### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εἴκω (eíkō), Strong's `{{G1502}}`, is a primary verb, suggesting a fundamental and inherent meaning. Its core semantic range centers on the concept of "to be weak," which naturally extends to "to yield," "to give way," or "to give place." This weakness is not necessarily a physical infirmity, but rather an inability or unwillingness to resist, leading to concession or submission. While it can denote a passive yielding, in certain contexts, it implies a deliberate choice to step aside or concede. Its rarity in the New Testament suggests a very specific and pointed application when it does appear, underscoring the precise nuance intended by the author.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εἴκω (`{{G1502}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's letter to the Galatians:
> "to whom we did not yield in submission even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you." [[Galatians 2:5]]
In this critical passage, Paul recounts his confrontation with false teachers (the "false brothers" mentioned in [[Galatians 2:4]]) who sought to impose circumcision and other Mosaic Law requirements on Gentile believers. The phrase "we did not yield in submission" (οὐδὲ πρὸς ὥραν εἴξαμεν τῇ ὑποταγῇ) is emphatic. It highlights Paul's absolute refusal to concede, even for the shortest duration, to the demands of those who would undermine the gospel of grace. The yielding here would not have been a mere act of politeness or compromise on a secondary issue, but a fundamental betrayal of the truth concerning salvation by faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the Law. Paul's steadfastness was essential "so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you," emphasizing the profound theological implications of yielding to error. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the necessity of unyielding resolve when the core tenets of the faith are at stake.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of yielding or not yielding in the biblical text is often contrasted with words signifying resistance or steadfastness. The noun ὑποταγή (hypotagē, `{{G5292}}`), "submission," appears alongside εἴκω in [[Galatians 2:5]], emphasizing the nature of the yielding being resisted.
Related concepts that stand in opposition to yielding to error include:
* **Steadfastness:** Words like ἑδραῖος (hedraios, `{{G1476}}`), "steadfast" or "firm," and στήκω (stēkō, `{{G4739}}`), "to stand firm," convey the opposite of yielding, particularly in the face of doctrinal challenges ([[1 Corinthians 15:58]], [[Philippians 4:1]]).
* **Resistance:** The verb ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi, `{{G436}}`), "to resist" or "to set oneself against," is often used in contexts of opposing evil or false teaching ([[Ephesians 6:13]], [[James 4:7]]).
* **Discernment:** The ability to distinguish truth from error, crucial for knowing when *not* to yield, is captured by terms like διάκρισις (diakrisis, `{{G1253}}`).
Conversely, words that might imply a *positive* yielding or submission (to God, to authority) include ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō, `{{G5293}}`), "to subject oneself," often used in contexts of obedience and humility. The unique use of εἴκω in [[Galatians 2:5]] specifically highlights a negative context of yielding to harmful influences.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of εἴκω (`{{G1502}}`) in [[Galatians 2:5]] carries immense theological weight. It underscores the absolute non-negotiability of the gospel's core message: salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. Paul's refusal to "give place" to legalizers demonstrates that there are truths so fundamental to Christian faith that no compromise, no matter how seemingly small or temporary, can be tolerated. To have yielded, even for an hour, would have implicitly validated the false gospel of works and jeopardized the spiritual freedom and justification of countless believers.
This passage serves as a foundational text for understanding:
* **The Purity of the Gospel:** It emphasizes the necessity of guarding the gospel from distortion and dilution.
* **Christian Liberty:** By refusing to yield, Paul defended the freedom of Gentile believers from the yoke of the Law, affirming that their salvation was complete in Christ.
* **Apostolic Authority and Integrity:** Paul's resolute stand demonstrates the integrity required of those entrusted with proclaiming God's truth, even in the face of pressure from within the religious community.
* **The Call to Steadfastness:** For believers across generations, [[Galatians 2:5]] is a powerful reminder to stand firm in the truth, resisting any doctrine or practice that undermines the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. It calls for spiritual discernment and courage to identify and refuse to yield to error.
### Summary
The Greek verb εἴκω (`{{G1502}}`), meaning "to be weak" or "to yield," appears only once in the New Testament, but with profound significance. In [[Galatians 2:5]], Paul emphatically states his refusal to "yield in submission" to false teachers who sought to impose legalistic requirements on Gentile Christians. This singular usage highlights the critical importance of not compromising the fundamental truth of the gospel—justification by faith in Christ alone. The theological implications are far-reaching, emphasizing the purity of the gospel, the defense of Christian liberty, and the call for believers to maintain steadfastness and discernment in the face of any teaching that would diminish the sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work. It stands as a powerful testament to the necessity of unyielding resolve when the core tenets of faith are challenged.
TRV