### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἔκτρωμα (éktrōma), Strong's number `{{G1626}}`, derives from a comparative form of ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," combined with a root related to wounding or throwing. Its primary literal meaning denotes "a miscarriage," "an abortion," or "something prematurely born." The underlying sense is that of an expulsion from the womb before full development, resulting in an incomplete, undeveloped, or even deformed birth. This etymological root highlights a violent or untimely expulsion, emphasizing the abnormality and incompleteness of the birth event. The term carries a strong connotation of something that is not brought to full term or proper completion, often implying a state of being less than perfect or fully formed due to its premature emergence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔκτρωμα (éktrōma) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians: "and last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me" [[1 Corinthians 15:8]]. In this context, Paul is recounting the appearances of the resurrected Christ to various individuals and groups, culminating in his own transformative encounter. By describing himself as an "untimely born" or "one born out of due time," Paul employs a powerful metaphor that underscores several aspects of his apostleship and conversion.
Firstly, it likely reflects his profound humility and sense of unworthiness. Paul, formerly Saul, was a persecutor of the church, a fact he frequently acknowledges with deep remorse (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:9]], [[Galatians 1:13]], [[Philippians 3:6]]). To call himself an "untimely birth" suggests he felt like an anomaly, perhaps even a "deformed" or "aborted" apostle compared to those who had walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry. His call came suddenly, dramatically, and outside the conventional timeline of the other apostles' experiences.
Secondly, the phrase highlights the unique nature of his encounter with the resurrected Christ. Unlike the other apostles who witnessed Jesus in His post-resurrection body over a period of forty days, Paul's encounter was a singular, blinding vision on the road to Damascus (cf. [[Acts 9:3-6]], [[Acts 22:6-10]], [[Acts 26:13-18]]). This was a "birth" into apostleship that was sudden, unexpected, and outside the "due time" or normal sequence of events.
Thirdly, it may also subtly allude to the suffering and hardship that characterized Paul's ministry (cf. [[2 Corinthians 11:23-28]]). Just as an untimely birth can be associated with pain and distress, Paul's apostolic life was marked by immense trials, yet through it, God's power was perfected in his weakness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ἔκτρωμα (éktrōma) stands in contrast to ideas of completeness, proper timing, and mature development. Related Greek terms and concepts include:
* `{{G5088}}` (tiktō): To bring forth, bear, give birth. This is the general term for birth, highlighting the abnormal nature of ἔκτρωμα.
* `{{G5550}}` (chronos) and `{{G2540}}` (kairos): These terms relate to time. chronos refers to chronological time, while kairos denotes an opportune or appointed time. Paul's use of "out of due time" (ἐκτρώματι) emphasizes a deviation from the expected or opportune moment.
* `{{G731}}` (artios): Complete, perfectly fitted, proficient. This word embodies the opposite of an "untimely birth," which implies incompleteness or imperfection.
* The broader biblical theme of divine calling despite unworthiness, exemplified by figures like Moses (slow of speech) or David (youngest son).
* The concept of God's sovereignty over all circumstances, including the unexpected and seemingly "untimely" events, bringing forth His purposes.
### Theological Significance
Paul's self-designation as an ἔκτρωμα (éktrōma) carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign grace and the unexpected ways in which He calls and equips His servants.
1. **Divine Grace and Unworthiness:** Paul's use of this term highlights the radical nature of God's grace. Despite his past as a persecutor of the church, God chose him, transforming him into a zealous apostle. This "untimely birth" into ministry underscores that God's call is not based on human merit or conventional qualifications but solely on His electing grace.
2. **Unique Apostolic Authority:** While expressing humility, the term also implicitly affirms the legitimacy of Paul's apostleship. His encounter with the resurrected Christ, though "out of due time" compared to the others, was nonetheless a genuine and powerful appearance that qualified him as an apostle, a witness to the resurrection (cf. [[1 Corinthians 15:1-11]]).
3. **The Power of Resurrection:** The context of [[1 Corinthians 15]] is the resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of believers. Paul's own "untimely birth" experience, a direct encounter with the risen Lord, serves as a personal testimony to the transformative power of the resurrection, which can bring life and purpose even out of what seems incomplete or impossible.
4. **Humility in Ministry:** Paul's self-description models profound humility for all who serve God. It reminds believers that God often uses the weak, the unexpected, and the seemingly "unqualified" to accomplish His mighty purposes, preventing human boasting and magnifying divine glory.
### Summary
The Greek term ἔκτρωμα (éktrōma), Strong's number `{{G1626}}`, literally signifies "a miscarriage" or "untimely birth," conveying a sense of incompleteness, abnormality, or premature expulsion. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 15:8]] sees the Apostle Paul humbly describe himself as "one untimely born" in relation to his encounter with the resurrected Christ. This powerful metaphor illuminates several key theological truths: God's sovereign grace in calling the unworthy, the unique and miraculous nature of Paul's apostolic commission, and the profound humility that ought to characterize those called into divine service. It underscores that God's purposes are not bound by human timelines or expectations, but manifest through His unexpected and transforming power, even in those who might consider themselves "less than" or "out of due time."
TRV