### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **éxōthen**, represented by `{{G1855}}`, refers to that which is **external** or comes **from without**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Its primary meaning contrasts the outer, visible world with the inner, unseen reality, often highlighting a spiritual or moral distinction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1855}}` is frequently used by Jesus to challenge the superficial righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. He rebukes them for cleaning the **outside** of the cup and platter while the inside is full of wickedness ([[Luke 11:39]], [[Matthew 23:25]]). This contrast is further illustrated by his comparison of them to whited sepulchres, which **outward** appear beautiful but within are full of death and uncleanness [[Matthew 23:27]]. The word is also central to the teaching that a person is not defiled by what enters from **without**, but by what proceeds from the heart [[Mark 7:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the theme of external versus internal states:
* `{{G2081}}` **ésōthen** (from inside; also used as equivalent to ἔσω (inside)): This is the direct counterpart to `{{G1855}}`, often used in the same verse to create a stark contrast. It describes the **inward part** that is full of wickedness [[Luke 11:39]] or the **within** that is full of hypocrisy [[Matthew 23:28]].
* `{{G5273}}` **hypokritḗs** (an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite")): This term is used to label those who focus on their outward appearance, like the **Pharisees** who clean the outside of the cup [[Matthew 23:25]] and appear righteous to men.
* `{{G2840}}` **koinóō** (to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially)): This verb defines the concept of defilement that Jesus reorients. He teaches that things from **without** `{{G1855}}` a man cannot **defile** `{{G2840}}` him ([[Mark 7:15]], [[Mark 7:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1855}}` is significant, consistently pointing away from superficial measures of faith.
* **Condemnation of Hypocrisy:** Jesus uses `{{G1855}}` to expose religious hypocrisy, describing Pharisees who **outwardly** appear righteous but are full of **hypocrisy** `{{G5272}}` and **iniquity** `{{G458}}` [[Matthew 23:28]]. This is famously illustrated by the metaphor of whited sepulchres, which are beautiful **outward** but inside are full of **dead** `{{G3498}}` men's **bones** `{{G3747}}` and **uncleanness** `{{G167}}` [[Matthew 23:27]].
* **The Source of True Defilement:** The word is crucial in Jesus' teaching that moral uncleanness does not originate from external things. He states there is nothing from **without** a man that can **defile** him, shifting the focus of purity from external actions to the internal state of the heart [[Mark 7:15]].
* **The Nature of True Adornment:** Peter uses `{{G1855}}` to teach that a believer's value is not in **outward** adorning, such as the **plaiting** `{{G1708}}` of **hair** `{{G2359}}` or the **wearing** `{{G4025}}` of **gold** `{{G5553}}`. Instead, true beauty is found in the inner person, not in external displays [[1 Peter 3:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1855}}` **éxōthen** serves as a critical term for differentiating between the external and the internal. It moves beyond a simple directional meaning to become a central part of the New Testament's critique of superficial religiosity. From Jesus' rebukes of the Pharisees for their focus on **outward** cleanliness [[Luke 11:39]] to apostolic teaching on true **outward** adornment [[1 Peter 3:3]], the word consistently challenges believers to prioritize the inner condition of the heart over external appearances. It underscores the biblical principle that true righteousness and defilement are matters of the spirit, not merely of the flesh or ceremony.
TRV