### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ekkakéō**, represented by `{{G1573}}`, describes what it means **to be weak, fail in heart, faint, or be weary**. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The term is derived from ἐκ and κακός, implying a state of being bad or weak, and is consistently used to exhort believers against giving up in the face of spiritual duties or external pressures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1573}}` is used as a direct command against losing heart. Jesus tells a parable for the specific purpose that believers ought "always to pray, and not to **faint**" [[Luke 18:1]]. The Apostle Paul uses the word to express his own resolve, stating that because of the ministry and mercy he received, "we **faint** not" [[2 Corinthians 4:1]]. This resolve is maintained even as the "outward man perish," because the inward man is renewed [[2 Corinthians 4:16]]. Believers are encouraged not to **faint** at the sight of tribulations [[Ephesians 3:13]] and are repeatedly commanded to "not **be weary** in well doing" ([[Galatians 6:9]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of perseverance and the challenges that might cause one to lose heart:
* `{{G1590}}` **eklýō** (to relax (literally or figuratively):--faint): This word is used as a near-synonym, appearing in the promise that we will reap if we **faint** not [[Galatians 6:9]], highlighting the consequence of giving in to weariness.
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble): This is a primary cause for fainting. Believers are urged not to **faint** at another's **tribulations** [[Ephesians 3:13]], showing that hardship is an expected context for this struggle.
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer): This is presented as the direct antidote to fainting. In [[Luke 18:1]], the instruction is to always **pray** specifically so that one does not **faint**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1573}}` centers on the Christian call to endurance.
* **Perseverance in Good Works:** The command to "not be weary in well doing" is a recurring theme, linking spiritual stamina directly to the consistent practice of good deeds, with the promise of a future harvest ([[Galatians 6:9]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:13]]).
* **Endurance Through Hardship:** The word is frequently set against the reality of suffering. Believers are expected to persevere without fainting despite outward decay [[2 Corinthians 4:16]] and **tribulations** [[Ephesians 3:13]], framing endurance as a mark of faith.
* **The Necessity of Prayer:** Fainting is not just a failure of will, but a failure of spiritual connection. The clear instruction to **pray** and not to **faint** establishes prayer as the essential means by which believers receive the strength to persevere [[Luke 18:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1573}}` is more than a warning against tiredness; it is a call to spiritual fortitude. It defines the struggle against losing heart in ministry, in doing good, and in the midst of suffering. The scriptures present a clear path to avoiding this state of being weary: a commitment to constant prayer, the encouragement of an inner renewal that outweighs outward decay, and the hope of a guaranteed reward for those who do not give up.
TRV