The Greek word eschátōs, represented by G2079, is an adverb meaning finally or at the extremity of life. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from ἔσχατος, it is used with the verb ἔχω to form a specific phrase describing someone at the point of death.
The sole use of G2079 is found in a moment of desperate appeal in Mark 5:23, where a father besought Jesus greatly for his child. He says, "My little daughter lieth at the point of death". In this context, G2079 is combined with the verb G2192 échō to express the absolute finality and urgency of the situation, the extremity of life from which the father seeks deliverance.
Several related words from its context help illuminate the scene:
- G2192 échō (to hold): This verb, when paired with G2079, creates the specific phrase "at the point of death." On its own, it denotes having a condition or possession, such as the promise that believers might have life John 10:10.
- G2365 thygátrion (little (young) daughter): This term of endearment identifies the one at the point of death, emphasizing the personal and familial nature of the crisis Mark 5:23.
- G3870 parakaléō (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke): This describes the father's action to beseech Jesus, highlighting the earnestness and faith demonstrated in the face of extremity Mark 5:23.
- G4982 sṓzō (to save, i.e. deliver or protect): This is the requested outcome. The plea for Jesus to intervene is so the daughter "may be healed" and live, connecting the state of death with the hope of being saved Mark 5:23.
The theological weight of G2079 comes from its singular, powerful context:
- The Limit of Human Ability: The term marks a state of ultimate crisis—the "point of death"—where all other solutions have presumably failed and a plea for divine intervention is the only remaining option Mark 5:23.
- A Catalyst for Faith: Describing the little daughter G2365 as being at the extremity of life establishes the desperate circumstances that drive her father to greatly beseech G3870 Jesus for healing.
- The Power Over Death: The context for G2079 sets the stage for a miracle. The plea is not just for healing, but that the girl "shall live" G2198, demonstrating a belief that Jesus's authority extends even to the final moments of life Mark 5:23.
In summary, G2079 eschátōs is a highly specific adverb used once to denote the ultimate extremity of life. Its appearance in Mark 5:23 powerfully frames a narrative of desperation, faith, and the request for divine healing at the very point of death. It illustrates how a single word can establish the immense stakes of a situation, highlighting the boundary between life and death where faith in Jesus is presented as the ultimate hope.
TRV