from ἐκ and κλίνω; to deviate, i.e. (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively), or (relatively) to decline (from piety):--avoid, eschew, go out of the way.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐκκλίνω (ekklínō, `{{G1578}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb κλίνω (klinō), meaning "to bend," "to incline," or "to make lie down." Etymologically, it conveys the idea of "bending out" or "turning aside from."
Its semantic range in the New Testament encompasses both literal and figurative applications:
1. **To deviate or turn aside:** This is the most foundational meaning, implying a departure from a straight course, a standard, or a path.
2. **To shun or avoid:** In a more active sense, it means to deliberately turn away from something or someone, often with the implication of avoiding what is harmful, evil, or disruptive.
3. **To decline from piety or righteousness:** This is a moral or spiritual application, signifying a falling away from a standard of conduct or a turning from God's ways.
The core nuance of ἐκκλίνω is a conscious act of turning *away* or *out from* a given position, path, or principle, whether for good (avoiding evil) or for ill (deviating from righteousness).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐκκλίνω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance providing significant theological insight:
1. **[[Romans 3:12]]**: "They have all turned aside; together they have become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
* Here, ἐκκλίνω (translated "turned aside" or "gone out of the way" in KJV) is part of Paul's extensive quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Psalm 14:3]] and [[Psalm 53:3]]. It describes the universal depravity of humanity, emphasizing that all people have deviated from God's righteous standard. The context is a powerful indictment of human sinfulness, demonstrating that no one inherently seeks God or does good. This usage highlights a pervasive, inherent moral deviation.
2. **[[Romans 16:17]]**: "Now I urge you, brothers, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine that you have learned, and avoid them."
* In this hortatory passage, ἐκκλίνω (translated "avoid" or "turn away from") is an imperative command to believers. Paul instructs the Roman church to actively turn away from or shun individuals who propagate false teaching and create discord within the community. This is a call for discernment and protective action to preserve the unity and doctrinal purity of the church. It signifies a deliberate separation from harmful influences.
3. **[[1 Peter 3:11]]**: "Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it."
* This verse is also a direct quotation from the Septuagint, specifically [[Psalm 34:14]]. Here, ἐκκλίνω (translated "turn away from" or "eschew" in KJV) is an ethical exhortation to individual believers. It functions as a command to actively and intentionally turn away from evil deeds and practices, as a prerequisite for doing good and pursuing peace. This usage underscores the active role of the believer in sanctification and the pursuit of holiness.
Across these contexts, ἐκκλίνω consistently denotes a turning away, whether as a description of humanity's fallen state, a command for communal protection, or an individual ethical imperative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "turning away" or "deviating" is central to biblical ethics and theology.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:** Words that signify adhering, following, or clinging to, such as προσκολλάω (proskollaō, `{{G4334}}` - to cleave to) or ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, `{{G1907}}` - to follow).
* **Synonyms/Similar Ideas:**
* ἀποστρέφω (apostrephō, `{{G654}}`): To turn away, avert, or reject. While similar, ἐκκλίνω often carries the nuance of deviating from a path or standard, whereas ἀποστρέφω can be more general.
* φεύγω (pheugō, `{{G5343}}`): To flee or escape. While both involve avoiding, ἐκκλίνω suggests a deliberate turning aside rather than simply running away.
* **Hebrew Equivalents (from LXX usage):** The primary Hebrew equivalent for ἐκκλίνω in the Old Testament is סוּר (sûr, `{{H5493}}`), meaning "to turn aside," "depart," or "remove." This verb is frequently used in the context of turning away from God's commands or from evil, providing a strong conceptual link to the New Testament usage. Another related term is שׁוּב (shûb, `{{H7725}}`), which means "to return" or "turn back," often used for repentance (turning from sin to God) or turning away from evil.
* **Related Concepts:** Moral deviation, separation, avoidance, discernment, purity, spiritual discipline, and the pursuit of holiness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐκκλίνω is profound, touching upon several key doctrines:
1. **The Doctrine of Sin and Human Depravity:** The usage in [[Romans 3:12]] is foundational to understanding the human condition. It underscores the universal reality that all humanity has "turned aside" from God's righteous path, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and the inability of humanity to save itself. This deviation is not merely an occasional misstep but a fundamental orientation away from God.
2. **The Call to Holiness and Sanctification:** In [[1 Peter 3:11]], ἐκκλίνω presents a clear ethical imperative for believers. Having been saved by grace, believers are now called to actively "turn away from evil" as a demonstration of their transformed lives. This is an active, ongoing process of sanctification, where believers consciously choose to separate themselves from sin and pursue righteousness and peace. It emphasizes the believer's responsibility in living out their faith.
3. **Ecclesiological Purity and Protection:** The command in [[Romans 16:17]] reveals the importance of guarding the church from internal threats. To "avoid" those who cause division and teach contrary to sound doctrine is a necessary act of love for the community and a commitment to preserving the unity, peace, and doctrinal integrity of the body of Christ. It speaks to the need for discernment and discipline within the church to maintain its witness and health.
In essence, ἐκκλίνω encapsulates both the tragic reality of humanity's turning away from God and the vital, active call for believers to turn away from evil and anything that opposes God's truth and peace.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐκκλίνω (ekklínō, `{{G1578}}`) signifies "to turn aside," "to deviate," or "to shun." Its usage in the New Testament carries significant theological weight. In [[Romans 3:12]], it describes the universal human condition of having "turned aside" from God's righteous standard, underscoring the pervasive nature of sin and human depravity. In [[Romans 16:17]], it functions as a direct command to believers to actively "avoid" or separate themselves from those who cause division and offenses within the church, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community's unity and doctrinal purity. Lastly, in [[1 Peter 3:11]], ἐκκλίνω serves as an ethical imperative for individual believers to "turn away from evil," highlighting the active pursuit of holiness and the deliberate choice to live in accordance with God's will. Thus, ἐkklínō encapsulates both the fallen state of humanity and the dynamic, ongoing call for believers to separate themselves from sin and error, pursuing righteousness and peace.
TRV