizes the process of growing weary or sick; κοπιάω (kopiaō, G2872) — focuses on laboring to the point of exhaustion; ἐκκακέω (ekkakeō, G1573) — means to lose heart or become discouraged, a closer synonym for the metaphorical/spiritual sense.

Word Details

Scripture References