adverb from ἐκ; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively:--away, forth, (with-)out (of, -ward), strange.
Transliteration:éxō
Pronunciation:ex'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἔξω (exō, `{{G1854}}`) fundamentally denotes a spatial relationship, signifying "out," "outside," or "out of doors." It is derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`), which means "out of" or "from," thereby reinforcing the core idea of emergence, separation, or position external to a boundary. Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical location to encompass figurative senses, including:
* **Literal Spatial Position:** Indicating a place external to an enclosed area, such as a house, city, or gate.
* **Direction or Movement:** Suggesting movement "out," "forth," or "away" from a point of origin.
* **Exclusion or Separation:** Denoting a state of being "without" or "apart from" a particular group, community, or sphere of influence.
* **Figurative or Ethical Separation:** Describing those who are "strangers" or "outsiders" in a social, religious, or spiritual sense, implying a lack of inclusion or participation.
The versatility of ἔξω allows it to serve as a precise indicator of physical distance or a profound descriptor of spiritual and communal distinction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἔξω occurs frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Spatial Use:**
* In [[Matthew 26:75]], Peter "went out" (ἐξῆλθεν ἔξω) after denying Jesus, emphasizing his physical departure from the high priest's courtyard.
* [[John 19:17]] describes Jesus "going out" (ἐξῆλθεν) bearing His cross to the place of the skull, highlighting the physical journey outside the city walls.
* [[Acts 16:13]] notes Paul and Silas going "outside the gate" (ἔξω τῆς πύλης) of the city to find a place of prayer by the river.
* In [[Mark 11:19]], after teaching, Jesus and His disciples "went out of the city" (ἐξεπορεύοντο ἔξω τῆς πόλεως) in the evening.
* **Figurative Use of Exclusion or Separation:**
* A significant theological use appears in [[1 Corinthians 5:12-13]], where Paul distinguishes between judging "those inside" (τοὺς ἔσω) the church and "those outside" (τοὺς ἔξω). Here, ἔξω refers to those who are not part of the Christian community, implying a different standard of accountability.
* Similarly, [[Colossians 4:5]] exhorts believers to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders" (τοὺς ἔξω), referring to non-believers with whom Christians interact. This usage underscores the distinct identity and conduct expected of believers in contrast to the surrounding world.
* Perhaps one of the most poignant uses is in [[Hebrews 13:11-13]]. The author states that Jesus suffered "outside the gate" (ἔξω τῆς πύλης), likening it to the sin offerings whose bodies were burned "outside the camp" (ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς). Believers are then exhorted to "go to him outside the camp" (ἐξερχώμεθα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς), bearing His reproach. This signifies a radical break from the old covenant system and an identification with Christ's suffering and rejection by the world.
* In [[Revelation 22:15]], the vision of the New Jerusalem declares, "Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." This starkly portrays ultimate exclusion from the holy city and the presence of God, reserved for those whose lives are characterized by unrighteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἔξω is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`): The preposition from which ἔξω is derived, meaning "out of," "from," or "away from." This root emphasizes the concept of origin or separation.
* ἔξοδος (exodos, `{{G1841}}`): A noun meaning "a way out," "departure," or "exodus." This term captures the act of going out, famously used for the departure of Israel from Egypt.
* ἔξωθεν (exōthen, `{{G1855}}`): An adverb meaning "from outside," "outwardly," or "external." It often describes the source or nature of something external, as in [[Mark 7:15]] regarding what goes "into" or "out of" a person.
* ἔξωτερος (exōteros, `{{G1856}}`): An adjective meaning "outer," "outermost." It describes the more distant or external part, such as "outer darkness" ([[Matthew 8:12]]).
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:** ἔσω (esō, `{{G2080}}`) meaning "in" or "inside," and ἔσωθεν (esōthen, `{{G2081}}`) meaning "from within" or "inwardly," provide a clear contrast to ἔξω, highlighting the binary of inclusion versus exclusion, internal versus external.
* **Theological Concepts:** ἔξω is intrinsically linked to concepts of purity and impurity, community and separation, the sacred and the profane, and the distinction between the Kingdom of God and the world.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔξω is profound, particularly in its metaphorical and symbolic uses:
* **Distinction and Holiness:** The frequent use of ἔξω to denote "outsiders" in the context of the church ([[1 Corinthians 5:12-13]], [[Colossians 4:5]]) underscores the distinct identity and calling of the Christian community. It highlights the spiritual and ethical boundary between believers and the world, emphasizing the church's unique status as a holy people set apart for God. This distinction necessitates a different standard of conduct and judgment for those "inside."
* **Identification with Christ's Suffering:** The call to "go to him outside the camp" in [[Hebrews 13:13]] is a powerful theological statement. It signifies a radical solidarity with Jesus, who suffered rejection and death "outside the gate," bearing the reproach of humanity. This imagery evokes the Old Testament ritual of sin offerings being taken outside the camp, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity. For believers, it means embracing a path of self-denial, suffering, and separation from worldly systems that reject Christ, finding true identity and belonging in Him alone, even if it means being "outside" the conventional or accepted norms.
* **Ultimate Exclusion:** The terrifying image in [[Revelation 22:15]] where the unrighteous are "outside" the New Jerusalem serves as a severe warning. It depicts the final, irrevocable separation of the unholy from God's presence and the eternal city. This ultimate ἔξω signifies eternal condemnation and exclusion from the blessings of the Kingdom, emphasizing the critical importance of repentance and faith for salvation.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ἔξω (exō, `{{G1854}}`) primarily conveys the meaning of "out" or "outside," originating from the preposition ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`). While frequently used in a literal spatial sense to describe physical location or movement away from a point, its theological weight emerges powerfully in its figurative applications. ἔξω delineates critical distinctions: between the Christian community and the "outsiders" of the world, emphasizing the church's unique identity and calling to holiness. Most profoundly, it calls believers to a radical identification with Christ's suffering and rejection, inviting them to "go to Him outside the camp," embracing a life set apart from worldly systems. Conversely, ἔξω also warns of ultimate exclusion from God's holy presence for those who remain unrepentant. Thus, ἔξω serves not merely as a descriptor of place but as a profound theological marker of separation, identity, and destiny within the biblical narrative.
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