Lexical Summary egkataleipó: To forsake, abandon, leave behind, desert Original Word: ἐγκαταλείπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance forsake, leave. From en and kataleipo; to leave behind in some place, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad sense) to desert -- forsake, leave. see GREEK en see GREEK kataleipo HELPS Word-studies 1459 egkataleípō (from 1722 /en, "in"; 2596 /katá, "down"; and 3007 /leípō, "to leave") – properly, left in a condition of lack ("without"); hence, to feel forsaken (helpless), like left in dire circumstances. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and kataleipó Definition to leave behind, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over or (in a bad sense) desert NASB Translation abandon (1), abandoned (1), deserted (2), forsake (1), forsaken (3), forsaking (1), left (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1459: ἐγκαταλείπωἐγκαταλείπω (Acts 2:27, 31, T WH ἐνκαταλείπω.; T also in Romans 9:29, see his note and cf. ἐν, III. 3); (imperfect ἐγκατελειπον (WH text in 2 Timothy 4:10, 16)); future ἐγκαταλείψω; 2 aorist ἐγκατέλιπον; passive (present ἐγκαταλείπομαι) 1 aorist ἐγκατελειφθην; the Sept. for עָזַב; 1. to abandon, desert (ἐν equivalent to ἐν τίνι, in some place or condition), i. e. to leave in straits, leave helpless, (colloquial, leave in the lurch): τινα, Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 from Psalm 21:2 2. to leave behind among, to leave surviving: ἡμῖν σπέρμα, Romans 9:29 from Isaiah 1:9. (Hesiod, Works, 376; Thucydides, and following.) The verb ἐγκαταλείπω conveys a deeply personal form of forsaking: deserting someone who reasonably expected ongoing presence, help, or protection. The compound intensifies the ordinary “leave,” stressing an abandonment that wounds, exposes, or isolates. Old Testament and Septuagint Background In the Septuagint the same verb renders Hebrew terms for “abandon” (e.g., Deuteronomy 31:16; Psalm 37:28), especially where covenant faithfulness is in view. This background supplies the covenantal overtones that are carried into New Testament usage—either God’s irrevocable loyalty or humanity’s grievous desertion. Distribution in the New Testament 1. Suffering yet Upheld – 2 Corinthians 4:9: “persecuted, yet not forsaken”. Paul testifies that believers may be hunted, but they are never abandoned by God. 7–8. The Cry of Dereliction – Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34 record Jesus’ quotation of Psalm 22:1, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Within the mystery of the cross, the Son experiences covenant curse so that believers will never taste final abandonment. Christological Fulfillment The verb reaches its theological climax at Calvary. The apparent abandonment of the Sin-Bearer secures the permanent acceptance of all who are in Him. Acts 2 completes the arc: though forsaken unto death, Christ is not abandoned to death. Resurrection vindicates both Son and promise. Pastoral and Ecclesial Implications • Fellowship: Hebrews 10:25 elevates corporate gathering from preference to covenantal obligation. Abandoning assembly harms the body and contradicts the mutual-care ethic. Mission and Perseverance 2 Corinthians 4:9 underlines the missionary’s paradox: circumstances may echo abandonment, yet divine presence is constant. This tension shapes authentic perseverance—pressing on because forsakenness is finally impossible for those in Christ. Eschatological Confidence Romans 9:29 shows that history can shrink to a remnant, yet God’s plan never falters. The verb thus feeds hope that, amid end-time apostasy, the Lord will preserve His people and fulfill every promise. Related Themes Covenant faithfulness; presence theology; corporate solidarity; perseverance amidst persecution; theodicy at the cross; remnant doctrine. Summary Throughout Scripture ἐγκαταλείπω forms a theological thread: people may forsake God and one another, but God does not forsake His own. The cross exposes and exhausts the possibility of divine abandonment. Consequently, believers are called to mirror God’s faithfulness—remaining present in worship, ministry, and mutual support—confident that the One who promised, “I will never forsake you,” will keep them to the end. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:46 V-AIA-2SGRK: τί με ἐγκατέλιπες NAS: MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME? KJV: God, why hast thou forsaken me? INT: why me have you forsaken Mark 15:34 V-AIA-2S Acts 2:27 V-FIA-2S Acts 2:31 V-AIP-3S Romans 9:29 V-AIA-3S 2 Corinthians 4:9 V-PPM/P-NMP 2 Timothy 4:10 V-IIA-3S 2 Timothy 4:16 V-IIA-3P Hebrews 10:25 V-PPA-NMP Hebrews 13:5 V-ASA-1S Strong's Greek 1459 |
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