from ἐκ and στρέφω; to pervert (figuratively):--subvert.
Transliteration:ekstréphō
Pronunciation:ek-stref'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ekstréphō (G1612) is a compound word derived from the preposition ek (out of, from) and the verb stréphō (to turn, `{{G4762}}`). Literally, it conveys the idea of "to turn out" or "to turn away from." Figuratively, and as used in the New Testament, its meaning deepens to "to pervert," "to distort," or "to subvert." This implies a significant deviation from what is right, true, or proper. It describes a state where something, particularly a person's character or understanding, has been fundamentally twisted or turned away from a normative standard, leading to corruption or distortion. It is not merely an error, but a deep-seated turning *away* from the path of truth and righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ekstréphō (G1612) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular use carries profound weight:
* **[[Titus 3:11]]**: "knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned."
* In this passage, Paul is instructing Titus on how to deal with divisive people (hairetikos, `{{G141}}`). The apostle advises that after a first and second warning, such a person should be avoided. The reason given is that "such a person is ekstréphō (perverted) and sinful, being self-condemned."
* Here, ekstréphō describes the intrinsic state or character of the divisive individual. They are not merely mistaken in their opinions, but their very being or understanding has been twisted or turned away from the truth. This perversion leads them into sin (hamartanō) and ultimately to a state of being "self-condemned" (autokatakritos). Their own actions and beliefs serve as evidence of their deviation from God's standard, thus bringing judgment upon themselves.
* The context highlights that this perversion is not a minor flaw but a fundamental spiritual and moral distortion that makes the individual unfit for fellowship and a source of division within the church.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **stréphō (`{{G4762}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to turn." Other compounds of stréphō often specify the direction or nature of the turning (e.g., apostréphō - to turn away from; epistréphō - to turn to, return). ekstréphō distinctively emphasizes a turning *out* or *away from* a correct path, leading to perversion.
* **diastréphō (`{{G1294}}`):** Meaning "to twist throughout, pervert, corrupt." This word is closely related and often used for moral or intellectual corruption (e.g., [[Acts 13:10]], [[Philippians 2:15]]). While diastréphō might emphasize the pervasive nature of the twisting, ekstréphō focuses on the state of being turned *out* or *away* from the correct standard.
* **planáō (`{{G4105}}`):** "To lead astray, deceive, wander." While ekstréphō describes the state of being perverted, planáō often describes the action of causing someone to err or wander from the truth. A person who is ekstréphō (perverted) is likely to be one who also planáō (leads others astray).
* **hairetikos (`{{G141}}`):** "Heretical, divisive." As seen in [[Titus 3:11]], the person described as ekstréphō is explicitly identified as a "divisive person." This connection reveals that the internal perversion (ekstréphō) manifests externally as actions and teachings that cause division within the community of faith.
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of ekstréphō in [[Titus 3:11]] underscores a critical theological point regarding spiritual and moral deviation. It describes a state of being fundamentally "turned out" or "perverted" from the divine standard of truth and righteousness. This is not merely an intellectual mistake or a momentary lapse, but a deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption that has twisted the individual's character and understanding.
The term implies culpability; the individual has actively or passively allowed themselves to be turned away from God's path, leading to a state of being "self-condemned." This perversion is explicitly linked to divisiveness within the Christian community, illustrating that deep spiritual distortion has tangible, harmful consequences for the body of Christ. A person who is ekstréphō cannot be a source of unity, truth, or edification.
Ultimately, ekstréphō highlights the seriousness of doctrinal and moral deviation within the church. It portrays such deviation not as a superficial issue but as a fundamental twisting of character that alienates one from God and His people, serving as a solemn warning against allowing one's heart and mind to be turned away from the truth.
### Summary
The Greek word ekstréphō (G1612), meaning "to pervert" or "to subvert," is a potent term found uniquely in [[Titus 3:11]]. Composed of ek (out of) and stréphō (to turn), it signifies a profound turning away from a proper course, resulting in a distorted or corrupted state. In its New Testament context, it describes a divisive individual as "perverted and sinful," emphasizing a deep-seated spiritual and moral deviation that leads to self-condemnation. This term highlights the gravity of fundamental departures from sound doctrine and righteous living, portraying such individuals as intrinsically twisted in their character. It serves as a strong admonition against allowing one's heart and mind to be turned away from God's truth, underscoring the detrimental impact of such perversion on both the individual and the community of faith.
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