ἐξέλκω

I entice

Definition

ἐξέλκω means to draw out, drag away, or entice someone from a proper place or course. In its single New Testament occurrence (James 1:14), it vividly describes how a person's own desire lures and drags them away from righteousness into sin. The imagery combines the idea of being pulled out (ἐξ) from a secure position and being drawn aside into temptation. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, this forceful sense of being seduced away from what is right captures the internal struggle against sin.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in James 1:14. It describes the internal process of temptation: 'But each person is tempted when they are lured and enticed (ἐξέλκω) by their own evil desire.' Here, it is used metaphorically, not of physical dragging, but of desire's powerful pull to draw a person away from faithful obedience into sinful action.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐξ (ek, meaning 'out of') and the verb ἕλκω (helkō, G1670, meaning 'I draw' or 'I drag'). The compound thus literally means 'to draw out' or 'to drag away from.' ἕλκω often implies a forceful pulling, as seen in John 21:6 (drawing a net) or John 6:44 (the Father draws people to Jesus). ἐξέλκω intensifies this by adding the sense of removal from a former position.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for understanding the nature of sin and temptation. James 1:14 uses it to pinpoint the internal origin of sin—not from God, but from one's own desires that actively 'drag away' a person. It emphasizes the aggressive, seductive power of indwelling sin, contrasting with God's drawing (ἕλκω) toward salvation. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intense spiritual conflict and personal responsibility in the battle against temptation.

The imagery of 'dragging' or 'luring' was potent in a Greco-Roman context familiar with fishing, hunting, and the use of bait or traps. The verb paints a picture of a person being caught or seized by an internal force, much like an animal is drawn out of safety. This resonates with biblical wisdom literature's portrayal of temptation as a seductive snare (e.g., Proverbs 7).

ἕλκω (helkō, G1670) — A more general term for drawing or dragging, without the inherent sense of being drawn out or away from something. δελέάζω (deleazō, G1185) — Means to bait, entice, or lure, often with a focus on the deceptive allure, while ἐξέλκω emphasizes the forceful dragging action that follows.

Word Details

Scripture References