ἐξέραμα
vomit
Definition
ἐξέραμα is a noun meaning 'vomit' or 'that which is vomited up.' It refers literally to the substance expelled from the stomach. In its single New Testament occurrence, it is used metaphorically to describe a shocking and repulsive return to a former state of sin, specifically in the proverb about a dog returning to its own vomit (2 Peter 2:22). The word carries a strong sense of revulsion and uncleanness, emphasizing the folly and degradation of reverting to something that was rightly rejected.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 2:22. It appears in a proverbial saying quoted by Peter: 'The dog returns to its own vomit.' The context is a stern warning against false teachers who, having known the way of righteousness, turn back to their old, corrupt ways. The usage is entirely metaphorical, employing a vivid, culturally understood image of disgusting behavior to illustrate spiritual apostasy.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἐξ (ex), meaning 'out of,' combined with a root related to vomiting or spewing forth. It is a compound noun literally meaning 'that which is thrown out.' The related verb ἐξεράω (exeraō) means 'to vomit forth.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it provides a powerful metaphor for the danger of apostasy and the nature of sin. In 2 Peter 2:22, it illustrates the profound irrationality and spiritual defilement involved when someone who has professed Christ returns to a life dominated by sin. It underscores the biblical teaching that true conversion should result in a clean break from a sinful past, and that returning to it is as repugnant to God as the proverbial scene is to us. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the stark, visceral imagery Peter chose to condemn hypocrisy and warn the church.
In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, dogs were typically not beloved pets but scavengers, often viewed as unclean and contemptible (cf. Proverbs 26:11). The image of a dog returning to its vomit was a proverbial expression for foolish and disgusting repetition of a base action. This cultural understanding makes Peter's metaphor immediately shocking and memorable to his original audience, amplifying his condemnation of the false teachers' behavior.
ἐμέω (emeō, G1692) — the primary verb 'to vomit,' focusing on the action rather than the substance.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →