### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1590}}` (eklýō) is formed from the preposition `{{G1537}}` (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb `{{G3089}}` (lýō), meaning "to loose," "to untie," or "to release." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "to loose out" or "to unbind thoroughly." This foundational meaning gives rise to its primary semantic range in the New Testament: to become relaxed, to lose strength, to grow weary, or to faint. While the literal sense of "untying" is embedded in its etymology, its usage in the biblical text is almost exclusively figurative, describing a state of physical or spiritual exhaustion, a loss of vigor, resilience, or determination. It signifies a weakening that can lead to giving up or collapsing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1590}}` appears five times in the New Testament, presenting a consistent yet nuanced semantic profile across its occurrences:
* **[[Matthew 15:32]] and [[Mark 8:3]]**: In these parallel accounts, Jesus expresses compassion for the large crowd that had been with Him for three days without food, stating, "I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint (μὴ ἐκλυθῶσιν) on the way." Here, `{{G1590}}` clearly refers to physical exhaustion and collapse due to lack of sustenance. Jesus' concern highlights a practical, compassionate response to human physical limitations.
* **[[Galatians 6:9]]**: Paul exhorts believers, "And let us not grow weary (μὴ ἐκκακῶμεν) in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not faint (μὴ ἐκλυόμενοι)." While `{{G1573}}` (ekkakéō) is used for "grow weary," `{{G1590}}` (eklyomenoi, a present participle) emphasizes the continued state of not losing heart or giving up in the midst of perseverance. This context shifts the meaning from physical to spiritual or moral weariness, urging steadfastness in Christian service and good works despite challenges or delayed gratification.
* **[[Hebrews 12:3]]**: The author encourages readers to "consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary (μὴ κάμητε) or faint (ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν ἐκλυόμενοι) in your souls." Here, `{{G1590}}` is explicitly linked to the "soul" (psychē), indicating a spiritual or inner weariness. The admonition is against losing courage or becoming disheartened in the face of opposition or trials, drawing strength from Christ's supreme example of endurance.
* **[[Hebrews 12:5]]**: Similarly, in the context of divine discipline, the author quotes Proverbs: "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint (μηδὲ ἐκλύου) when reproved by him." This usage directly applies to the believer's response to God's corrective hand. To "faint" here means to lose spiritual resolve, to become discouraged, or to give up hope under divine chastening, rather than seeing it as a sign of God's love and training.
Across these occurrences, `{{G1590}}` consistently denotes a state of weakening or giving up, whether physically from hunger or spiritually from the pressures of discipleship, service, or divine discipline. The biblical writers employ it to underscore both human frailty and the imperative for spiritual endurance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G1590}}` includes words and concepts related to endurance, perseverance, and the opposite state of weariness or giving up.
* **Synonyms/Closely Related:**
* `{{G1573}}` (ekkakéō): "to lose heart," "to grow weary," often used in parallel with `{{G1590}}` (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16). While distinct, both express a similar idea of spiritual fatigue.
* `{{G2577}}` (kamnō): "to be weary," "to be sick," "to be exhausted" (e.g., [[Hebrews 12:3]] uses kamnō alongside eklýō).
* `{{G2648}}` (katakopiazō): "to become utterly weary," "to be exhausted."
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:**
* `{{G5281}}` (hypomonē): "endurance," "steadfastness," "perseverance." This is the virtue that prevents one from `{{G1590}}`.
* `{{G4343}}` (proskarteréō): "to persevere," "to continue steadfastly."
* `{{G2594}}` (karteréō): "to be steadfast," "to endure."
* **Thematic Connections:** The concept of `{{G1590}}` is deeply intertwined with themes of discipleship, suffering, divine discipline, and the call to remain faithful. It highlights the tension between human weakness and divine strength, and the necessity of relying on God for spiritual fortitude.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1590}}` is multifaceted, touching upon human nature, divine compassion, and the demands of the Christian life.
* **Human Frailty and Dependence:** The physical fainting in the Gospels underscores humanity's inherent limitations and dependence on divine provision. Jesus' compassion in feeding the multitude prevents `{{G1590}}`, demonstrating God's care for the holistic well-being of His people.
* **The Spiritual Battle for Endurance:** In the Epistles, `{{G1590}}` serves as a warning against spiritual weariness and losing heart in the face of trials, persecution, or the long-term demands of ministry. It acknowledges that the Christian walk is not without its burdens and temptations to give up. The exhortation *not* to faint is a call to steadfast faith and reliance on God's empowering grace.
* **Divine Discipline as Love:** The use of `{{G1590}}` in Hebrews 12 in relation to God's discipline is particularly profound. To faint under discipline is to misunderstand its purpose, viewing it as punitive rather than refining. The text teaches that God's discipline is a mark of His fatherly love, designed to train and mature His children. Not to faint, therefore, is to embrace God's corrective hand with trust and hope, recognizing its ultimate good.
* **The Call to Perseverance:** Ultimately, `{{G1590}}` highlights the crucial virtue of perseverance in the Christian life. The repeated admonition not to faint serves as a reminder that the spiritual journey requires sustained effort, drawing strength from Christ's example and the promise of future reward. It is a call to maintain hope and courage, even when circumstances are difficult or progress seems slow.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G1590}}` (eklýō) fundamentally means "to relax," "to loosen," which extends to "to become weak," "to grow weary," or "to faint." In the Gospels, it describes physical exhaustion, as seen in Jesus' compassion for the hungry crowds ([[Matthew 15:32]], [[Mark 8:3]]). However, its more prevalent and profound usage in the Epistles pertains to spiritual or emotional weariness, signifying a loss of heart, discouragement, or the temptation to give up in the face of challenges. Paul exhorts believers not to faint in doing good ([[Galatians 6:9]]), and the author of Hebrews warns against fainting in the soul under trials or divine discipline ([[Hebrews 12:3]], [[Hebrews 12:5]]). Theologically, `{{G1590}}` underscores human frailty and dependence on God, while simultaneously serving as a powerful call to spiritual perseverance, endurance, and a proper understanding of God's loving discipline. It is a reminder that steadfastness in faith is essential, sustained by divine grace and the hope of ultimate reward.
TRV