### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ekkleíō**, represented by `{{G1576}}`, is defined as to **shut out** or **exclude**. This term is formed from ἐκ and κλείω. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is used figuratively to convey a decisive and complete separation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1576}}` addresses exclusion in both a theological and a social context. In [[Romans 3:27]], it is used to answer the question, "Where is boasting then?" The text states that boasting is **excluded**, not by the law of works, but by the "law of faith." In [[Galatians 4:17]], the word serves as a warning against those who "zealously affect" the believers with ill intent; their desire is to **exclude** them in order to make the Galatians dependent on them for affection.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which something is shut out:
* `{{G2746}}` **kaúchēsis** (boasting): This term for glorying or **boasting** is the object of exclusion in [[Romans 3:27]]. The law of faith leaves no room for human **boasting**.
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This word defines the principle by which exclusion occurs. [[Romans 3:27]] contrasts a **law** of works with the **law** of faith, with the latter being the force that excludes boasting.
* `{{G2206}}` **zēlóō** (to be zealous): Meaning to have a warmth of feeling for or against, this word describes the manipulative motivation for exclusion in [[Galatians 4:17]]. False teachers "zealously affect" the believers with the goal of shutting them out from true fellowship.
* `{{G4226}}` **poû** (where): This interrogative adverb, meaning **where**, is used to set up the rhetorical question in [[Romans 3:27]] that is answered by the finality of exclusion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1576}}` is focused and impactful. It underscores a clear line between God's economy and human pride.
* **Exclusion of Human Merit:** The word's use in [[Romans 3:27]] is foundational. It establishes that the system of faith inherently **shuts out** any possibility of human **boasting** `{{G2746}}`, making salvation a matter of grace, not works.
* **The Principle of Faith:** The act of exclusion is governed by a **law** `{{G3551}}`, or principle. The "law of faith" operates to **exclude** pride, cementing the idea that faith is the sole avenue of right standing before God.
* **Warning Against Division:** In Galatians, the use of `{{G1576}}` serves as a pastoral warning. It shows that a desire to **exclude** others from community or sound teaching is often driven by a counterfeit, zealous affection `{{G2206}}` intended for selfish control.
### Summary
In summary, **ekkleíō** `{{G1576}}` is a potent word that signifies being completely **shut out**. Though rare, its scriptural applications are critical. It is used to declare that the law of faith **excludes** all human boasting, and it warns believers against those who would seek to **exclude** them from the fellowship for their own manipulative ends.
TRV