### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ekkakéō (`{{G1573}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the adjective kakós (`{{G2556}}`), meaning "bad," "evil," "worthless," or "unfit." The combination yields a semantic range centered on the idea of becoming "bad out of" or "weak out of," implying a departure from a state of strength, goodness, or resolve. Specifically, it denotes "to lose heart," "to faint," "to become weary," or "to give up." The "ek" intensifies the sense of moving away from steadfastness or perseverance, suggesting a failure of spirit or resolve rather than merely physical exhaustion. It speaks to a profound discouragement that leads one to abandon a course of action or a state of being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ekkakéō (`{{G1573}}`) appears six times in the New Testament, consistently conveying the idea of not losing heart or growing weary, particularly in the face of adversity or prolonged effort.
1. **[[Luke 18:1]]**: "Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart." Here, ekkakéō is directly contrasted with persistent prayer. The parable of the persistent widow illustrates the importance of unwavering prayer, even when answers are delayed, emphasizing that spiritual discouragement should not lead to cessation of prayer.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 4:1]]**: "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart." Paul uses ekkakéō to describe his and his co-workers' resolute commitment to ministry despite immense suffering and opposition. Their steadfastness is attributed to the mercy received from God.
3. **[[2 Corinthians 4:16]]**: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." This reiterates the theme from [[2 Corinthians 4:1]], emphasizing the spiritual resilience in the face of physical and external decay. The contrast between the decaying "outer man" and the renewing "inner man" highlights that ekkakéō refers to a spiritual or emotional giving up, which is counteracted by divine renewal.
4. **[[Galatians 6:9]]**: "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." This verse encourages believers to persevere in acts of benevolence and righteousness. The warning against "growing weary" (a common translation for ekkakéō) implies that the fruit of good deeds may not be immediately apparent, necessitating steadfastness and patience.
5. **[[Ephesians 3:13]]**: "Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory." Paul, imprisoned, urges the Ephesians not to be discouraged or disheartened by his suffering. He frames his tribulations not as a cause for despair but as a testament to God's work for their benefit, thus for their glory.
6. **[[2 Thessalonians 3:13]]**: "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good." Similar to [[Galatians 6:9]], this exhortation calls for continued diligence in righteous living and good works, even when surrounded by those who are idle or disorderly.
Across these occurrences, ekkakéō consistently describes the temptation to yield to discouragement, weariness, or despair in the face of trials, opposition, or the perceived lack of immediate results from spiritual disciplines or good works. The imperative is always *not* to succumb to this spiritual fatigue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ekkakéō (`{{G1573}}`) stands in close relation to several other significant New Testament terms and theological concepts:
* **Perseverance/Endurance**: The primary antonym to ekkakéō is hypomonē (`{{G5281}}`), which denotes steadfastness, patient endurance, and fortitude under trial. The call not to "lose heart" is a call to hypomonē.
* **Patience/Longsuffering**: Makrothymia (`{{G3115}}`) refers to patience, particularly in waiting or enduring wrongs without retaliation. It is a virtue closely aligned with the perseverance required to avoid ekkakéō, especially in the context of delayed answers to prayer or the slow unfolding of God's purposes.
* **Steadfastness/Firmness**: Words like hedraios (`{{G1476}}`, "settled, firm") or bebaios (`{{G949}}`, "firm, secure") describe the quality of being unshakeable, which is the desired opposite state to ekkakéō.
* **Faith**: Pistis (`{{G4102}}`) is foundational to resisting ekkakéō. It is through faith that believers can trust in God's promises and power, enabling them to endure and not give up, even when circumstances seem bleak.
* **Hope**: Elpis (`{{G1680}}`) provides the forward-looking perspective necessary to combat discouragement. The Christian's hope in future glory and divine vindication empowers them to persevere.
* **Affliction/Tribulation**: Thlipsis (`{{G2347}}`) and stenochōria (`{{G4730}}`) describe the pressures and distresses that often lead to the temptation to ekkakéō. The biblical response is to find strength in Christ amidst these trials.
* **Strengthening/Empowerment**: Verbs like endynamoō (`{{G1743}}`, "to strengthen, empower") highlight the divine provision that enables believers to resist ekkakéō. The power to endure is not inherent but divinely supplied.
The concept of ekkakéō is therefore deeply intertwined with the practical outworking of Christian virtues in the face of the fallen world and spiritual opposition.
### Theological Significance
The consistent New Testament usage of ekkakéō (`{{G1573}}`) carries profound theological significance for the Christian life.
1. **Divine Imperative for Perseverance**: The repeated commands "do not lose heart" or "do not grow weary" establish perseverance as a non-negotiable aspect of discipleship. It is not merely a suggestion but a divine expectation for believers navigating a world hostile to God's kingdom.
2. **Reliance on God's Grace**: The ability to resist ekkakéō is consistently attributed not to human strength but to divine mercy and empowerment. Paul's declaration in [[2 Corinthians 4:1]] ("as we received mercy, we do not lose heart") underscores that endurance is a fruit of God's grace, enabling believers to transcend their natural limitations and discouragements.
3. **The Nature of Christian Suffering**: The contexts in [[2 Corinthians 4]] and [[Ephesians 3]] reveal that ekkakéō is often a temptation in the face of suffering, persecution, or physical decay. The theological response is not to avoid suffering, but to view it redemptively, as a means through which God's power is displayed and His purposes are advanced.
4. **The Eschatological Dimension**: In [[Galatians 6:9]], the promise of "reaping in due time" provides an eschatological anchor for perseverance. The future hope of vindication and reward motivates believers to continue "doing good" even when the immediate returns are not visible. This links ekkakéō to the broader biblical themes of sowing and reaping, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
5. **The Call to Consistent Spiritual Disciplines**: The injunction in [[Luke 18:1]] not to "lose heart" in prayer highlights the importance of consistent communion with God. Prayer is presented as a vital antidote to spiritual fatigue and discouragement.
6. **Holistic Endurance**: Ekkakéō encompasses not only spiritual and emotional weariness but also the temptation to cease ethical action. The call not to "grow weary in doing good" ([[Galatians 6:9]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:13]]) emphasizes that perseverance extends to active obedience and service, even when it is difficult or unrewarded by human standards.
Theologically, ekkakéō serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle against discouragement and the absolute necessity of leaning on God's sustaining power to remain steadfast in faith, prayer, ministry, and good works until the end.
### Summary
The Greek verb ekkakéō (`{{G1573}}`) signifies "to lose heart," "to faint," or "to grow weary," particularly in a spiritual or emotional sense. Its New Testament occurrences consistently present it as a temptation to be resisted by believers. Whether in the context of persistent prayer ([[Luke 18:1]]), enduring ministry despite suffering ([[2 Corinthians 4:1, 16]]), or steadfastly pursuing good works ([[Galatians 6:9]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:13]]), the command is always not to succumb to this inner weariness. The theological significance of ekkakéō lies in its emphasis on the divine imperative for perseverance, rooted in reliance on God's grace and mercy. It underscores the Christian's call to unwavering faith and hope, even amidst trials, viewing endurance not as a mere human effort but as a Spirit-empowered characteristic of a maturing disciple.
TRV