ἐκλύω
ekluō
to faint
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐκλύω (ekluō) means to faint. This verb has a specific focus on the physical body, as indicated by its assignment to the semantic domain of Body & Health. Its five occurrences in the Bible suggest a limited but significant use of this word to convey a specific state of physical or emotional weakness. In the context of the Bible, ἐκλύω likely conveys a sense of exhaustion, illness, or emotional depletion. This interpretation is supported by its short definition as "to faint," which implies a loss of physical or mental strength. Without further information, it is difficult to determine the nuances of its usage, but it is safe to infer that ἐκλύω is applied to describe situations where individuals are struggling to cope with their physical or emotional circumstances. The five occurrences of ἐκλύω in the Bible suggest that this word is not used to describe a general state of being but rather to highlight specific instances where individuals are pushed to their limits. Its significance lies in its ability to convey the human experience of struggle and vulnerability, providing a glimpse into the physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals in various situations.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way.”
Mark 8:3If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way.”
Galatians 6:9Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.
Hebrews 12:3For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.
Hebrews 12:5You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him;