from ἐκ and πίπτω; to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient:--be cast, fail, fall (away, off), take none effect.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ekpíptō (`{{G1601}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb píptō (`{{G4098}}`), meaning "to fall." Therefore, its most fundamental meaning is "to fall out of" or "to fall away from." This core sense extends into a rich semantic range, encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it can describe something dropping away, such as chains falling off ([[Acts 12:7]]) or a flower falling from its stem ([[James 1:11]]). It also denotes being driven off course, particularly in nautical contexts, where a ship might be driven by wind or current from its intended path ([[Acts 27:17]], [[Acts 27:26]]). Figuratively, ekpíptō conveys the idea of failure, loss of effectiveness, or a departure from a previous state. This includes the concept of something becoming ineffectual or void, as in a promise or word failing to come to pass ([[Romans 9:6]]), or the cessation of spiritual gifts ([[1 Corinthians 13:8]]). Most significantly, in a theological context, it can describe a spiritual falling away, such as departing from grace or steadfastness ([[Galatians 5:4]], [[2 Peter 3:17]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ekpíptō in the New Testament reveal its diverse applications.
In [[Acts 12:7]], the chains "fell off" Peter's hands, illustrating a literal, physical release. This immediate and miraculous removal emphasizes divine intervention.
Similarly, in the account of Paul's shipwreck, ekpíptō is used twice to describe the ship being "driven off course" by the storm ([[Acts 27:17]]) and later being "driven onto" a specific location ([[Acts 27:26]]). Here, the word vividly portrays a lack of control and the powerful forces that can push one from an intended trajectory, a physical reality that often serves as a metaphor for spiritual life.
Figuratively, the word carries significant weight. In [[Romans 9:6]], Paul emphatically states, "It is not as though God's word had failed" (or "fallen"). Here, ekpíptō signifies the word becoming ineffectual or void, affirming the unshakeable faithfulness of God's promises despite Israel's partial unbelief.
In [[1 Corinthians 13:8]], Paul uses ekpíptō to describe the temporary nature of spiritual gifts: "prophecies will fail, tongues will cease, knowledge will pass away." The word here points to the cessation or obsolescence of these gifts when "the perfect comes," contrasting their transient nature with the enduring quality of love.
Perhaps one of the most theologically charged uses is in [[Galatians 5:4]], where Paul warns those who seek justification by the law that they "have fallen away from grace." This is not merely a stumble but a definitive departure from the principle of divine favor and reliance on Christ's finished work, indicating a profound shift in one's theological foundation.
Finally, in [[2 Peter 3:17]], believers are exhorted to be on guard "so that you may not fall from your steadfastness and be carried away by the error of lawless people." This usage underscores the danger of spiritual instability and the potential for a loss of firm footing in faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to ekpíptō is its root, píptō (`{{G4098}}`), meaning "to fall," which can describe a simple fall, a collapse, or even a fall from power. The addition of the prefix ek- intensifies and specifies the direction of the fall – "out of" or "away from."
Other related terms include:
* apopíptō (`{{G626}}`): "to fall off," similar in meaning to ekpíptō but less frequent.
* apostasía (`{{G646}}`): "apostasy," a noun derived from aphístēmi (`{{G868}}`, "to depart from"), denoting a defection or rebellion from faith. While ekpíptō can describe the *act* of falling away, apostasía describes the *state* or *event* of defection.
* ptōsis (`{{G4431}}`): "a fall," "ruin," or "failure," the noun form of píptō. It can refer to a moral or spiritual fall ([[Romans 11:11]]).
* parapíptō (`{{G3895}}`): "to fall aside," "to deviate," or "to apostatize," used in [[Hebrews 6:6]] to describe those who "fall away" after having tasted the heavenly gift. This word emphasizes a deviation from the truth.
The concepts evoked by ekpíptō therefore include:
* **Failure/Ineffectiveness:** The inability of something to achieve its intended purpose (e.g., God's word not failing, prophecies failing).
* **Loss/Cessation:** The disappearance or termination of something (e.g., spiritual gifts).
* **Departure/Defection:** A turning away from a previous position, belief, or state (e.g., falling from grace, falling from steadfastness).
* **Vulnerability:** The susceptibility to being driven off course or losing one's footing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ekpíptō is profound and multi-faceted.
Firstly, in contexts like [[Romans 9:6]], it underscores the **unwavering faithfulness of God**. The assertion that God's word has not "failed" serves as a foundational declaration of divine reliability and the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant promises, regardless of human unfaithfulness. This provides immense comfort and assurance in the steadfastness of God's character and plan.
Secondly, the usage in [[Galatians 5:4]] highlights a critical aspect of **soteriology and the nature of grace**. To "fall away from grace" is not merely a lapse in conduct but a fundamental shift from reliance on Christ's atoning work to an attempt to achieve righteousness through human effort (works of the law). This emphasizes that grace is not merely a starting point but the continuous principle by which believers stand justified before God. It warns against a return to legalism, which effectively nullifies Christ's work for those who embrace it.
Thirdly, in passages like [[1 Corinthians 13:8]], ekpíptō contributes to an **eschatological understanding of spiritual gifts**. The temporary nature of certain gifts (prophecy, tongues, knowledge) is contrasted with the eternal permanence of love. This points to a future state of perfection where partial knowledge and miraculous signs will no longer be necessary, as believers will experience full communion with God. It prioritizes the enduring virtues of faith, hope, and love over transient manifestations.
Finally, the warnings in [[2 Peter 3:17]] and the metaphorical ship imagery in Acts underscore the **human responsibility in maintaining spiritual vigilance and steadfastness**. While God is faithful, believers are called to actively guard against error and spiritual drifting. This implies the possibility of a genuine departure from truth or a loss of spiritual footing, emphasizing the need for perseverance and reliance on divine strength to remain firm in faith.
### Summary
Ekpíptō (`{{G1601}}`) is a versatile Greek verb meaning "to fall out of" or "to fall away from," encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Its literal uses describe physical falling or being driven off course, as seen with Peter's chains ([[Acts 12:7]]) or a ship in a storm ([[Acts 27:17]]). Figuratively, it denotes failure, loss of effectiveness, or a spiritual departure. Theologically, ekpíptō affirms the **unfailing faithfulness of God's word** ([[Romans 9:6]]), warns against the profound spiritual danger of **falling from grace** by abandoning reliance on Christ's work for legalism ([[Galatians 5:4]]), and highlights the **temporary nature of certain spiritual gifts** in contrast to the enduring quality of love ([[1 Corinthians 13:8]]). It also serves as a crucial reminder of the **human responsibility to remain steadfast** in faith, guarding against error and spiritual drift ([[2 Peter 3:17]]). The word thus encapsulates themes of divine reliability, the nature of salvation by grace, eschatological hope, and the call to faithful perseverance.
TRV