### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G1563 (ekeî) is a demonstrative adverb of place, primarily signifying "there" or "to that place." Its base definition indicates a location distinct from the speaker's immediate vicinity. While its etymological affinity is uncertain, its semantic range is consistently straightforward, pointing to a specific, often distant, spatial reference. It can denote a static position ("there") or a direction towards a place ("thither" or "to yonder place"). It functions to establish the geographical or conceptual locus of an action, state, or entity within a given context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1563 appears frequently throughout the New Testament, serving to anchor narratives in precise locations. Its usage is fundamental to understanding the spatial dynamics of biblical events.
* **Designating a Specific Location:** In passages describing travel or events, ekeî often marks the destination or the site of an occurrence. For instance, in [[Matthew 2:22]], Joseph, upon hearing Archelaus reigned in Judea, was "afraid to go *there*" (ἐκεῖ), indicating Judea as the specified place. Similarly, [[Matthew 26:36]] records Jesus instructing His disciples, "Sit *here* while I go over *there* (ἐκεῖ) and pray," clearly distinguishing His prayer location from their immediate position.
* **Prophetic or Promised Locations:** ekeî can point to a future or promised meeting place. After His resurrection, the angel tells the women, "But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; *there* (ἐκεῖ) you will see him, just as he told you" [[Mark 16:7]]. This usage imbues the adverb with eschatological significance, marking the location of a divine appointment.
* **Implicit Heavenly Reference:** While ekeî itself does not mean "heaven," it is often used in contexts that implicitly refer to the heavenly realm. For example, in Jesus' discourse about His Father's house, "I go to prepare a place for you... that where I am, you may be also" [[John 14:2-3]]. The implied "there" is the divine dwelling, underscoring the promise of eternal fellowship.
* **Directional Usage:** ekeî can also convey movement towards a place, as seen in [[Acts 10:5]], where Cornelius is instructed to "send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter." The "to Joppa" is implied by the context of sending men *there* (ἐκεῖ).
Across its occurrences, ekeî consistently provides crucial spatial information, grounding the sacred narrative in historical and geographical reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G1563 (ekeî) is often clarified in contrast to or in conjunction with other spatial adverbs and concepts.
* **Antonym:** The most direct antonym is ὧδε (hōde - `{{G5602}}`), meaning "here" or "to this place." The contrast between ὧδε and ekeî is evident in passages like [[Matthew 26:36]], highlighting a distinction between the immediate vicinity and a separate location.
* **Related Spatial Adverbs:**
* ἔνθα (entha - `{{G1722}}`): Also meaning "there" or "where," often used interchangeably with ekeî but can sometimes carry a slightly more emphatic or precise nuance.
* ὅπου (hopou - `{{G3699}}`): Meaning "wherever" or "where," often used more generally or indefinitely to refer to a place.
* ποῦ (pou - `{{G4226}}`): The interrogative "where?"
* **Conceptual Links:**
* τόπος (topos - `{{G5117}}`): "place," the noun that ekeî often modifies or refers to.
* Verbs of motion such as ἔρχομαι (erchomai - `{{G2064}}`, "to come/go") and πορεύομαι (poreuomai - `{{G4198}}`, "to go/journey"), which often precede or accompany ekeî to indicate movement towards a specified location.
Ekeî functions as a fundamental deictic element, pointing to a specific point in space relative to the speaker or subject, thereby establishing the spatial framework of biblical events.
### Theological Significance
While G1563 (ekeî) is a common adverb, its theological significance is profound, primarily because of the *places* it denotes within the sacred narrative.
* **Incarnational Reality:** The frequent use of ekeî underscores the concrete, historical, and geographical nature of God's redemptive work. The Christ event did not happen in an abstract realm but in specific, identifiable places (e.g., Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Galilee, Gethsemane, Golgotha). Ekeî roots the divine narrative in human history, affirming the reality of the Incarnation.
* **Divine Presence and Action:** Ekeî often points to locations where God's presence is uniquely manifested or where His saving purposes are accomplished. The "there" of the resurrection appearance in Galilee [[Mark 16:7]] signifies the locus of triumph over death. The "there" of Gethsemane [[Matthew 26:36]] marks the site of Christ's agonizing obedience.
* **Promise and Fulfillment:** The adverb can delineate the geographical space where divine promises are to be fulfilled, bridging prophecy with historical reality. This imbues ekeî with an eschatological dimension, pointing to future encounters or the ultimate dwelling place with God.
* **Distinction and Separation:** When contrasted with "here" (`{{G5602}}`), ekeî can highlight the distinction between the earthly and the heavenly, the present and the future, or different stages of God's redemptive plan. It signifies a movement towards a different, often divinely appointed, reality.
Thus, ekeî is not merely a linguistic placeholder; it is a vital tool that grounds the theological narrative in specific, tangible locations, affirming the particularity and reality of God's interaction with His creation.
### Summary
G1563 (ekeî) is a fundamental Greek adverb meaning "there" or "thither," used to specify a location distinct from the speaker's immediate position. In the New Testament, it serves to precisely anchor events, persons, and destinations within the narrative, providing crucial geographical and spatial context. Its usage ranges from describing mundane travel to marking sites of profound theological significance, such as the location of Christ's resurrection appearances or His prayer in Gethsemane. Often contrasted with `{{G5602}}` ("here"), ekeî highlights spatial distinction. While semantically simple, its theological weight derives from the specific places it denotes, underscoring the incarnational reality of God's work, the concrete nature of divine promises, and the particularity of His redemptive actions in human history. Ekeî ultimately reinforces the truth that God's saving activity is rooted in specific times and places, rather than being an abstract concept.
TRV