### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1814}}` *exállomai* is a compound word formed from the preposition *ek* (ἐκ), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb *hállomai* (ἅλλομαι), meaning "to leap" or "to spring." Therefore, the core meaning of `{{G1814}}` is "to leap out," "to spring forth," or "to leap up." The prefix *ek* intensifies the action of *hállomai*, adding a dimension of suddenness, vigor, and an outward trajectory to the leap. It denotes an immediate, unconstrained, and often surprising burst of movement from a previous state of rest or confinement. The semantic range is narrow, focusing almost exclusively on this powerful, eruptive physical action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G1814}}` *exállomai* appears only once in the New Testament, in a profoundly significant passage detailing a miraculous healing:
* **[[Acts 3:8]]**: "And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."
This verse describes the immediate and dramatic effect of Peter's healing of the man lame from birth, who sat daily at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit and invoking the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, commands the man to "rise up and walk" ([[Acts 3:6]]). The man's response is instantaneous and total. The use of `{{G1814}}` *exállomai* here vividly captures the initial, powerful, and perhaps unexpected burst of movement. It is not a hesitant or gradual rise, but a forceful, joyous, and uninhibited "leaping up" – a sudden eruption of mobility from a lifetime of paralysis. This initial *exállomai* is followed by *hállomai* (leaping) later in the same verse, suggesting a sustained and joyful expression of his newfound ability. The singular occurrence of `{{G1814}}` thus marks a pivotal moment of divine intervention and physical liberation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the base verb `{{G242}}` *hállomai*, from which `{{G1814}}` is derived.
* `{{G242}}` *hállomai* itself appears in the New Testament in several contexts:
* **[[John 4:14]]**: Describing the "springing up" of living water to eternal life, indicating a continuous, life-giving flow.
* **[[Acts 3:8]]**: Used again for the lame man, "walking and *leaping* and praising God," suggesting a continued, joyous action after the initial *exállomai*.
* **[[Acts 14:10]]**: Used by Paul when he commands a crippled man in Lystra to "Stand upright on your feet!" and the man *leaped* and began to walk. This parallels the [[Acts 3:8]] account, though without the *ex-* prefix.
The distinction between `{{G1814}}` *exállomai* and `{{G242}}` *hállomai* in [[Acts 3:8]] is subtle yet significant. `{{G1814}}` emphasizes the initial, sudden break from immobility, the "outward" burst of energy. `{{G242}}` then describes the subsequent, continued expression of that newfound freedom. Both words underscore the miraculous nature of the healing, demonstrating an immediate and complete restoration of physical capability.
Other related concepts include words for:
* *Healing* (`{{G2392}}` *iaomai*, `{{G2323}}` *therapeuō*)
* *Standing* (`{{G2476}}` *histēmi*)
* *Walking* (`{{G4043}}` *peripateō*)
* *Praise* (`{{G134}}` *aineō*)
* *Joy/Exultation* (`{{G20}}` *agalliaō*, `{{G21}}` *agalliasis*) – as the physical leaping is often an expression of overwhelming joy.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G1814}}` *exállomai* in [[Acts 3:8]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to:
1. **Divine Power and Authority:** The immediate and forceful "leaping up" underscores that the healing was not a gradual recovery but an instantaneous, complete, and supernatural act of God's power working through the apostles. It demonstrates the authority of Jesus' name to bring about radical transformation.
2. **The New Covenant's Efficacy:** This miracle, occurring at the Temple gate, signifies the breaking of old limitations and the inauguration of a new era of divine power and grace through Christ. The man's physical liberation mirrors the spiritual liberation offered by the gospel.
3. **Visible Sign of the Resurrection:** The man's sudden ability to leap, stand, and walk is a tangible, undeniable sign of the power of the resurrected Christ. Just as Christ rose from the grave, so too is this man raised from his physical infirmity, bearing witness to the life-giving power of God.
4. **Joy and Worship:** The *exállomai* is not merely a functional movement but an expression of overwhelming joy and gratitude, immediately leading to praise of God. It illustrates that divine intervention evokes a response of worship and celebration. The physical leap becomes a spiritual act of adoration.
5. **Transformation and New Life:** The act of leaping symbolizes a complete reversal of the man's condition. From utter helplessness, he is propelled into vibrant, active life. This serves as a metaphor for the spiritual transformation that occurs when one encounters the power of Christ, moving from spiritual death or paralysis to new life and freedom.
### Summary
`{{G1814}}` *exállomai* is a vivid Greek verb meaning "to leap out" or "to spring forth," emphasizing a sudden, vigorous, and unconstrained burst of movement. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 3:8]] powerfully depicts the immediate and complete healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate. This initial "leaping up" signifies not only a miraculous physical restoration but also serves as a profound theological statement. It testifies to the instantaneous and transformative power of God manifested through the name of Jesus, embodying the efficacy of the New Covenant, providing a visible sign of Christ's resurrection power, and eliciting an immediate response of joyous praise and worship. The word encapsulates the dramatic shift from a state of limitation to one of dynamic, liberated life.
TRV