from ἐκ and ὁδός; an exit, i.e. (figuratively) death:--decease, departing.
Transliteration:éxodos
Pronunciation:ex'-od-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἔξοδος (exodos, `{{G1841}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the noun ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`), meaning "way" or "road." Therefore, its literal and foundational meaning is "a way out," "an exit," or "a going forth."
Semantically, ἔξοδος encompasses:
1. **A physical departure or exit:** The act of leaving a place.
2. **A historical event of mass departure:** Specifically, the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, which became a paradigmatic event of liberation.
3. **A figurative departure from life:** This is the most common New Testament usage, referring to death, but often with the nuance of a planned or significant "going out" rather than just a cessation of life. It implies a transition rather than an end, a purposeful "exit."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἔξοδος (exodos, `{{G1841}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance carrying significant theological weight:
* **[[Luke 9:31]]**: "who appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem." Here, the term refers to Jesus' "decease" or "departure." This is not merely a euphemism for death, but a profound theological statement. The use of ἔξοδος for Christ's death connects it directly to the historical Exodus of Israel, implying a new and greater act of deliverance. Jesus' "exodus" encompasses his suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension – a comprehensive "going out" that achieves redemption and liberation for humanity. It signifies a divinely orchestrated, purposeful, and pivotal event in salvation history.
* **[[Hebrews 11:22]]**: "By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones." In this verse, ἔξοδος refers explicitly to the historical departure of the Israelites from Egypt under Moses. It highlights Joseph's prophetic faith in God's promise to deliver His people, even centuries before the event. This usage grounds the word in a foundational act of divine liberation and covenant establishment, providing a crucial interpretive lens for its application to Christ.
* **[[2 Peter 1:15]]**: "And I will also be diligent that at any time after my exodus you will be able to call these things to mind." Here, Peter uses ἔξοδος to refer to his own impending death. Similar to the nuance in Luke, it's not merely a biological end but a "departure" from his earthly life and ministry. For Peter, as for other believers, death is a transition, a "going out" from this life into the next, implying a destination and continuity of purpose, even beyond his physical presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`):** The root word for "way" or "road," emphasizing the journey aspect inherent in ἔξοδος. Life is a journey, and death is a significant point of departure.
* **ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnesko, `{{G599}}`):** The more common Greek verb for "to die." While related, ἔξοδος carries a stronger sense of a purposeful "going out" or "transition" rather than simply the state of being dead.
* **ἀνάλυσις (analusis, `{{G360}}`):** Meaning "unloosing," "dissolution," or "departure." Paul uses this term in [[Philippians 1:23]] when expressing his desire "to depart and be with Christ." It shares the nuance of leaving earthly existence for a purposeful destination.
* **The Old Testament Exodus (Hebrew: יָצָא, yatsa, `{{H3318}}`):** While ἔξοδος is Greek, its strong connection to the historical Exodus of Israel from Egypt is crucial. The Septuagint (LXX) frequently uses ἔξοδος to translate the Hebrew concept of Israel's "going out" from Egypt, establishing a theological precedent for its use in the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔξοδος (exodos, `{{G1841}}`) is profound, particularly in its application to Christ:
1. **The Paschal Mystery:** In [[Luke 9:31]], calling Jesus' death an "exodus" elevates it beyond a mere execution. It frames his passion, death, resurrection, and ascension as a new and greater Exodus, the ultimate act of liberation. Just as the first Exodus delivered Israel from physical bondage and established them as God's covenant people, Christ's "exodus" delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and death, establishing the New Covenant. It signifies a divinely planned, purposeful, and redemptive "going out" that leads to spiritual freedom and eternal life. It underlines the active, volitional nature of Christ's sacrifice.
2. **Divine Providence and Fulfillment:** The reference to the historical Exodus in [[Hebrews 11:22]] underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His sovereign control over history. It serves as a paradigm for God's saving acts throughout history, culminating in Christ's work.
3. **The Believer's Hope and Transition:** For Peter in [[2 Peter 1:15]], his "exodus" is not feared but acknowledged as an impending transition. For believers, death is transformed from a terrifying end into a purposeful "departure" from earthly life into the presence of the Lord. It signifies continuity, hope, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to those who are in Christ. It is a transition to a fuller life, not an annihilation.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔξοδος (exodos, `{{G1841}}`), literally meaning "a way out" or "an exit," carries deep theological significance in the New Testament. While it can refer to a physical departure or the historical Exodus of Israel from Egypt, its most profound usage is in describing Jesus' "decease" in [[Luke 9:31]]. This application transforms Christ's death into a redemptive "Exodus," linking it to Israel's liberation and portraying it as a divinely orchestrated, purposeful "going out" that brings ultimate salvation and establishes the New Covenant. For believers, as seen in [[2 Peter 1:15]], ἔξοδος signifies a purposeful "departure" from earthly life, a transition into eternal fellowship with God, rather than a final end. The term thus encapsulates themes of divine purpose, liberation, and the hopeful transition from temporal existence to eternal life.
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