ἐκπίπτω

I fall out, fall off, fall away, fade away, wither away

Definition

The verb ἐκπίπτω primarily means 'to fall out, off, or away from something.' In its literal sense, it describes physical falling, such as chains falling from Peter's hands (Acts 12:7) or stars falling from the sky (Mark 13:25). In a nautical context, it refers to a ship being driven off course or running aground, as seen repeatedly in Acts 27 during Paul's shipwreck. Figuratively, it can mean to lose possession of something, to become invalid (Romans 9:6), or to cease, as when prophecies and tongues will 'pass away' (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Biblical Usage

ἐκπίπτω is used 13 times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in the narrative of Acts 27 (verses 17, 26, 29, 32), where it describes the peril of a ship being driven from its course and running aground. Elsewhere, it appears in apocalyptic imagery (Mark 13:25), a miraculous prison escape (Acts 12:7), and theological arguments about God's word not failing (Romans 9:6) and the temporary nature of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8). Its usage spans literal, maritime, and metaphorical contexts.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of,' and the common verb πίπτω (piptō, G4098), meaning 'to fall.' The compound thus literally means 'to fall out.' This construction clearly conveys the sense of separation or departure from a prior position or state.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in two key passages. In Romans 9:6, Paul states that the word of God has not 'failed' (ἐκπίπτω), affirming the faithfulness of God's promises despite Israel's unbelief. In 1 Corinthians 13:8, it describes how prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will 'pass away' (ἐκπίπτω), highlighting the temporary, imperfect nature of certain spiritual gifts in contrast to the permanence of love. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting the literal idea of 'falling away' to profound concepts of divine fidelity and the transitory nature of partial revelation.

The frequent use in Acts 27 reflects the common and dangerous experience of Mediterranean sea travel in the 1st century, where being driven off course (ἐκπίπτω) could lead to shipwreck. This provides vivid, real-world imagery that the original audience would have immediately understood, grounding the narrative in tangible peril.

πίπτω (piptō, G4098) — The simple root verb meaning 'to fall,' without the implied sense of 'out of' or 'away from.' ἀποπίπτω (apopiptō, G634) — Another compound meaning 'to fall off,' used only once (Acts 9:18 for scales falling from eyes), with a similar sense but different prefix (apo, 'away from').

Word Details

Scripture References