### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκλείπω (ekleípō), Strong's number `{{G1587}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb λείπω (leípō) `{{G3007}}`, meaning "to leave," "to lack," or "to fail." Together, ἐκλείπω carries the primary sense of "to leave out," "to cease from," or "to fail to continue." Its semantic range extends from the literal cessation or disappearance of something to the more metaphorical sense of coming to an end, running out, or dying. It implies a complete discontinuation or an ultimate failure of existence or function. The English translation "fail" effectively captures this sense of coming to an end or being insufficient.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐκλείπω (ekleípō) appears in the New Testament in two significant contexts:
1. **[[Luke 16:9]]**: "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness, so that when it fails (ἐκλίπῃ), they may receive you into the eternal dwellings."
* In this parable of the unrighteous steward, the phrase "when it fails" (ἐκλίπῃ, the aorist subjunctive form of ἐκλείπω) refers to the cessation of one's earthly life. It is a euphemism for death, signifying the point at which earthly possessions and opportunities for stewardship come to an end. The context emphasizes the transient nature of material wealth and the imperative to use it wisely for eternal purposes, preparing for the inevitable "failure" of one's temporal existence.
2. **[[Luke 23:45]]**: "the sun failing (ἐκλιπόντος)" (Textus Receptus and some other manuscripts).
* This verse describes the supernatural darkness that fell over the land during Christ's crucifixion. While some modern critical texts read ἐκλίπω (eklípō) `{{G1589}}` or ἐσκοτίσθη (eskotísthē) `{{G4654}}` ("was darkened"), the inclusion of ἐκλείπω (ekleípō) `{{G1587}}` in various textual traditions, and its listing under this Strong's number, points to its conceptual relevance here. If taken as ἐκλείπω, it describes the sun's light "failing" or "ceasing" to shine, indicating a profound and unnatural disruption of the cosmic order. This cessation of light underscores the immense gravity of the moment, marking it as a divine sign accompanying the death of the Son of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to ἐκλείπω (ekleípō):
* **λείπω (leípō) `{{G3007}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to leave," "to be wanting," or "to fail." ἐκλείπω intensifies this by adding the sense of "out of" or "completely."
* **ἐκλίπω (eklípō) `{{G1589}}`**: A very similar verb, often used interchangeably or as a textual variant, also meaning "to fail," "to cease," or "to vanish." The semantic overlap is significant.
* **ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnēskō) `{{G599}}`**: "To die." In [[Luke 16:9]], ἐκλείπω serves as a polite or indirect way of referring to death.
* **σβέννυμι (sbénnymi) `{{G4570}}`**: "To extinguish," "to quench." This verb can describe the cessation of light or fire, conceptually related to the sun "failing" in [[Luke 23:45]].
* **Concepts of Mortality and Transience**: The use of ἐκλείπω in [[Luke 16:9]] directly addresses the impermanence of human life and earthly resources.
* **Concepts of Cosmic Disruption**: In [[Luke 23:45]], it signifies a supernatural event that alters the natural order, pointing to divine intervention.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐκλείπω (ekleípō) lies in its dual application to human mortality and divine cosmic intervention:
* **Human Mortality and Eternal Perspective**: In [[Luke 16:9]], the "failing" of one's earthly life serves as a stark reminder of human mortality. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the brevity of life and the ultimate accountability of individuals before God. This temporal cessation is not an end but a transition, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual riches over fleeting earthly gains. The "failure" of earthly life is a divinely ordained reality that prompts wise stewardship for eternal reward.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Cosmic Signs**: In [[Luke 23:45]], the "failing" of the sun at the crucifixion points to God's direct involvement in the cosmic events surrounding Christ's death. This cessation of natural light is a supernatural sign, indicative of God's profound sorrow, judgment, or the sheer magnitude of the sacrifice being made. It highlights the divine sovereignty over creation, where even the sun, a constant in the heavens, can "fail" at God's command, testifying to the unparalleled significance of Christ's atoning work.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐκλείπω (ekleípō) `{{G1587}}` conveys the profound sense of "failing," "ceasing," or "coming to an end." Its usage in the New Testament, though limited, is highly significant. In [[Luke 16:9]], it refers to the cessation of earthly life, serving as a powerful reminder of human mortality and the imperative to invest in eternal realities. In [[Luke 23:45]], it describes the supernatural "failing" of the sun's light during the crucifixion, underscoring the cosmic significance and divine intervention at Christ's death. Thus, ἐκλείπω encapsulates both the inherent transience of human existence and the awe-inspiring power of God to disrupt the natural order, ultimately pointing to divine sovereignty and the eternal consequences of earthly stewardship.
TRV