### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκδιηγέομαι (ekdiēgéomai, `{{G1555}}`) is a compound word formed from three significant components: the preposition ἐκ (ek, "out of," "from," often implying completion or thoroughness), the preposition διά (dia, "through," indicating passage or completeness), and the verb ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai, "to lead," "to guide," and by extension, "to narrate" or "to tell"). This etymological breakdown reveals its core meaning: "to narrate out completely," "to declare thoroughly," or "to relate in full detail." It signifies more than a simple telling; it implies a comprehensive, exhaustive, and detailed declaration, leaving nothing unsaid that is pertinent to the account. The semantic range thus centers on the idea of a full, unreserved, and complete exposition of facts or events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐκδιηγέομαι (ekdiēgéomai, `{{G1555}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
1. **[[Luke 8:39]]**: In this passage, Jesus has just cast out a legion of demons from the Gerasene demoniac. When the man desires to follow Jesus, the Lord instructs him, "Return to your home, and declare (ἐκδιηγοῦ) how much God has done for you." The command is not merely to mention or hint at what happened, but to give a full, detailed testimony of God's mighty work. The man's subsequent action, "proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him," underscores the comprehensive nature of the declaration Jesus commanded. This highlights the personal, transformative power of God's intervention, demanding a full and public witness.
2. **[[Acts 15:3]]**: Here, Paul and Barnabas are traveling from Antioch to Jerusalem for the council. The text states, "So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring (ἐκδιηγούμενοι) the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers." As they journey, they are giving a full report, a thorough account, of God's miraculous work in bringing Gentiles into the faith. This was not a casual mention but a detailed narration of the signs, wonders, and conversions God had wrought through their ministry among the uncircumcised. The comprehensive nature of their report served to edify and encourage the believers, demonstrating God's expansive salvific plan.
In both contexts, the verb emphasizes a complete and detailed recounting of God's powerful and gracious acts, whether in individual lives or in the broader sweep of redemptive history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἐκδιηγέομαι (ekdiēgéomai, `{{G1555}}`) can be further understood by contrasting it with or relating it to other Greek words for communication:
* **διηγέομαι (diēgeomai, `{{G1317}}`)**: This is the root verb from which ἐκδιηγέομαι is formed, meaning "to narrate" or "to relate." The addition of the "ek" prefix in `{{G1555}}` intensifies the meaning, adding the nuance of "out completely" or "thoroughly." Thus, ἐκδιηγέομαι implies a more exhaustive and detailed narration than διηγέομαι alone.
* **ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō, `{{G312}}`)**: "to report," "to announce back." This word focuses on the act of bringing a message back, often a report. While it can involve detail, it doesn't inherently carry the same emphasis on comprehensive narration as ἐκδιηγέομαι.
* **καταγγέλλω (katangellō, `{{G2605}}`)**: "to proclaim," "to declare publicly." This verb often describes the public proclamation of the gospel. While it shares the aspect of declaration, ἐκδιηγέομαι emphasizes the *fullness* of the narrative, whereas καταγγέλλω emphasizes the *publicity* and *authority* of the proclamation.
* **κηρύσσω (kēryssō, `{{G2784}}`)**: "to preach," "to proclaim as a herald." This is a formal, authoritative proclamation, often of a divine message. While the content may be comprehensive, the focus is on the herald's authoritative announcement, rather than the detailed recounting of events.
The concept embedded in ἐκδιηγέομαι is that of full testimony, comprehensive reporting, and the complete disclosure of divine truth and action. It relates to the broader biblical theme of bearing witness to God's deeds.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐκδιηγέομαι (ekdiēgéomai, `{{G1555}}`) lies in its emphasis on the thorough and complete recounting of God's activity.
1. **Glorifying God Through Full Testimony**: In both [[Luke 8:39]] and [[Acts 15:3]], the word is used in contexts where God's mighty works are being declared. This comprehensive declaration serves to glorify God, demonstrating His power, mercy, and faithfulness. It underscores that God's actions are not to be lightly mentioned but fully celebrated and recounted for their profound impact.
2. **The Importance of Personal Witness**: Jesus' command to the Gerasene demoniac to "declare how much God has done for you" highlights the profound importance of personal testimony. It is not enough to merely experience God's grace; one is called to fully articulate the depth and breadth of that experience, so that others may hear and believe. This full testimony becomes a powerful evangelistic tool.
3. **Edification and Encouragement**: Paul and Barnabas's detailed report in [[Acts 15:3]] served to bring "great joy to all the brothers." A thorough recounting of God's work among the Gentiles provided encouragement and solidified faith within the early church. It demonstrates that detailed accounts of God's ongoing work are vital for the spiritual health and growth of the community of believers.
4. **Divine Revelation and Communication**: The very use of a word emphasizing complete narration suggests that God's actions and truth are meant to be fully known and communicated. God desires His people to understand the fullness of His redemptive plan and to share it without reservation.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐκδιηγέομαι (ekdiēgéomai, `{{G1555}}`) signifies "to declare thoroughly," "to narrate completely," or "to relate in full detail." Its two occurrences in the New Testament underscore its profound theological implications. In [[Luke 8:39]], it emphasizes the call to a full and personal testimony of God's transformative power in an individual's life. In [[Acts 15:3]], it highlights the importance of a comprehensive report of God's redemptive work in the broader history of salvation, bringing joy and edification to the church. This word thus calls believers to a robust and unreserved communication of God's mighty deeds, ensuring that His glory is fully proclaimed and His truth completely understood.
TRV