### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ekchéō**, represented by `{{G1632}}`, means **to pour forth**. It appears **28 times** across **28 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on the root words for "from" and "to pour," its meaning ranges from the literal act of spilling a liquid to the figurative bestowal of spiritual gifts, love, or wrath. It is translated as to gush out, run greedily, shed, or spill.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1632}}` is used in several critical contexts. It is most frequently associated with the **shedding** of Christ's blood for the new testament and the remission of sins ([[Matthew 26:28]], [[Mark 14:24]]). The word also describes the divine act of **pouring out** the Holy Spirit upon believers, a cornerstone event of the early church ([[Acts 2:17]], [[Acts 10:45]]). In the book of Revelation, it is used repeatedly to depict angels **pouring out** the vials of God's wrath upon the earth [[Revelation 16:1]]. Less common literal uses include Jesus **pouring out** the money changers' coins [[John 2:15]], the spilling of wine from burst bottles [[Matthew 9:17]], and the gruesome fate of Judas, whose bowels **gushed out** [[Acts 1:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of what is being poured out:
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred:--blood.): This is the substance most often described as being **shed** by `{{G1632}}`, foundational to the concept of atonement and martyrdom [[Matthew 26:28]].
* `{{G4486}}` **rhḗgnymi** (to "break," "wreck" or "crack"): In the parable of the wineskins, this word describes the bottles bursting, which directly causes the wine to be **spilled** `{{G1632}}`, illustrating a cause-and-effect relationship [[Luke 5:37]].
* `{{G4146}}` **plousíōs** (copiously:--abundantly, richly.): This adverb modifies `{{G1632}}` to emphasize the generous nature of God's gift, stating that the Holy Spirit was **shed** on us **abundantly** [[Titus 3:6]].
* `{{G4395}}` **prophēteúō** (to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:--prophesy.): This is a direct result of the Spirit being **poured out** `{{G1632}}`, as those who receive the Spirit then begin to **prophesy** [[Acts 2:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1632}}` is immense, defining several core Christian doctrines.
* **Atonement and Covenant:** The act of Christ's blood being **shed** is the basis of the new covenant. This "pouring out" is not an accident but a purposeful sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins [[Luke 22:20]].
* **The Gift of the Spirit:** The Holy Spirit is not merely given but is **poured out** or **shed abroad** in believers' hearts, signifying a generous, transformative, and universally available gift from God [[Romans 5:5]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The repeated command for angels to **pour out** vials of wrath in Revelation signifies a direct, controlled, and final execution of God's judgment upon a sinful world [[Revelation 16:2]].
* **Moral Abandonment:** In a negative sense, the word describes a reckless abandon to sin, as when wicked men **ran greedily after** the error of Balaam, indicating a complete pouring out of oneself into corruption [[Jude 1:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1632}}` is far more than a simple verb for spilling. It is a word of profound theological action, signifying the deliberate pouring out of life, judgment, and spiritual power. From the atoning blood of Christ **shed** on the cross to the Holy Spirit **poured out** at Pentecost and the final wrath **poured out** on the earth, **ekchéō** captures the magnitude of divine acts that shape salvation history.
TRV