from a compound of ἐκ and the base of βάσις (meaning to go out); an exit (literally or figuratively):--end, way to escape.
Transliteration:ékbasis
Pronunciation:ek'-bas-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔκβασις (ékbasis), Strong's `{{G1545}}`, is derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the base of βάσις (basis), which relates to "a stepping" or "a going." Thus, its core meaning is "a going out," "an exit," or "a way out." This can be understood in both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it denotes a physical egress. Figuratively, and more commonly in the New Testament, it refers to a means of escape from a difficult situation, an outcome, a result, or the final issue of an event or life. The semantic range therefore encompasses "exit," "outcome," "result," "way of escape," and "end."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔκβασις appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet related nuance:
1. **[[1 Corinthians 10:13]]**: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape (ἔκβασις), that you may be able to endure it."
In this pivotal verse, ἔκβασις clearly signifies a "way of escape" or "a way out" from the overwhelming pressure of temptation (πείρασμος `{{G3986}}`). The context is the warning against idolatry and the dangers of testing God, drawing lessons from Israel's wilderness experiences. Paul assures believers that God's faithfulness guarantees that no temptation will be insurmountable. The ἔκβασις here is not a means to avoid temptation entirely, but a divinely provided path *through* it, enabling the believer to endure (ὑπομονή `{{G5281}}`) rather than succumb. It speaks to God's active provision and intervention in the midst of human weakness.
2. **[[Hebrews 13:7]]**: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome (ἔκβασις) of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Here, ἔκβασις refers to the "outcome," "result," or "end" of the lives of the Christian leaders who have passed on. The author exhorts the readers to reflect upon the final state or the ultimate fruit of these leaders' faithful walk (ἀναστροφὴ `{{G391}}`), particularly as it pertains to their steadfastness in the face of persecution or death. This "outcome" serves as a powerful testimony to the enduring truth of the Gospel they proclaimed and the efficacy of the faith they embodied. It is not merely a retrospective glance but an encouragement for the living to imitate the faith that led to such a commendable conclusion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of ἔκβασις connect it directly to movement: ἐκ (out of) and βαίνω (bainō) `{{G939}}` (to go, walk). This inherent sense of movement "out of" or "towards an end" is crucial.
Semantically, ἔκβασις shares conceptual space with words like τέλος (telos) `{{G5056}}`, meaning "end" or "goal," especially in the context of the "outcome" in Hebrews 13:7. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it aligns with themes of divine provision, πείρασμος (peirasmos) `{{G3986}}` (temptation/trial), and ὑπομονή (hypomonē) `{{G5281}}` (endurance/perseverance). The concept of God's faithfulness (πιστὸς `{{G4103}}`) is paramount in understanding the divine provision of the ἔκβασις.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔκβασις is profound, illuminating key aspects of God's character and the Christian life:
1. **God's Provident Faithfulness**: In [[1 Corinthians 10:13]], ἔκβασις underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. He does not abandon them to trials but actively provides a way through every temptation. This is not an escape *from* the trial, but a divinely ordained path *within* it that enables endurance. It assures believers that God's power is always sufficient to sustain them, preventing them from being overwhelmed. This concept affirms God's sovereignty over all circumstances and His intimate care for His children.
2. **The Enduring Witness of Godly Lives**: In [[Hebrews 13:7]], ἔκβασις highlights the eschatological dimension of a faithful life. The "outcome" of the leaders' lives serves as a tangible testament to the power of the Gospel and the reality of their hope. Their perseverance to the end, even through suffering or death, validates the truth of the Word they proclaimed. This encourages the living to fix their gaze not merely on human examples, but on the faith that animated those lives, ultimately pointing to Christ, the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([[Hebrews 12:2]]). It emphasizes the importance of a life lived consistently in faith, as its ultimate "outcome" provides a powerful testimony to others.
3. **Encouragement for Perseverance**: Both occurrences of ἔκβασις serve as powerful encouragements. In 1 Corinthians, it encourages steadfastness in the face of temptation, knowing God provides a way to endure. In Hebrews, it encourages imitation of faith by observing the blessed outcome of those who have persevered. The word thus speaks to both the immediate challenge of temptation and the long-term journey of faith.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔκβασις (ékbasis) `{{G1545}}` fundamentally means "an exit" or "a way out," extending to "an outcome" or "result." In [[1 Corinthians 10:13]], it refers to God's faithful provision of a "way of escape" through temptation, assuring believers that no trial is insurmountable and enabling them to endure. In [[Hebrews 13:7]], it denotes the "outcome" or "end" of the lives of faithful leaders, serving as an inspiring example for those who follow to imitate their faith. Across both contexts, ἔκκβασις speaks to God's sovereign faithfulness in sustaining His people through trials and the enduring witness of lives lived in steadfast devotion to Him.
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