ἐκπίπτω

ekpíptō /ek-pip'-to/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐκ and πίπτω
Meaningto drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient
KJV usagebe cast, fail, fall (away, off), take none effect.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word ekpíptō, represented by G1601, means to drop away or be driven out of one's course. Figuratively, it conveys the idea to lose or become inefficient. Derived from ἐκ and πίπτω, its definitions include to be cast, fail, fall away, fall off, and to take none effect. This term appears 15 times in 13 unique verses, illustrating its use in both literal and spiritual contexts.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The application of G1601 ranges from physical events to significant theological conditions. In a literal sense, it describes the chains that fell off Peter's hands in prison Acts 12:7. It is also used in a nautical setting to describe a ship being cast upon an island or being in danger of falling into quicksands (Acts 27:26, Acts 27:17). The word takes on a metaphorical meaning when describing the temporary nature of the natural world, as when a flower falleth James 1:11. Theologically, it is used to warn believers against having fallen from grace by seeking justification through the law Galatians 5:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concepts of failure, loss, and grace associated with G1601:

  • G2673 katargéō (to be (render) entirely idle (useless)): This word signifies something being made of no effect or abolished. It is used to describe how Christ, through death, might destroy the one who had the power of death Hebrews 2:14.
  • G4879 synapágō (to take off together, i.e. transport with): This term describes being led or carried away, often by a negative influence. Barnabas, for example, was carried away with the dissimulation of other Jews Galatians 2:13.
  • G5485 cháris (graciousness): This is the word for grace from which one can fall. Its positive context is seen clearly in the statement that believers are saved by grace through faith Ephesians 2:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1601 is significant, often serving as a sober warning.

  • Falling from Grace: The term is used to articulate the grave spiritual danger of abandoning faith in Christ for justification by works. In Galatians 5:4, those who seek to be justified by the law are told they are fallen from grace.
  • Loss of Steadfastness: Believers are warned not to be led away by error, lest they fall from their own steadfastness 2 Peter 3:17. In Revelation, the church in Ephesus is commanded to remember from where it has fallen and to repent Revelation 2:5.
  • Ineffectiveness vs. Permanence: G1601 is used to contrast what is temporary with what is eternal. While prophecies will fail and knowledge will vanish, charity (love) never faileth 1 Corinthians 13:8. This highlights the enduring nature of God's love against things that are subject to failure.

Summary

In summary, G1601 ekpíptō is a versatile word that moves from the literal sense of a physical fall to the profound spiritual sense of a fall from grace. It illustrates concepts of failure, transience, and being driven off course. Whether describing chains dropping from wrists, a flower withering, or a believer departing from a state of grace, the word serves as a powerful descriptor of loss and a solemn caution against spiritual decline.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 1st Plural 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
  • Perfect Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Acts (5 verses).

1
Mark
5
Acts
1
Romans
1
1 Corinthians
1
Galatians
1
James
1
1 Peter
1
2 Peter
1
Revelation

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