ἐξέρχομαι

I go out, come out

Definition

The verb ἐξέρχομαι primarily means 'to go out' or 'to come out,' describing physical movement from an interior space to an exterior one. It can refer to people departing from a place, such as the Magi leaving Jerusalem (Matthew 2:6), or things emerging, like a report spreading from a region (Matthew 9:26). In a more figurative or spiritual sense, it describes the expulsion of demons from a person (Matthew 8:32) or the idea of being released from obligation, as in leaving prison (Matthew 5:26). The core idea is a transition from an enclosed or defined state to an open or different one.

Biblical Usage

ἐξέρχομαι is used frequently across the New Testament, especially in the Gospels and Acts, to narrate movement. It often appears in miracle stories, marking the departure of Jesus from a location (Matthew 8:34) or the exit of a healed person (Matthew 9:31). In John's Gospel, it is used theologically for Jesus coming forth from the Father (John 8:42; 13:3). The word also describes the spreading of news or fame (Matthew 9:26) and the going out of workers into the harvest (Matthew 9:38).

Etymology

A compound verb formed from the preposition ἐξ (ex), meaning 'out of' or 'from,' and the common verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning 'to come' or 'to go.' The combination intensifies the root idea of movement to specify a point of origin. Cognates include the simpler ἔρχομαι and other compounds like εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, 'to enter').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it frames Jesus' mission as one of being 'sent out' from the Father into the world (John 8:42; 16:27-28). It also describes the believer's call to 'go out' into the world in mission and service (Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:4). In exorcism accounts, it powerfully depicts the authority of Christ over spiritual forces, as demons are commanded to 'come out' (Mark 1:25). Understanding this Greek term highlights the dynamic, outward movement central to the gospel narrative.

In a first-century context, 'going out' from a city or house often carried social and ritual implications, such as leaving a place of safety or community. The expulsion of demons was understood as a restoration of a person to wholeness and social acceptance. The term's use for the spreading of news reflects an oral culture where information traveled person-to-person.

ἔρχομαι (erchomai, G2064) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to come' or 'to go,' without the specific emphasis on exiting. ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai, G565) — Often means 'to go away' or 'to depart,' with a stronger sense of withdrawal or leaving behind. πορεύομαι (poreuomai, G4198) — Emphasizes the process of journeying or traveling to a destination.

Word Details

Scripture References