adverb from ἔσχατος; finally, i.e. (with ἔχω) at the extremity of life:--point of death.
Transliteration:eschátōs
Pronunciation:es-khat'-oce
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἐσχάτως (eschátōs, `{{G2079}}`) is derived from the adjective ἔσχατος (eschatos, `{{G2078}}`), which signifies "last," "uttermost," "extreme," or "final." As an adverb, eschátōs generally conveys the sense of "at the last," "finally," or "extremely." However, its specific semantic range is narrowed and intensified when used in conjunction with the verb ἔχω (echō, `{{G2192}}`), meaning "to have" or "to be in a state of." In this particular construction, eschátōs ἔχω denotes a critical, terminal state, specifically "at the extremity of life" or "at the point of death." It describes a condition of ultimate severity, where life hangs by the slenderest thread, signifying the very brink of demise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb ἐσχάτως (eschátōs, `{{G2079}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly impactful and illustrative of its precise meaning:
* **[[Mark 5:23]]**: "and pleaded earnestly with Him, saying, 'My little daughter is at the point of death (ἐσχάτως ἔχει); please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she may get well and live.'"
In this poignant narrative, Jairus, a synagogue official, approaches Jesus with desperate urgency. The phrase "ἐσχάτως ἔχει" (eschátōs echei) literally translates to "she holds extremely" or "she is in an extreme state." The English translation "at the point of death" accurately captures the direness and terminal nature of the child's condition. This single use of eschátōs powerfully conveys the utter hopelessness from a human perspective, highlighting that the child is not merely ill, but on the very precipice of death. It underscores the critical need for immediate divine intervention, setting the stage for one of Jesus's most remarkable demonstrations of authority over sickness and death. The word choice emphasizes the immediacy and gravity of the situation, making Jesus's subsequent act of raising the girl even more miraculous.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐσχάτως (eschátōs, `{{G2079}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **ἔσχατος (eschatos, `{{G2078}}`)**: The root adjective, meaning "last" or "extreme." This broader term is fundamental to eschatology, referring to the "last days," the "last judgment," and the "last things." While eschátōs (`{{G2079}}`) describes an extreme *state* in the present, eschatos (`{{G2078}}`) often points to the ultimate *end* or finality in time or sequence.
* **ἔχω (echō, `{{G2192}}`)**: The verb "to have" or "to hold," which is crucial in forming the specific idiom "ἐσχάτως ἔχω." The combination of the adverb of extremity with this verb of state creates the precise meaning of being in a terminal condition.
* **θάνατος (thanatos, `{{G2288}}`)**: Death. eschátōs describes the state immediately preceding death, the very threshold of it. It is the state of being critically close to thanatos.
* **Ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`)**: Weakness, sickness, infirmity. While astheneia describes a general state of illness, eschátōs signifies the most severe and life-threatening manifestation of it, beyond which recovery is humanly impossible.
* **Concepts of Desperation and Divine Intervention**: The word encapsulates the human experience of utter helplessness in the face of terminal illness, contrasting sharply with the omnipotence and compassion of God, particularly as manifested in Jesus Christ.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of ἐσχάτως (eschátōs, `{{G2079}}`) in [[Mark 5:23]] is profound. It serves as a powerful descriptor that elevates the miracle performed by Jesus.
1. **Highlighting Human Helplessness**: The word underscores the absolute extremity of the situation, a point where human remedies and hopes have failed. Jairus's plea is born of desperation, acknowledging that only a divine intervention can reverse his daughter's imminent death. This highlights the limits of human power in the face of mortality.
2. **Demonstrating Christ's Authority Over Death**: By describing the child as "at the point of death," the text magnifies Jesus's subsequent act of raising her. It was not merely a healing of sickness, but a reversal of the very process of dying. This miracle powerfully demonstrates Jesus's unique authority over life and death, an authority belonging to God alone. It foreshadows His own resurrection and His ultimate victory over the "last enemy," death (cf. [[1 Corinthians 15:26]]).
3. **Revealing Divine Compassion and Urgency**: Jairus's use of eschátōs conveys the urgency of his plea. Jesus's immediate response, despite being delayed by the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage, shows His deep compassion and willingness to intervene even in the most dire circumstances. The word sets the stage for a display of divine love that transcends human limitations.
4. **Affirming Jesus as the Lord of Life**: The event in [[Mark 5]] (including the healing of the hemorrhaging woman and the raising of Jairus's daughter) collectively portrays Jesus as the one who brings life where there is none, who restores health from extreme illness, and who conquers death itself. Eschátōs is the narrative marker that emphasizes the depth of the victory achieved.
### Summary
Ἐσχάτως (eschátōs, `{{G2079}}`) is a potent Greek adverb, derived from ἔσχατος (`{{G2078}}`), meaning "at the last" or "extremely." Its singular but critical occurrence in [[Mark 5:23]], in the phrase "ἐσχάτως ἔχει," powerfully conveys the meaning "at the point of death" or "at the extremity of life." This precise usage highlights the dire, terminal condition of Jairus's daughter, underscoring human helplessness in the face of imminent death. The word serves as a dramatic backdrop against which Jesus's divine authority over life and death is spectacularly demonstrated. It emphasizes the profound compassion of Christ and His readiness to intervene even at the very brink of human despair, ultimately affirming His identity as the Lord of life.
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