### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἐκλύω (eklýō)**, represented by `{{G1590}}`, is defined as to **relax** (literally or figuratively) and is translated as **faint**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This term captures a state of being completely spent, whether from physical exhaustion or spiritual despair.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1590}}` describes both physical and spiritual collapse. Jesus shows compassion for the multitudes because they **fainted** and were scattered like sheep without a shepherd [[Matthew 9:36]]. He expresses a similar concern for their physical well-being, choosing not to send them away fasting lest they **faint** on their journey home ([[Matthew 15:32]], [[Mark 8:3]]). Figuratively, the term serves as a warning to believers. Paul exhorts the Galatians to reap a harvest if they **faint** not [[Galatians 6:9]], while the author of Hebrews cautions against growing weary and fainting under the Lord's chastening or in the face of opposition ([[Hebrews 12:5]], [[Hebrews 12:3]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the concept of fainting and weariness:
* `{{G1573}}` **ekkakéō** (faint, be weary): From ἐκ and κακός; to be weak or fail in heart. It is used to urge believers not to **faint** or grow weary in prayer and well-doing ([[Galatians 6:9]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:13]]).
* `{{G2577}}` **kámnō** (faint, sick, be wearied): Meaning to toil and, by implication, to tire or grow faint. It is paired directly with `{{G1590}}` in the warning to not be **wearied** and faint in your minds [[Hebrews 12:3]].
* `{{G3523}}` **nēstis** (fasting): Meaning not eating or abstinent from food. This word identifies the direct physical cause that would lead the multitudes to **faint** on their way ([[Matthew 15:32]], [[Mark 8:3]]).
* `{{G4496}}` **rhíptō** (cast down, scatter abroad): Meaning to fling or scatter. It describes the condition of the crowds who **fainted**, depicting them as helpless and **scattered abroad** [[Matthew 9:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1590}}` is evident in its different applications:
* **Human Frailty and Divine Compassion:** The physical fainting of the multitudes is a catalyst for Jesus’s compassion. His concern that they might **faint** from hunger reveals a deep care for human physical needs and limitations [[Matthew 15:32]].
* **A Call to Spiritual Endurance:** In the epistles, to **faint** is to give up in the face of spiritual trials or duties. Believers are commanded not to **faint** under discipline or in doing good, framing perseverance as a central element of the Christian life ([[Galatians 6:9]], [[Hebrews 12:5]]).
* **The State of Being without a Shepherd:** The image of the fainting and scattered multitudes in [[Matthew 9:36]] illustrates a state of spiritual exhaustion and directionless despair that results from being without divine leadership.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1590}}` is a potent word that conveys a state of total collapse. It moves beyond a simple description of physical tiredness to encompass the profound spiritual weariness that can lead to giving up. Whether describing a crowd’s physical hunger or a believer’s struggle with despair, **eklýō** consistently points to a condition of vulnerability that requires either divine intervention and compassion or a renewed commitment to spiritual perseverance.
TRV