Lexical Summary ekneuó: To turn aside, to avoid, to withdraw Original Word: ἐκνεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to turn aside, withdrawFrom ek and neuo; (by analogy) to slip off, i.e. Quietly withdraw -- convey self away. see GREEK ek see GREEK neuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and neuó Definition to bend the head away, to withdraw NASB Translation slipped away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1593: ἐκνεύωἐκνεύω: 1 aorist ἐξένευσα; 1. to bend to one side (τῇ κεφαλή, Xenophon, ven. 10, 12). 2. to take oneself away, withdraw: John 5:13, where Chrysostom says that ἐξενευσε is equivalent to ἐξεκλινε; but others derive the form from ἐκνέω, which see (the Sept. for סוּר, Judges 4:18 Alex.; פָּנָה, to turn oneself, Judges 18:26 Alex.; 2 Kings 2:24; 2 Kings 23:16; (add 3Macc. 3:22; Josephus, Antiquities 7, 4, 2). In secular authors also transitively, to avoid a thing; as τά βέλη, Diodorus 15, 87; πληγήν, ibid. 17, 100.) STRONGS NT 1593: ἐκνέωἐκνέω 1. properly, to swim away, escape by swimming (Thucydides 2, 90). 2. to escape, slip away secretly ((Pindar Ol. 13, 163); Euripides, Hipp. 470, etc.); in this sense many interpretations take ἐξενευσε in John 5:13. But Jesus withdrew not to avoid danger but the admiration of the people; for the danger first arose after his withdrawal. The verb rendered “withdrew” in John 5:13 is the sole New Testament use of Strong’s Greek 1593. “But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, since there was a crowd in that place” (John 5:13). Narrative setting in John The healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15) inaugurates an extended discourse on Jesus’ authority (John 5:16-47). By quietly removing Himself after the miracle, Jesus allows the sign to stand on its own while deflecting premature acclaim. His action turns attention to the healed man, forcing the religious leaders to grapple with the work itself rather than with the personality of the Worker. The withdrawal thus heightens the ensuing dialogue about Sabbath, life-giving power, and the Father-Son relationship. Christ’s purposeful withdrawal and the divine timetable John repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus acted according to an appointed “hour” (John 2:4; John 7:30; John 17:1). Stepping away at Bethesda fits this motif: the Messiah controls events, not vice versa. Avoiding public celebration or immediate confrontation preserves the unfolding plan that will culminate at Calvary at the precise Passover (John 13:1). The withdrawal therefore underscores sovereign intentionality rather than reticence or fear. Thematic implications in Johannine theology 1. Revelation and concealment: Signs are given, yet Jesus remains hidden long enough for faith to focus on what God has done (John 5:14; cf. John 9:3). Resonance with Old Testament motifs David often “escaped” Saul’s pursuit (1 Samuel 19:12; 1 Samuel 23:14). The righteous servant or prophet who withdraws does so to preserve the larger covenant purpose. Jesus, the greater Son of David, follows a similar pattern, demonstrating wisdom and fulfilling typological precedent. Echoes in apostolic practice After Pentecost, the church likewise employed strategic withdrawal to advance the mission: Such movements are not capitulations but Spirit-directed repositionings for continued witness. Model for prudent ministry Believers learn to balance bold proclamation with prudent timing. Jesus’ example legitimizes: Pastoral reflections for contemporary disciples 1. Humble service: Content to let God’s work speak, servants need not court recognition. Summary Strong’s Greek 1593 marks a single, deliberate movement—Jesus slipping away from the crowd at Bethesda. That simple gesture reinforces His sovereignty, protects the unfolding redemptive timetable, and offers a timeless pattern of wise, humble ministry. |
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