from a comparative of ἐκ and a presumed (to spue); vomit, i.e. food disgorged:--vomit.
Transliteration:exérama
Pronunciation:ex-er'-am-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐξέραμα (exérama, `{{G1829}}`) directly translates to "vomit" or "that which is disgorged." It is derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," combined with a presumed root signifying "to spue" or "to vomit." The word's core meaning denotes the act of expelling contents from the stomach through the mouth, typically in an involuntary and often violent manner. Semantically, it carries strong connotations of repulsion, impurity, and the rejection of something deemed harmful, foul, or indigestible by the body. It describes the physical manifestation of an internal rejection, emphasizing the undesirable nature of the expelled substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐξέραμα (exérama, `{{G1829}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, specifically in [[2 Peter 2:22]]. This solitary occurrence is within a proverb, making its contextual impact particularly potent: "The proverb holds true for them: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mire.'"
In this passage, Peter employs two vivid and repulsive animal proverbs to describe the spiritual state of those who have "escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but are again entangled in them and overcome" [[2 Peter 2:20]]. The image of a "dog returning to its vomit" serves as a stark and visceral metaphor for spiritual apostasy or backsliding. It illustrates the utter degradation and inherent perversity of reverting to a state of sin and impurity after having experienced cleansing and enlightenment through Christ. The proverb underscores the idea that such a return is not merely a lapse but a profound reversal to that which was once rejected as foul and intolerable, revealing a deep-seated spiritual issue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proverb cited in [[2 Peter 2:22]] has a direct Old Testament parallel in [[Proverbs 26:11]]: "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." The Hebrew word for "vomit" in [[Proverbs 26:11]] is *qî* (`{{H6688}}`). This parallel demonstrates the enduring metaphorical power of this imagery across biblical traditions, signifying a return to something loathsome and rejected.
Related concepts include:
* **Impurity/Defilement:** The act of vomiting is inherently associated with uncleanness. Other Greek words related to defilement include μιασμός (miasmós, defilement, `{{G3393}}`) and ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía, uncleanness, `{{G167}}`).
* **Apostasy/Backsliding:** The context of [[2 Peter 2:22]] clearly points to a turning away from truth and a return to former sinful ways. Concepts like ἀποστασία (apostasía, apostasy, `{{G646}}`) and ὑποστρέφω (hypostréphō, to turn back, `{{G5290}}`) capture the spiritual regression implied.
* **Animal Imagery:** The use of dogs and pigs in biblical proverbs often carries connotations of impurity, contemptibility, and a base nature (e.g., [[Matthew 7:6]], [[Philippians 3:2]]). These animals, in a Jewish context, were considered unclean, further emphasizing the repulsive nature of the spiritual state being described.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet powerful use of ἐξέραμα in [[2 Peter 2:22]] carries profound theological significance, serving as a severe warning against the dangers of spiritual regression and apostasy.
1. **Severity of Apostasy:** The image vividly portrays the extreme repugnance of turning back to sin after having tasted the truth and experienced deliverance. It suggests that such a return is not merely a minor misstep but a profound and unnatural act, akin to a creature returning to its own expelled filth. This implies that the spiritual state of those who apostatize is worse than their initial state of ignorance, as they have rejected revealed truth and returned to what they once knew to be defiling.
2. **Nature of Sin:** The "vomit" represents sin and its inherent impurity. The body expels vomit because it is harmful, toxic, or indigestible. The metaphor thus underscores that sin is not merely a moral failing but something intrinsically detestable and spiritually poisonous, to be utterly rejected and cast out from one's life.
3. **Warning Against Superficiality:** The proverb highlights the danger of a superficial or incomplete transformation. While outward cleansing might occur (like the washed sow), if the inner nature remains unchanged or reverts, the former defilements will be embraced again. This emphasizes the necessity of genuine, heart-deep conversion and ongoing sanctification, not just an external adherence to religious practices.
4. **Perseverance in Faith:** The passage implicitly calls believers to steadfastness and perseverance. The vivid imagery serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to remain vigilant against the allure of former sins and to continually grow in their knowledge and obedience to Christ, lest they fall into such a deplorable state.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐξέραμα (exérama, `{{G1829}}`) precisely means "vomit" or "that which is disgorged." Its singular appearance in the New Testament, in [[2 Peter 2:22]], utilizes a vivid proverb, "A dog returns to its vomit," paralleling [[Proverbs 26:11]]. This powerful and repulsive metaphor serves as a stark theological warning against spiritual backsliding and apostasy. It underscores the profound degradation of those who revert to a life of sin after having experienced the knowledge and cleansing offered by Christ, depicting such a return as unnatural and utterly contemptible. The word emphasizes the inherent impurity of sin and the critical importance of genuine inner transformation and steadfast perseverance in faith to avoid the tragic consequences of spiritual regression.
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