### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ekkláō**, represented by `{{G1575}}`, means to **exscind** or **break off**. It appears a total of **3 times** in **3 unique verses** within the Bible, with all occurrences found in the book of Romans. The term is derived from ἐκ and κλάω and is used to describe a decisive act of separation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1575}}` is central to the analogy of the olive tree in Romans 11. The term illustrates the removal of certain people from their place in God's covenant. Paul states that "some of the **branches** be **broken off**" [[Romans 11:17]] to make room for others to be "graffed in." The reason for this separation is explicitly given: "because of unbelief they were **broken off**" [[Romans 11:20]]. The phrase is repeated to emphasize the consequence of this unbelief and to set up the idea that others could be grafted in [[Romans 11:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and context of `{{G1575}}`:
* `{{G2798}}` **kládos** (a twig or bough): This is the object being acted upon. The "branches" are what get **broken off** in the olive tree analogy ([[Romans 11:17]], [[Romans 11:19]]).
* `{{G1461}}` **enkentrízō** (to prick in, i.e. ingraft): This word represents the opposite action. Branches are **broken off** `{{G1575}}` so that wild olive branches can be "graffed in" `{{G1461}}` [[Romans 11:19]].
* `{{G570}}` **apistía** (faithlessness, i.e. disbelief): This provides the spiritual reason for the removal. The branches were **broken off** specifically because of "unbelief" [[Romans 11:20]].
* `{{G5309}}` **hypsēlophronéō** (to be lofty in mind, i.e. arrogant): This serves as a warning to those who are graffed in, cautioning them not to become "highminded" because others were **broken off** [[Romans 11:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1575}}` is significant within the context of Romans:
* **Separation through Unbelief:** The primary theme is that "unbelief" `{{G570}}` leads to being **broken off** from the olive tree, a symbol of God's people. This establishes a direct link between faith and one's standing [[Romans 11:20]].
* **A Warning Against Pride:** The act of breaking off serves as a warning to believers. They are told not to be "highminded" `{{G5309}}` but to "fear" `{{G5399}}`, understanding that their position is maintained by faith, not by their own merit [[Romans 11:20]].
* **The Dynamic of Covenant:** The interplay between being **broken off** `{{G1575}}` and being "graffed in" `{{G1461}}` illustrates the dynamic nature of inclusion in God's redemptive plan. It highlights that belonging is conditional upon faith.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1575}}` is a specific and powerful term for removal or separation. Its sole biblical context in Romans 11 uses it to describe branches being **broken off** an olive tree. This action is a direct result of "unbelief" `{{G570}}` and serves as a sober reminder against arrogance `{{G5309}}`, emphasizing that a continued relationship within God's covenant is sustained by faith.
TRV