Lexical Summary ekleipó: To fail, to cease, to leave out, to come to an end Original Word: ἐκλείπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fail. From ek and leipo; to omit, i.e. (by implication) cease (die) -- fail. see GREEK ek see GREEK leipo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and leipó Definition to leave out, leave off, by impl. to cease NASB Translation come to an end (1), fail (1), fails (1), obscured (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1587: ἐκλείπωἐκλείπω; future ἐκλείψω; 2 aorist ἐξέλιπον; 1. transitive, a. to leave out, omit, pass by. b. to leave, quit (a place): τό ζῆν, τόν βίον, to die, 2 Macc. 10:13; 3Macc. 2:23; Sophocles Electr. 1131; Polybius 2, 41, 2, others; Dionysius Halicarnassus 1, 24; Luc. Macrobius, 12; Alciphron 3, 28. 2. intransitive, to fail; i. e. to leave off, cease, stop: τά ἔτη, Hebrews 1:12 from Psalm 101: (cii.) 28 (where for תָּמַם); ἡ πίστις, Luke 22:32; riches, according to the reading ἐκλίπῃ (L text T Tr WH), Luke 16:9 (often so in Greek writings, and the Sept. as Jeremiah 7:28; Jeremiah 28:30 Strong’s Greek verb ἐκλείπω depicts the coming to an end of something that had previously persisted—whether light, strength, or life itself. Scripture employs the term to highlight the stark difference between what is temporary and what is permanent, urging believers to anchor hope in the unchanging character and promises of God rather than in earthly or cosmic phenomena that inevitably “fail.” Old Testament Background The Septuagint often renders Hebrew ideas of failing, fainting, or ceasing with ἐκλείπω (for example, the waning of the moon in Psalm 72:7 LXX). This background prepares the reader for New Testament usage: in salvation history the created order is shown to be inherently transient, while the Lord’s covenant faithfulness endures. New Testament Usage The Lord instructs, “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves with worldly wealth so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.” The disappearance of riches underscores their short shelf-life. Stewardship of resources gains eternal significance only when those resources are employed for the kingdom. “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Though Peter’s courage momentarily collapses, Christ’s intercession prevents a total eclipse of faith. The passage stresses the Mediator’s ongoing preservation of every believer. “The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.” Creation itself signals the gravity of Christ’s atoning death. The literal dimming of the sun foreshadows the old covenant’s passing and the dawning of a new, better covenant. “You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” Cosmological decay contrasts with the Son’s immutability, confirming both His deity and His superiority over all created things. Theological Significance 1. Transience of the Present Age Every occurrence places ἐκλείπω in contexts where the fragile, fading nature of present realities is exposed—riches, personal resolve, the sun, or the heavens themselves. 2. Divine Preservation Luke 22:32 couples human frailty with Christ’s steadfast intercession, illustrating how saving faith survives because it is upheld by the Savior, not by human willpower. 3. Eschatological Certainty Hebrews 1:12 assures believers that the dissolution of the universe neither threatens nor diminishes Christ’s reign. The passing away of the old creation is a necessary prelude to the consummation of all things. Pastoral Applications • Stewardship: Material resources are certain to fail; therefore invest them in gospel-driven relationships and charity (Luke 16:9). Doctrinal Considerations • Christology: Hebrews 1:12 employs ἐκλείπω to contrast the creaturely with the Creator, bolstering the doctrine of the Son’s full deity and eternality. Illustrations in Church History Augustine pointed to the solar darkening at Calvary (Luke 23:45) as a historical marker validating Christ’s crucifixion. Reformers later cited Hebrews 1:12 to rebut views that ascribed equal permanence to sacraments or ecclesiastical traditions. Questions for Reflection and Teaching 1. How does recognizing the inevitable failure of worldly wealth shape daily financial decisions? Summary ἐκλείπω serves as a vivid reminder that everything outside of God’s character and promises will one day fail. Believers, therefore, are summoned to a life of wise stewardship, steadfast faith, and unwavering hope in the One whose years will never end. Englishman's Concordance Luke 16:9 V-ASA-3SGRK: ἵνα ὅταν ἐκλίπῃ δέξωνται ὑμᾶς NAS: that when it fails, they will receive KJV: when ye fail, they may receive INT: that when it fails they might receive you Luke 22:32 V-ASA-3S Luke 23:45 V-PPA-GMS Hebrews 1:12 V-FIA-3P Strong's Greek 1587 |
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