from ἐκ and ἄγω; to lead forth:--bring forth (out), fetch (lead) out.
Transliteration:exágō
Pronunciation:ex-ag'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐξάγω (exágō, `{{G1806}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb ἄγω (agō, `{{G71}}`), meaning "to lead" or "to bring." Therefore, its core meaning is "to lead out" or "to bring forth." This foundational sense implies a movement from an interior or confined space to an exterior or open one, or from one state or condition to another. The semantic range of exágō encompasses:
1. **Physical Egress:** The literal act of guiding or conducting individuals, animals, or objects out from a place (e.g., a house, prison, city, land).
2. **Initiated Action:** The verb often implies an agent who actively performs the leading or bringing forth, highlighting purposeful direction rather than passive emergence.
3. **Deliverance/Liberation:** In a broader theological sense, it can signify the act of delivering or liberating someone from a state of bondage, confinement, or distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While ἐξάγω (exágō, `{{G1806}}`) is used extensively in the Septuagint (LXX) to describe God's leading of Israel out of Egypt (e.g., Exodus 3:10, 6:6), its occurrences in the New Testament, though fewer, resonate with similar themes of divine initiative and purposeful movement.
* **Shepherd's Guidance:** In [[John 10:3]], Jesus, speaking of the good shepherd, states, "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." Here, exágō depicts the shepherd's intimate relationship and active guidance of his flock, ensuring their safety and provision by bringing them into suitable pasture.
* **Divine Commission/Ascension:** In [[Luke 24:50]], we read, "And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them." This verse describes Jesus leading His disciples out of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, just before His ascension. The action of exágō here signifies a purposeful, final gathering and commissioning of His followers before His departure, marking a transition to a new phase of their ministry.
* **Miraculous Deliverance:** In [[Acts 5:19]], an angel of the Lord opens the prison doors and "led them out," referring to the apostles. Similarly, in [[Acts 12:17]], Peter, miraculously freed from prison by an angel, "went out" (though the verb here is exerchomai, the concept of being led out is clear, and exágō is used in [[Acts 16:39]] for the magistrates leading Paul and Silas out of prison). These instances highlight divine intervention to release God's servants from unjust confinement.
* **Legal/Judicial Context:** In [[Acts 16:39]], the magistrates come to the prison and "brought them out" (Paul and Silas), requesting their departure. Here, exágō is used in a more mundane, but still authoritative, context of official release.
Across these contexts, the common thread is a deliberate action of "leading out" or "bringing forth," often by an agent of authority or power, resulting in a change of location or state for the object.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐξάγω (exágō, `{{G1806}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἄγω (agō, `{{G71}}`):** The base verb, meaning "to lead" or "to bring." exágō is a specific type of agō, emphasizing the "out of" aspect.
* **εἰσάγω (eisagō, `{{G1521}}`):** The direct antonym, meaning "to lead in" or "to bring in." This contrasting pair highlights movement in opposing directions.
* **ἀνάγω (anagō, `{{G321}}`):** Meaning "to lead up" or "to put to sea," often used for setting sail. While different in direction, it shares the concept of purposeful leading.
* **ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeuomai, `{{G1607}}`):** Meaning "to go out" or "to come out." While exágō is transitive (someone leads someone out), ekporeuomai is often intransitive (someone goes out on their own) or passive, though both denote egress.
* **Deliverance (λύτρωσις, lytrōsis `{{G3085}}`):** The concept of being "led out" from bondage or oppression is intrinsically linked to the broader theological theme of deliverance and redemption.
* **Exodus (ἔξοδος, exodos `{{G1841}}`):** The historical event of Israel's liberation from Egypt, profoundly shaped by God's act of "leading out" (exágō in the LXX), serves as a foundational paradigm for divine salvation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐξάγω (exágō, `{{G1806}}`) lies primarily in its connection to divine initiative, liberation, and guidance.
1. **Divine Deliverance and Salvation:** The most potent theological resonance of exágō harks back to the Old Testament Exodus, where God "led out" His people from slavery in Egypt. While the New Testament uses the term sparingly for this specific event, the underlying concept of God as the one who liberates His people from spiritual or physical bondage is paramount. Jesus' ministry, in leading His sheep out ([[John 10:3]]), echoes this divine shepherd motif, bringing His followers out of darkness into light, out of sin into righteousness, and out of death into life.
2. **Christ's Authority and Care:** Jesus' action of "leading out" His disciples before His ascension ([[Luke 24:50]]) underscores His active role as the resurrected Lord who guides and commissions His church. It signifies His ongoing authority and pastoral care for His followers, even as He transitions to His heavenly reign.
3. **Empowerment for Mission:** The miraculous "leading out" of the apostles from prison ([[Acts 5:19]]) demonstrates God's power to overcome obstacles and release His servants for continued ministry. This highlights God's commitment to His mission and His ability to empower and protect those who serve Him.
4. **Transformation and New Beginnings:** Being "led out" implies a departure from a former state or place and an entry into a new one. Theologically, this can symbolize conversion, sanctification, and the journey of faith where believers are continually led by God's Spirit into deeper communion and service.
### Summary
ἐξάγω (exágō, `{{G1806}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to lead out" or "to bring forth." Its core sense denotes a purposeful movement from an interior to an exterior space, or from one state to another, always implying an active agent. In the New Testament, exágō is employed to describe the shepherd's careful guidance of his sheep ([[John 10:3]]), Jesus' final leading of His disciples before His ascension ([[Luke 24:50]]), and the miraculous release of apostles from prison by divine intervention ([[Acts 5:19]]). Theologically, the word deeply resonates with the biblical narrative of God's redemptive work, echoing the Exodus theme of divine deliverance and liberation. It underscores God's active role as the one who guides, frees, and empowers His people, demonstrating His authority, care, and commitment to His saving purposes.
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