from ἐκ and πάλαι; long ago, for a long while:--of a long time, of old.
Transliteration:ékpalai
Pronunciation:eh'-pal-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἔκπαλαι (ékpalai), Strong's number `{{G1597}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the adverb πάλαι (palai), meaning "long ago" or "formerly." This etymological combination yields a precise meaning: "from long ago," "for a long time," "of old," or "from ancient times." It denotes a temporal origin or duration extending far back into the past, emphasizing the considerable passage of time since an event or state began. Its semantic range highlights antiquity and a deep-seated historical or temporal rootedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔκπαλαι appears twice in the New Testament, both instances found within the Second Epistle of Peter, each contributing a distinct nuance to its meaning:
1. **[[2 Peter 1:9]]**: "For he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his **old** sins." Here, ἔκπαλαι (transliterated as "old" in many versions) refers to sins committed "from long ago" or "a long time ago." The context is spiritual growth and the assurance of salvation. The individual who fails to grow in godliness is described as having forgotten the profound truth of their past cleansing from sins. The use of ἔκπαλαι emphasizes the totality and permanence of the purification; not merely recent transgressions, but even those committed far in the past, have been dealt with by God's grace. It highlights a spiritual amnesia regarding the foundational work of purification.
2. **[[2 Peter 3:5]]**: "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were **of old**, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water." In this verse, ἔκπαλαι describes the state of the heavens and the earth, indicating that they were established "from ancient times" or "long ago" by the creative word of God. The context is Peter's refutation of scoffers who deny the Lord's promised return and the future judgment. Peter reminds them of the enduring reality of God's creative power, which formed the cosmos ἔκπαλαι. This serves as a foundational argument: just as God acted decisively in the distant past to create, so He will act decisively in the future to judge and recreate. The word here underscores the deep historical grounding of divine action and the stability of the created order.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πάλαι (palai) `{{G3819}}`**: The root word from which ἔκπαλαι is formed, meaning "long ago," "formerly." ἔκπαλαι intensifies πάλαι by adding the sense of "from" that distant past.
* **ἀρχαῖος (archaios) `{{G744}}`**: Meaning "ancient," "old," "original." While semantically related in referring to things of the past, ἀρχαῖος often describes the quality or state of being old, whereas ἔκπαλαι specifically denotes a temporal origin or duration "from long ago."
* **ἀπ' ἀρχῆς (ap' archēs) `{{G575}}` `{{G746}}`**: "From the beginning." This phrase denotes the absolute starting point, often used in a foundational or primordial sense (e.g., [[John 1:1]]). ἔκπαλαι can overlap with this concept, especially when referring to creation, but it more broadly encompasses a long period of time extending from a distant past, rather than exclusively the absolute origin.
* **Concepts**: Antiquity, permanence, the distant past, divine establishment, forgotten history, enduring truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔκπαλαι is profound, particularly in its two occurrences:
1. **Divine Forgiveness and Spiritual Memory**: In [[2 Peter 1:9]], the reference to "old sins" (ἁμαρτιῶν ἔκπαλαι) highlights the comprehensive nature of God's purification. It is not merely a superficial cleansing of recent transgressions, but a deep, foundational work that addresses the entire history of one's sin. The spiritual amnesia described emphasizes the importance of remembering the depth of God's grace and the reality of one's new identity in Christ. Forgetting this past cleansing can lead to a lack of diligence in pursuing godly virtues, implying that a true understanding of salvation involves a continuous remembrance of being wholly purged from sins, even those committed ἔκπαλαι.
2. **Divine Sovereignty in Creation and Judgment**: In [[2 Peter 3:5]], ἔκπαλαι underscores the enduring and ancient reality of God's creative act. The heavens and earth were formed "of old" by God's word, demonstrating His consistent power and authority throughout history. This serves as a powerful theological counter-argument to those who deny the future judgment and the Lord's return. If God's word was effective ἔκπαλαι in bringing the cosmos into being, then His word concerning future judgment and new creation is equally reliable. It grounds the future hope in the past, unchanging character and power of God, emphasizing His eternal control over creation and history.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ἔκπαλαι `{{G1597}}`, meaning "from long ago" or "of old," is a concise yet potent term found exclusively in 2 Peter. Its use in [[2 Peter 1:9]] emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine purification, extending to "old sins" and highlighting the importance of spiritual remembrance of God's grace. In [[2 Peter 3:5]], ἔκπαλαι underscores the ancient and enduring reality of God's creative power, establishing the heavens and earth "of old" by His word. This serves as a theological anchor, reminding believers of God's consistent action across time and providing a firm basis for the certainty of future divine intervention. In both contexts, ἔκπαλαι points to the deep temporal roots of God's work, whether in personal salvation or cosmic creation, affirming His unchanging nature and sovereign control.
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