ἔκτρωμα

an untimely birth

Definition

The Greek word ἔκτρωμα (ektrōma) literally means 'an untimely birth' or 'abortion,' referring to a fetus expelled from the womb prematurely, often dead or non-viable. In its sole New Testament occurrence in 1 Corinthians 15:8, the Apostle Paul uses it metaphorically to describe his own sudden, unexpected, and seemingly incomplete spiritual 'birth' as an apostle. He compares himself to one 'aborted' or born out of due time, emphasizing the unnatural and graceless manner in which he was confronted by the risen Christ, in stark contrast to the other apostles who experienced Jesus' ministry. The term carries connotations of something weak, underdeveloped, and unworthy, which Paul employs to highlight his own sense of unworthiness and the sheer, transformative grace he received.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 15:8. Paul employs it in a powerful metaphorical sense within his defense of the resurrection and his apostolic authority. He lists the post-resurrection appearances of Christ, placing himself last and labeling himself as an 'ἔκτρωμα.' The usage is entirely self-deprecating, contrasting his violent persecution of the church with his sudden, divinely forced commissioning, framing his apostleship as an act of pure, unmerited grace.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, 'out of') and the root related to τίκτω (tiktō, 'to bear' or 'bring forth'), with the suffix -μα indicating the result of an action. It literally means 'that which is brought forth out' prematurely. The related verb ἐκτρέφω (ektrephō) means 'to bring up' or 'nourish,' but ἔκτρωμα specifically denotes a failed or incomplete birth process.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates Paul's doctrine of grace and calling. By calling himself an 'abortion,' Paul powerfully illustrates that his apostolic authority was not earned or developed naturally but was entirely a miraculous, sovereign act of God's mercy. It underscores the themes of divine election, unworthiness, and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of 1 Corinthians 15 by highlighting the depth of Paul's humility and the shocking nature of God's grace in saving and commissioning even the chief of sinners.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, an 'ektrōma' was generally viewed as a pitiful, lifeless, and often repulsive thing—a symbol of failure, weakness, and incompletion. It was not considered a proper human being. Paul's choice of this culturally charged term would have been startling and vividly communicated his self-assessment as spiritually deformed and unworthy prior to Christ's intervention, making God's grace in his life all the more astonishing.

βρέφος (brephos, G1025) — a newborn infant or young child, emphasizing a live birth. μωρόω (mōroō, G3471) — to make foolish or weaken, but lacks the specific biological and metaphorical force of a premature birth.

Word Details

Scripture References