ἐκφεύγω

I flee out, away, I escape

Definition

The verb ἐκφεύγω means to flee out from or escape away from a place, danger, or consequence. It often carries the sense of a successful or narrow escape from a threatening situation, as when Paul escapes Damascus by being lowered in a basket (2 Corinthians 11:33) or when the jailer in Philippi thinks his prisoners have fled (Acts 16:27). In a more abstract, spiritual sense, it describes the impossibility of escaping God's judgment (Romans 2:3) or the suddenness from which people will not escape the coming 'day of the Lord' (1 Thessalonians 5:3). It also denotes escaping the notice or grasp of someone, as with the demon-possessed man overpowering his attackers (Acts 19:16).

Biblical Usage

ἐκφεύγω is used seven times in the New Testament across various genres: historical narrative (Acts), epistles (Romans, 1 Thessalonians, Hebrews, 2 Corinthians), and gospel (Luke). In narrative contexts, it describes physical escape from immediate peril (Acts 16:27, 19:16; 2 Corinthians 11:33). In didactic and prophetic contexts, it is used rhetorically to emphasize the inescapability of divine judgment or consequence (Romans 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Hebrews 2:3; Luke 21:36). A key pattern is its use with a negative (οὐ μή) to stress impossibility.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of' or 'from,' and the verb φεύγω (pheygō, G5343), meaning 'to flee' or 'to take flight.' The compound intensifies the root idea, specifying a fleeing *out from within* a particular sphere or constraint. Its meaning developed from a literal, physical escape to also encompass metaphorical or spiritual escape from abstract things like judgment.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it frames core concepts of judgment, salvation, and accountability. It confronts the human presumption that one can escape the just judgment of God (Romans 2:3). Conversely, in Luke 21:36, it presents the hopeful possibility of escaping end-times tribulation through watchfulness and prayer. In Hebrews 2:3, it poses the grave rhetorical question of how anyone can escape if they neglect the great salvation offered in Christ. Thus, it underscores both the seriousness of divine reckoning and the provision for deliverance through Christ.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'escaping' fate, danger, or legal penalty was common in literature and philosophy. The word's use in the New Testament would resonate with audiences familiar with stories of narrow escapes or the philosophical idea of avoiding misfortune. However, the biblical application to escaping the judgment of the one true God was a distinctively Jewish and Christian concept, contrasting with pagan notions of escaping capricious fate or earthly rulers.

φεύγω (pheygō, G5343) — The root verb, a more general term for 'to flee' without the compounded sense of 'out from.' διαφεύγω (diapheygō, G1309) — Adds the prefix διά (through), emphasizing escaping through or completely away from danger. ἀποφεύγω (apopheygō, G668) — Uses ἀπό (away from), closely synonymous but less common in the NT; can emphasize getting away from something.

Word Details

Scripture References