from ἐκ and ἡγέομαι; to consider out (aloud), i.e. rehearse, unfold:--declare, tell.
Transliteration:exēgéomai
Pronunciation:ex-ayg-eh'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb exēgéomai (`{{G1834}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and hēgeomai (`{{G2233}}`), meaning "to lead," "to guide," or "to consider." The combination thus conveys the sense of "leading out" or "bringing forth" information, particularly in a detailed and comprehensive manner. Its core meaning encompasses the act of explaining, declaring, recounting, or interpreting something in a way that makes it clear and understandable. It is more than a simple statement; it implies a thorough unfolding or exposition, often of something previously hidden, complex, or unknown. The semantic range extends from narrating events in detail to expounding profound truths, always with the nuance of making something manifest and intelligible. This is the root of the English word "exegesis," the critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term exēgéomai (`{{G1834}}`) appears five times in the New Testament, with its most profound theological usage in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 1:18]]**: "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has *made him known* (ἐξηγήσατο)." This is the locus classicus for exēgéomai. Here, Jesus Christ is presented as the supreme and unique "exegete" of the invisible God. He does not merely report *about* God, but through His incarnation, life, teachings, death, and resurrection, He fully and perfectly reveals, unfolds, and explains the very nature and character of the Father. This declaration underscores the necessity of divine revelation for humanity to truly know God, and it identifies Jesus as the sole, authoritative source of that revelation.
* **[[Luke 24:35]]**: "Then they *told* (ἐξηγοῦντο) what had happened on the road, and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread." Following their encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Emmaus, the two disciples recounted in detail to the other apostles their experience, explaining how Jesus had expounded the Scriptures to them and how they recognized Him. This usage highlights the sense of narrating or recounting events comprehensively.
* **[[Acts 15:12]]**: "And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they *related* (ἐξηγοῦντο) what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles." At the Jerusalem Council, Barnabas and Paul gave a detailed account of their missionary work, emphasizing God's miraculous intervention among the Gentiles. This signifies a thorough declaration of divine activity.
* **[[Acts 15:14]]**: "Simeon *has related* (ἐξηγήσατο) how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name." Peter (Simeon) also provided a detailed explanation of God's initiative in bringing salvation to the Gentiles, referencing Cornelius's conversion. This further emphasizes the act of explaining God's unfolding plan.
* **[[Acts 21:19]]**: "When he had greeted them, he *related* (ἐξηγεῖτο) one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry." Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul gave a comprehensive report to James and the elders concerning the progress of the gospel among the Gentiles. This again signifies a detailed, itemized recounting of God's work.
Across these occurrences, a consistent theme emerges: exēgéomai denotes a thorough, clear, and often authoritative declaration or explanation, whether of divine truth, historical events, or God's mighty acts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by exēgéomai (`{{G1834}}`) is closely related to several other biblical terms and theological ideas:
* **apokalyptō (`{{G601}}`)**: "to reveal" or "uncover." While apokalyptō refers to the act of making something known that was previously hidden, exēgéomai often describes the *process* of explaining or unfolding that revelation in a comprehensible manner.
* **didaskō (`{{G1321}}`)**: "to teach." Teaching involves imparting knowledge, but exēgéomai carries a stronger emphasis on detailed exposition and making something clear, often through narration or interpretation.
* **anaggellō (`{{G312}}`)**: "to announce" or "report." While similar in reporting events, exēgéomai suggests a more comprehensive and interpretive account.
* **hermēneuō (`{{G2059}}`)**: "to interpret" or "translate." This term focuses more on linguistic or conceptual interpretation, whereas exēgéomai has a broader scope of detailed explanation or narration.
* **Concepts**: The word is foundational to the theological discipline of *exegesis*, which is the careful, systematic study and interpretation of biblical texts to ascertain their original meaning. It also relates to the concept of divine *revelation*, as God "exegetes" Himself to humanity, and to the *testimony* of believers who recount God's works.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of exēgéomai (`{{G1834}}`) is profound, especially in its use in [[John 1:18]]. This verse is a cornerstone of Christology, asserting the unique role of Jesus as the definitive revealer of God. Since God is spirit and invisible, humanity cannot fully comprehend Him apart from His self-disclosure. Jesus, being "at the Father's side" (or "in the bosom of the Father"), possesses intimate knowledge of God and is uniquely qualified to "exegete" or make God known. This implies:
* **Incarnational Revelation**: God's ultimate self-disclosure is not merely through words or prophecies, but through the person of His Son. Jesus' life, character, and actions are the perfect explanation of who God is.
* **Exclusivity of Christ**: The statement "No one has ever seen God" underscores human inability to fully grasp God without divine assistance. Jesus is the sole, authoritative mediator of this knowledge.
* **Fullness of Revelation**: The use of exēgéomai suggests a complete and exhaustive declaration of God's being, character, and will, as far as it can be comprehended by humanity. Jesus doesn't just reveal *a part* of God, but God Himself.
* **Witness and Testimony**: In Acts, the word highlights the importance of detailed testimony regarding God's saving acts in history and through His servants. Believers are called to "exegete" God's works for others, explaining His purposes and power.
Thus, exēgéomai speaks to the very heart of how God reveals Himself to humanity and how that revelation is then communicated and understood.
### Summary
The Greek word exēgéomai (`{{G1834}}`) signifies a comprehensive, detailed declaration, explanation, or unfolding of something previously unknown or hidden. Rooted in the idea of "leading out" or "bringing forth," it implies a thorough and clear exposition. Its most critical theological usage is in [[John 1:18]], where Jesus Christ is presented as the unique "exegete" of the invisible God, perfectly revealing the Father's nature and character through His incarnation. In the book of Acts, the term describes the detailed recounting of God's mighty works and purposes, emphasizing the importance of clear testimony. Ultimately, exēgéomai underscores the necessity of divine revelation for humanity to know God and the authoritative process by which that revelation is made manifest and intelligible.
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