from ἔσω; from inside; also used as equivalent to ἔσω (inside):--inward(-ly), (from) within, without.
Transliteration:ésōthen
Pronunciation:es'-o-then
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἔσωθεν (ésōthen) is derived from ἔσω (ésō) `{{G2080}}`, meaning "inside" or "within." The suffix "-θεν" typically denotes "from" or "from the place of." Thus, the primary meaning of ἔσωθεν is "from within" or "from the inside," indicating origin or direction from an internal point. However, its usage in the New Testament often extends to simply mean "inside" or "within," functioning as an equivalent to its root ἔσω `{{G2080}}`, without necessarily emphasizing the "from" aspect. This flexibility allows it to describe both the source of something internal and the simple location of something internal, whether physically or metaphorically.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἔσωθεν appears frequently in the New Testament, often in contexts that highlight the contrast between outward appearance and inward reality.
* **Physical Interiority:** In some instances, ἔσωθεν refers to a literal physical inside. For example, in [[Luke 11:7]], a person is described as being "within" (ἔσωθεν) the house. Similarly, in [[Acts 5:23]], the apostles are found "within" (ἔσωθεν) the prison, emphasizing their mysterious escape despite locked doors.
* **Moral and Spiritual Interiority:** The most profound uses of ἔσωθεν are found in the teachings of Jesus, where it points to the human heart as the source of moral defilement or purity.
* In [[Mark 7:21-23]], Jesus declares that "from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." Here, ἔσωθεν is crucial for understanding that sin originates not from external contact with defiling things, but from the corrupt nature of the human heart.
* This theme is echoed in [[Luke 11:39-40]] and [[Matthew 23:27-28]], where Jesus critiques the Pharisees. He condemns them for cleansing the "outside" of the cup or tomb while "inside" (ἔσωθεν) they are full of greed, wickedness, and dead men's bones. This powerfully illustrates the hypocrisy of outward religious observance without inner transformation.
* **The "Inner Man":** Paul employs ἔσωθεν to describe the spiritual aspect of a believer. In [[Romans 7:22]], he speaks of delighting in the law of God "in my inner being" (τὸν ἔσωθεν ἄνθρωπον), referring to the renewed spiritual nature that desires righteousness, even while struggling with the flesh. Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 4:16]], Paul states that though his "outer self" is wasting away, his "inner self" (ὁ ἔσωθεν) is being renewed day by day. This passage highlights the ongoing spiritual vitality and growth that occurs inwardly, despite physical decay, by the power of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἔσω (ésō) `{{G2080}}`**: As the root word, ἔσω means "inside" or "within." ἔσωθεν often functions synonymously with it, though retaining the potential nuance of origin.
* **ἔξω (éxō) `{{G1854}}`**: This word, meaning "outside" or "outward," serves as the primary antonym to ἔσωθεν. The stark contrast between "within" and "without" is central to many biblical passages, particularly those critiquing hypocrisy or emphasizing the locus of true righteousness (e.g., [[Matthew 23:27]], [[Luke 11:39]]).
* **καρδία (kardia) `{{G2588}}`**: "Heart." This is the primary organ or seat of the "inner man" in biblical anthropology. ἔσωθεν is frequently used in conjunction with "heart" to denote the source of thoughts, intentions, and moral character (e.g., [[Mark 7:21]]).
* **ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) `{{G444}}`**: "Man" or "human being." When combined with ἔσωθεν, it forms the significant theological concept of the "inner man" or "inner being," referring to the spiritual essence of a person (e.g., [[Romans 7:22]], [[2 Corinthians 4:16]]).
* **κρυπτός (kryptos) `{{G2927}}`**: "Hidden" or "secret." While not directly related etymologically, the concept of the "hidden person of the heart" in [[1 Peter 3:4]] aligns with the idea of the spiritual interiority expressed by ἔσωθεν, emphasizing that true beauty and character are found within.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of ἔσωθεν in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, particularly in its emphasis on the internal nature of human righteousness and sin.
* **Critique of Externalism and Hypocrisy:** Jesus's use of ἔσωθεν powerfully dismantles the prevailing legalism and externalism of His day. By declaring that defilement comes "from within" (Mark 7:21-23), He radically redefines purity, shifting the focus from ritualistic observance and outward appearance to the moral state of the heart. This exposes the hypocrisy of those who appear righteous externally but are corrupt "within" (Matthew 23:27-28), revealing God's ultimate concern for the true condition of the soul.
* **The Locus of Sin and Grace:** ἔσωθεν pinpoints the human heart as the origin of sin. This deep-seated corruption necessitates a radical, internal transformation that only God's grace can accomplish. It highlights that salvation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental renewal of the "inner man" (Romans 7:22, 2 Corinthians 4:16).
* **Emphasis on Inner Transformation and Spiritual Reality:** For Paul, ἔσωθεν points to the profound spiritual reality of the believer's life. Despite physical decay or external pressures, the "inner man" is being continually renewed by the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes that true Christian growth and perseverance are primarily an internal, spiritual process, shaping one's character and disposition before God.
* **Authenticity and Integrity:** The word underscores the biblical call for authenticity. God desires truth "in the inward parts" ([[Psalm 51:6]], LXX), and ἔσωθεν reinforces that genuine faith and righteousness flow from an honest and transformed inner being, rather than from mere outward conformity.
### Summary
ἔσωθεν (ésōthen), meaning "from within" or "inside," is a crucial Greek word in the New Testament that profoundly shapes our understanding of human nature and divine expectation. While sometimes referring to physical interiority, its most significant use is in highlighting the moral and spiritual state of the human heart. Jesus employs it to expose the source of sin as originating "from within" the heart, thereby critiquing religious externalism and hypocrisy. Paul uses it to describe the "inner man" or "inner being," emphasizing the spiritual essence of a person that undergoes renewal and delights in God's law. The word consistently draws a sharp contrast between outward appearance and inward reality, underscoring the theological truth that true righteousness and defilement reside in the internal disposition, necessitating a radical, God-initiated transformation of the heart.
TRV