third person singular present indicative of a compound of ἐκ and εἰμί; so also neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of εἰμί expressed); impersonally, it is right (through the figurative idea of being out in public):--be lawful, let, X may(-est).
Transliteration:éxesti
Pronunciation:ex-on'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἔξεστι (exesti, `{{G1832}}`) is a third-person singular present indicative form, often used impersonally, derived from a compound of the preposition ἐκ (ek, "out of" or "from") and the verb εἰμί (eimi, "to be"). Literally, it conveys the idea of "it is out" or "it is permitted to be out," which semantically develops into the meaning "it is lawful," "it is permissible," "it is proper," or "it is right." The underlying notion is that something is "out" in the public sphere, meaning it is openly allowed or recognized as legitimate. Its semantic range encompasses legal permissibility, moral propriety, and practical expediency. It can refer to what is lawful according to divine law, human law (civil or religious), or established custom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἔξεστι appears frequently in the Gospels, particularly in discussions surrounding the Sabbath and various aspects of the Mosaic Law, highlighting Jesus's reinterpretation of legalistic traditions.
In the Synoptic Gospels, the term is central to the Sabbath controversies:
* [[Matthew 12:2]], [[Mark 2:24]], [[Luke 6:2]]: When the disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, the Pharisees question whether it is "lawful."
* [[Matthew 12:10]], [[Mark 3:4]], [[Luke 6:9]]: Jesus directly asks if it is "lawful" to heal on the Sabbath, challenging the prevailing legalistic interpretations with an emphasis on doing good. [[Matthew 12:12]] explicitly states, "It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
* [[Luke 14:3]]: Jesus again asks if it is "lawful" to heal on the Sabbath when encountering a man with dropsy.
The term also arises in other legal and ethical debates:
* [[Matthew 19:3]], [[Mark 10:2]]: Regarding divorce, the Pharisees ask if it is "lawful" for a man to divorce his wife for any cause.
* [[Matthew 22:17]], [[Mark 12:14]], [[Luke 20:22]]: In the question about paying taxes to Caesar, the query is whether it is "lawful" to do so.
* [[Acts 2:29]]: Peter states, "Brothers, I may confidently say to you..." (referring to what is permissible to say).
* [[Acts 16:21]]: Paul and Silas are accused of teaching customs "which it is not lawful for us to receive or observe, being Romans."
* [[Acts 22:25]]: Paul asks if it is "lawful" to flog a Roman citizen without a trial.
Perhaps most profoundly, ἔξεστι is used by the Apostle Paul in his discussions on Christian liberty and responsibility:
* [[1 Corinthians 6:12]]: "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."
* [[1 Corinthians 10:23]]: "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify."
Here, Paul introduces a crucial distinction: while freedom in Christ means believers are not bound by the ceremonial law, this freedom must be exercised with consideration for its benefit and its impact on others.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ἔξεστι is closely related to νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`, "law"), as it defines what is permissible within the framework of a given law. It stands in contrast to ἀθέμιτος (athemistos, `{{G111}}`, "unlawful" or "forbidden"). Other related terms include δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`, "righteous" or "just"), ἔννομος (ennomos, `{{G1772}}`, "lawful"), and ἀνέγκλητος (anenklētos, `{{G423}}`, "blameless").
The word engages with several significant theological and ethical concepts:
* **Authority:** Who determines what is lawful? Divine authority, human authority, or tradition?
* **Permission/Prohibition:** The binary of what is allowed versus what is forbidden.
* **Legality vs. Morality:** The distinction between what is legally permissible and what is morally right or beneficial.
* **Freedom and Responsibility:** Particularly in Paul's epistles, ἔξεστι frames the discussion of Christian liberty and its boundaries, emphasizing that freedom is not license but is to be exercised responsibly, with love and for edification.
* **Conscience:** The individual's internal moral compass, often informed by what is perceived as lawful or right.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔξεστι is profound, particularly in the ministry of Jesus and the theology of Paul.
In Jesus's teaching, ἔξεστι becomes a pivot point for reinterpreting the Law, especially concerning the Sabbath. Jesus consistently challenges the rigid, external interpretations of the Pharisees by asserting that it is "lawful" to do good, to save life, and to show mercy on the Sabbath ([[Matthew 12:12]]). He emphasizes the spirit of the law over the letter, prioritizing compassion and human need over restrictive traditions. This demonstrates Jesus's divine authority to interpret and fulfill the Law, revealing God's original intent for the Sabbath as a day for human flourishing, not burdensome legalism.
For Paul, ἔξεστι is foundational to his doctrine of Christian freedom. While believers are liberated from the condemnation of the Law through Christ, this freedom is not absolute license. Paul's declaration, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable" ([[1 Corinthians 6:12]], [[1 Corinthians 10:23]]), introduces critical ethical qualifications. Christian liberty must be tempered by considerations of expediency (is it beneficial?), edification (does it build up others?), and avoiding mastery by anything other than Christ. This principle guides believers in navigating morally ambiguous areas, emphasizing love for neighbor and the glory of God as the ultimate criteria for action. It shifts the focus from mere legality to the higher principles of love, wisdom, and the common good within the body of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek term ἔξεστι (exesti, `{{G1832}}`) fundamentally means "it is lawful," "it is permissible," or "it is proper." Its etymological root suggests something "being out" or openly allowed. In the Gospels, it frequently appears in contexts where Jesus challenges the legalistic interpretations of the Law, particularly concerning the Sabbath, asserting that it is "lawful" to do good and show mercy. This highlights Jesus's authoritative reinterpretation of the Law, emphasizing its spirit over its letter. In Paul's epistles, ἔξεστι is crucial for understanding Christian liberty. While "all things are lawful" for the believer freed in Christ, Paul qualifies this freedom, asserting that not all lawful actions are profitable or edifying. This nuanced application directs believers to exercise their freedom responsibly, considering the impact on others and ensuring that their actions contribute to the common good and the glory of God. Thus, ἔξεστι serves as a key term in biblical discussions concerning divine authority, human ethics, and the true nature of freedom in Christ.
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