ἔκπαλαι
ekpalai
of old
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἔκπαλαι (ekpalai) conveys a sense of something being "of old," often in a temporal sense. This term is used to indicate a past time, duration, or period, without specifying a precise time frame. Its short definition serves as a clear indicator of its meaning, emphasizing the antiquity of something. In the limited occurrences in the Bible (two instances), this word is used to highlight the enduring quality of divine promises or commands. Its significance lies in underscoring the idea that what is being spoken of has a long history, underscoring its relevance and permanence. The range of usage for ἔκπαλαι is relatively narrow, and its meaning is consistent across its appearances in the Bible. This word helps to create a sense of continuity and tradition, emphasizing that certain truths or principles have been in effect for a considerable period.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber.
2 Peter 3:5For this they willfully forget that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water by the word of God,