### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1826 (ἔξειμι, *éxeimi*) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb εἶμι (eimi), meaning "to go." This etymology precisely defines its core meaning: "to go out," "to come forth," or "to depart from." Its semantic range primarily encompasses physical movement. It denotes a literal departure from a place, a movement from an interior to an exterior space, or a transition from one location to another. A notable specific nuance, particularly in maritime contexts, is "to disembark" or "to get to land" from a ship, often implying an escape or safe arrival after a journey or peril. Unlike some verbs of motion, G1826 is almost exclusively used for concrete, physical acts of leaving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1826 appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Book of Acts, underscoring its descriptive role in narratives of travel and missionary journeys.
* **[[Acts 13:42]]**: "And as they were going out, they begged that these words might be told to them the next Sabbath." Here, ἔξειμι describes Paul and Barnabas's physical departure from the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. The context is their missionary activity, as their exit prompts a request for further teaching, highlighting the dynamic movement inherent in the spread of the Gospel.
* **[[Acts 20:7]]**: "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day." This verse describes Paul's planned departure from Troas. It signifies a scheduled movement, part of his deliberate itinerary for ministry, rather than an impulsive exit.
* **[[Acts 21:5]]**: "When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our way, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were out of the city." In Tyre, ἔξειμι again denotes the physical departure of Paul and his companions from the city. The detail of the community accompanying them outside the city walls emphasizes the literal act of leaving a defined space.
* **[[Acts 27:43]]**: "But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from their intention and ordered those who could swim to throw themselves overboard first and get to land." This is a crucial instance, illustrating the specific nuance of "to get to land" or "to disembark" from a ship, particularly in a perilous situation (shipwreck). It signifies a safe arrival or escape from danger onto solid ground, a testament to divine preservation amidst chaos.
Across these occurrences, G1826 consistently describes a literal, purposeful act of leaving or disembarking, often within the narrative of apostolic travel and the challenges encountered therein.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1826 shares semantic overlap with several other Greek verbs of motion, but its compound nature with ἐκ gives it a specific "outward" emphasis.
* **`{{G2064}}` (ἔρχομαι, *erchomai*)**: The general verb "to come" or "to go." G1826 is a more specific form of ἔρχομαι, indicating movement *out of* a place.
* **`{{G576}}` (ἀπέρχομαι, *aperchomai*)**: "To go away," "to depart." This is often interchangeable with G1826 in the sense of departure, but G1826 retains the stronger emphasis on exiting a specific enclosure or boundary.
* **`{{G1607}}` (ἐκβαίνω, *ekbainō*)**: "To step out," "to go out." Similar to G1826, but often implies a more deliberate or even forceful stepping motion.
* **`{{G1525}}` (εἰσέρχομαι, *eiserchomai*)**: "To go in," "to enter." This serves as a direct antonym, denoting movement *into* a space.
The concept of "departure" or "journey" is central to these terms, particularly in the Book of Acts, which chronicles the extensive travels of early Christian missionaries.
### Theological Significance
While G1826 is primarily a descriptive verb of physical motion, its theological significance emerges from the contexts in which it is used. It frequently describes the movements of apostles and missionaries, thereby indirectly highlighting the dynamic and expansive nature of the early Christian mission. The act of "going out" signifies:
* **The Spread of the Gospel**: The apostles' "departing" from synagogues or cities (e.g., [[Acts 13:42]], [[Acts 21:5]]) directly facilitates the geographical expansion of the Christian message. The physical movement enables the spiritual mission.
* **Divine Providence and Preservation**: In the context of the shipwreck in [[Acts 27:43]], ἔξειμι underscores God's providential care. The ability of the shipwrecked crew and passengers to "get to land" safely, despite the extreme peril, illustrates divine intervention and protection over His servants, particularly Paul. This instance transforms a simple act of disembarkation into a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness in bringing His people through trials to their intended destination.
* **Obedience to the Great Commission**: Although not directly commanded by G1826, the various "departures" of the apostles reflect their obedience to the command to "go and make disciples" ([[Matthew 28:19]]). The physical act of "going out" is a prerequisite for fulfilling this divine mandate.
Thus, ἔξειμι, though semantically simple, plays a vital role in narrating the practical outworking of God's plan through human agents, emphasizing both the active spread of the faith and the sovereign protection of those engaged in it.
### Summary
The Greek word G1826 (ἔξειμι, *éxeimi*) literally means "to go out" or "to depart," derived from "out of" and "to go." Its usage in the New Testament, exclusively in the Book of Acts, consistently describes physical movements: leaving a place (e.g., a synagogue or city) or, notably, disembarking from a ship onto land, often implying an escape or safe arrival. While a descriptive verb of motion, G1826 carries indirect theological weight by illustrating the practical aspects of the apostles' missionary journeys, thereby signifying the geographical expansion of the Gospel. Furthermore, its use in the shipwreck narrative of Acts 27 highlights God's providential care and preservation of His servants in times of extreme danger, bringing them safely to their destination. It is a word that underscores the active and divinely guided movement central to the early Christian narrative.
TRV