The Greek word ekeîthen, represented by G1564, is an adverb meaning from that place, (from) thence, there. It appears 27 times across 27 unique verses, functioning as a specific marker of departure or origin. It consistently indicates movement away from a previously mentioned location, providing structure and flow to the biblical narrative.
The etymological root of G1564 in G1563 (ekeî, "there") imbues it with a precise deictic quality, emphasizing not merely movement "away" but specifically "away from that very place." This precision highlights the distinctness of the point of departure, suggesting that a particular event, teaching, or interaction has concluded in one location before the narrative pivots to the next. The word thus functions as an exact geographical anchor for the preceding action, reinforcing the sequential and purposeful nature of the events described in the biblical text. It implies a definitive conclusion to whatever transpired at the former location, making the subsequent journey or activity a fresh start from a distinct point.
In the Gospels, G1564 is most frequently used to chronicle the travels of Jesus. It marks the conclusion of an event or teaching in one location and the transition to the next stage of His ministry. For instance, after commissioning the twelve disciples, Jesus "departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities" Matthew 11:1. The word is also used in Jesus's instructions to his followers, telling them that if a town does not receive them, they should "when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them" Mark 6:11. In a more figurative sense, it describes the impassable divide after death, where no one can cross from the place of torment Luke 16:26.
The utility of G1564 extends beyond Jesus's personal ministry to the broader narrative of the early church, particularly in the book of Acts. Here, it frequently marks the progression of apostolic missions, delineating distinct stages of travel and ministry. For instance, after being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, Paul and Barnabas "departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus" Acts 13:4, clearly indicating the next leg of their journey. Similarly, Paul's movements are tracked as he progresses "from thence to Philippi" Acts 16:12 and later "departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus" Acts 18:7. This consistent usage in Acts underscores the methodical and purposeful expansion of the early church, mirroring Jesus's own movements in the Gospels. It also appears in contexts of legal or moral obligation, emphasizing that one cannot escape a situation until a condition is met, as seen in Jesus's warning in Matthew 5:26 and Luke 12:59, where release "from thence" is contingent upon fulfilling a debt or obligation.
Several related words, particularly verbs of motion, are often paired with G1564 to describe the action of leaving:
- G1831 exérchomai (to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad): This often describes the simple action of leaving a place, as when Jesus "went out from thence" and returned to his own country Mark 6:1.
- G3327 metabaínō (to change place:--depart, go, pass, remove): This word signifies a removal or transition from one location to another, as when Jesus "departed from thence" to come near the Sea of Galilee Matthew 15:29.
- G402 anachōréō (to retire:--depart, give place, go (turn) aside, withdraw self): This term implies a deliberate withdrawal, often for safety or solitude. Jesus "departed thence by ship into a desert place apart" after hearing of John the Baptist's death Matthew 14:13.
- G1563 ekeî (there): This adverb of place, meaning "there" or "in that place," is the direct root from which G1564 is formed. While ekeî denotes a static location, ekeîthen specifies movement originating from that very place, adding a directional component to the spatial reference.
Though a simple adverb, the use of G1564 carries theological weight by highlighting the purpose and consequence of movement.
- Ministerial Progression: The word often signals a deliberate transition in Christ's work. After finishing a series of parables, Jesus "departed thence," marking a clear end to that teaching session and a move toward his next destination Matthew 13:53.
- A Sign of Judgment: The command for disciples to "depart thence" from towns that reject them is not merely a practical instruction but a symbolic act of witness against that place's unbelief Mark 6:11.
- Irrevocable Separation: Its use in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus underscores the finality of one's state after death. The great gulf is fixed so that none may "pass to us, that would come from thence," illustrating a permanent and uncrossable separation Luke 16:26.
- Divine Call and Transformation: The adverb can mark a pivotal moment of transition from an ordinary state or occupation into a divine calling. When Jesus "passed forth from thence" and called Matthew, it signified a departure from Matthew's previous life as a tax collector to become a disciple Matthew 9:9. Likewise, the calling of James and John is initiated after Jesus had gone a little further "from thence," leading to their leaving their nets to follow him Mark 1:19, Matthew 4:21. This usage highlights how a simple geographical shift often accompanies a profound spiritual reorientation initiated by Christ.
The adverb G1564 (ekeîthen) serves as a precise marker of origin, consistently conveying "from that place" or "thence" throughout its 27 New Testament occurrences. Derived from G1563 (ekeî, "there"), it not only indicates movement but specifically emphasizes the exact point of departure, providing crucial structure to biblical narratives. This exactitude is evident in the Gospels, where it meticulously chronicles the purposeful itineration of Jesus, marking the conclusion of one ministry phase and the commencement of the next, as He "departed thence to teach and to preach" Matthew 11:1. Similarly, in the book of Acts, G1564 tracks the methodical progression of apostolic missions, delineating distinct stages of travel and the expansion of the early church, such as when Paul and Barnabas "departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus" Acts 13:4.
Beyond mere geographical transition, G1564 carries significant theological weight. It signals deliberate transitions in Christ's work, reinforcing ministerial progression and divine purpose. The instruction to disciples to "depart thence" from unreceptive towns transforms into a symbolic act of witness and a sign of judgment Mark 6:11. Furthermore, its use in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus powerfully conveys the irrevocable separation of the afterlife, where no one can pass "from thence" across the great gulf Luke 16:26.
The word also highlights moments of profound personal change, marking a departure from an old way of life into a divine calling, as seen in Jesus's call to Matthew after He "passed forth from thence" Matthew 9:9. In other contexts, G1564 underscores the principle of divine justice and the necessity of fulfilling obligations, as in the warnings that one "shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite" Luke 12:59.
Thus, G1564 transcends its simple grammatical function, acting as a crucial narrative and theological indicator that connects physical movement with spiritual consequence, divine purpose, and human responsibility within the unfolding biblical story.
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