ἐκπορεύομαι

I journey out, come forth

Definition

The verb ἐκπορεύομαι primarily means 'to go out from' or 'to proceed from,' describing physical movement away from a place, as when crowds went out to see John the Baptist (Matthew 3:5). It also carries metaphorical senses of something issuing forth or emanating, such as words proceeding from the mouth (Matthew 15:11) or evil thoughts coming from the heart (Matthew 15:18-19). In a theological context, it can describe the procession of the Holy Spirit (John 15:26) or the flow of living water from within a believer (John 7:38).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 34 times in the New Testament, used in the Gospels (especially Matthew and Mark), Acts, and Revelation. It often describes people departing from a location (e.g., Matthew 20:29, Mark 6:11) or things (like words, defilement, or water) emanating from a source. In John's writings, it takes on a more spiritual dimension, describing the origin of speech, teaching, and divine persons.

Etymology

A compound verb from the preposition ἐκ (ek, 'out of') and the verb πορεύομαι (poreuomai, 'to go, journey'). The root πορεύομαι implies purposeful travel or movement. Thus, ἐκπορεύομαι intensifies the idea of motion originating from within or departing from a specific point of origin.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in discussions about the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father (and the Son, in Western tradition), based on John 15:26. It also underscores the biblical teaching that speech and moral defilement originate from the inner person (the heart), highlighting the source of human sin and righteousness (Matthew 15:18-19). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying whether a passage describes mere physical departure or a profound emanation from a source.

In a culture where travel was difficult and often dangerous, the idea of 'journeying out' carried more weight than in modern times. The metaphorical use for words 'proceeding' from the mouth reflects the ancient belief that speech was a powerful, substantive force that went out and accomplished things, not just empty sound.

ἔρχομαι (erchomai, G2064) — a more general term for 'come' or 'go,' without the emphasis on exiting from within. ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai, G565) — emphasizes 'going away' or 'departing,' but not necessarily from an interior source. προέρχομαι (proerchomai, G4281) — means 'to go forward' or 'precede,' focusing on forward motion rather than exit.

Word Details

Scripture References