### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1607}}` (ekporeúomai) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb `{{G4198}}` (poreúomai), meaning "to go" or "to proceed." Its core meaning therefore signifies "to go out from," "to come forth," or "to proceed out of." The semantic range of `{{G1607}}` extends beyond mere physical departure, encompassing various nuanced applications:
1. **Literal Movement:** It describes a physical going out from a place, person, or object. Examples include people coming out of a city or a building, or a river flowing out from its source.
2. **Origin or Source:** It denotes the source or origin from which something emerges or proceeds. This can apply to words emanating from a mouth, thoughts from a heart, or even divine power from a person.
3. **Emission or Emanation:** It can describe the issuing forth of something, such as fire, smoke, or brimstone, or the expulsion of spirits.
4. **Divine Procession:** In a profound theological sense, it describes the eternal procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father.
The choice of `{{G1607}}` often emphasizes the *source* or *point of origin* from which something emerges, rather than simply the act of going.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1607}}` appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Revelation, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Departure:** In the Synoptic Gospels, it often describes physical movement. For instance, Jesus is depicted as ekporeúomai from the water after His baptism [[Matthew 3:16]], or from a synagogue [[Mark 1:29]]. People are described as ekporeúomai from towns to meet Jesus [[Luke 4:42]]. This usage is straightforward, indicating a movement *out of* a specific location.
* **Words and Thoughts:** A significant theological use appears in Jesus' teaching on defilement. He states that "what *comes out of* the mouth proceeds from the heart" [[Matthew 15:18]] and that "from within, *out of* the heart of men, *proceed* evil thoughts" [[Mark 7:21]]. Here, `{{G1607}}` highlights the internal source of moral purity or defilement, shifting the focus from external ritual to internal disposition. This contrasts sharply with what "goes into" a person.
* **Demonic Expulsion:** The verb is used to describe demons ekporeúomai (coming out) from individuals who are being delivered [[Mark 5:2]], [[Mark 5:8]], [[Luke 8:29]]. This underscores Christ's authority over spiritual forces and the tangible manifestation of liberation.
* **Divine Power:** In [[Luke 6:19]], it is noted that "power *was coming out* from Him and healing them all." This portrays Jesus as the active source of divine healing power, which emanates from Him to effect restoration.
* **Eschatological Imagery:** In the Book of Revelation, `{{G1607}}` is used to describe things ekporeúomai from the mouths of horses [[Revelation 9:17]] or from the mouth of the Lamb [[Revelation 19:15]], often signifying judgment or divine decree. It also describes the river of the water of life ekporeúomai from the throne of God [[Revelation 22:1]], emphasizing its divine origin.
* **Theological Procession:** Most profoundly, in [[John 15:26]], Jesus states concerning the Holy Spirit, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who *proceeds from* the Father, He will bear witness about me." This verse is foundational for Trinitarian theology, articulating the eternal procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father, a distinct relationship from the Father's generation of the Son.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1607}}` shares semantic space with other Greek verbs of motion, but with distinct nuances:
* `{{G4198}}` (poreúomai): The base verb, meaning "to go" or "to travel." `{{G1607}}` adds the specific sense of going *out from* a source.
* `{{G1831}}` (exerchomai): Also means "to come out" or "to go out." While often interchangeable with `{{G1607}}` in contexts of physical departure, `{{G1607}}` tends to emphasize the *source* or *origin* more strongly, often implying an emanation or an issuing forth, particularly in metaphorical or theological contexts (e.g., words *proceeding from* the heart vs. simply *coming out*). `{{G1607}}` can convey a more continuous or inherent emanation.
* `{{G2064}}` (erchomai): A general verb for "to come" or "to go." `{{G1607}}` specifies the direction and often the source.
Concepts related to `{{G1607}}` include:
* **Source and Origin:** The emphasis on where something comes *from*.
* **Emanation:** The idea of something flowing or radiating from a source.
* **Defilement and Purity:** The radical redefinition of what truly defiles a person (internal vs. external).
* **Divine Authority and Power:** Christ's inherent ability to heal and cast out demons.
* **Trinitarian Doctrine:** The unique relationship of the Holy Spirit to the Father.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1607}}` is profound and multi-faceted:
1. **Redefinition of Purity:** Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 15:11]], [[Matthew 15:18-19]] and [[Mark 7:15-23]] fundamentally reorients understanding of purity. By asserting that "what *comes out of* the mouth" (from the heart) defiles a person, Jesus challenges the prevailing Jewish emphasis on external dietary laws and ritual washings. This shifts the locus of defilement from the external to the internal, highlighting the fallen nature of the human heart as the true source of sin and impurity. This is a foundational ethical and spiritual principle in the New Covenant.
2. **The Procession of the Holy Spirit:** The use of `{{G1607}}` in [[John 15:26]] is a cornerstone of Christian Trinitarian theology. The Holy Spirit "who *proceeds from* the Father" describes a unique, eternal, and personal relationship within the Godhead. This "procession" (ἐκπόρευσις) is distinct from the Father's generation of the Son, yet equally essential to understanding the co-equality and distinct persons of the Trinity. It underscores the Spirit's divine origin and His role as the Spirit of truth sent from the Father.
3. **The Efficacy of Christ's Power:** The description of power ekporeúomai from Jesus to heal in [[Luke 6:19]] speaks to His inherent divine nature and authority. This power is not merely delegated but is an intrinsic emanation from His being, demonstrating His sovereign ability to intervene in the physical and spiritual realms. It reveals Him as the living source of life and healing.
4. **Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance:** The consistent use of `{{G1607}}` for demons ekporeúomai from individuals underscores the reality of spiritual oppression and Christ's supreme authority over all evil forces. It signifies a decisive and complete expulsion, demonstrating the triumph of God's kingdom over the powers of darkness.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1607}}` (ekporeúomai) signifies "to go out from," "to come forth," or "to proceed out of," emphasizing the source or origin of that which emerges. While it describes physical departure, its most profound uses are metaphorical and theological. It reveals Jesus' radical redefinition of purity, asserting that true defilement ekporeúomai from the evil intentions of the human heart. Crucially, it describes the eternal procession of the Holy Spirit ekporeúomai from the Father, a foundational tenet of Trinitarian doctrine. Furthermore, it highlights the inherent power ekporeúomai from Christ for healing and the decisive expulsion of demonic forces, underscoring His divine authority. Thus, `{{G1607}}` is a verb rich with theological implications, pointing to divine origins, the nature of sin, and the redemptive power of God.
TRV