Lexical Summary ekpheugó: To escape, to flee out, to avoid Original Word: ἐκφεύγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance escape, flee. From ek and pheugo; to flee out -- escape, flee. see GREEK ek see GREEK pheugo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and pheugó Definition to flee away NASB Translation escape (5), escaped (2), fled (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1628: ἐκφεύγωἐκφεύγω: future ἐκφεύξομαι; perfect ἐκπεφευγα; 2 aorist ἐξέφυγον; (from Homer down); to flee out of, flee away; a. to seek safety in flight; absolutely Acts 16:27; ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου, Acts 19:16. b. to escape: 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Hebrews 2:3; τί, Luke 21:36; Romans 2:3; τινα, Hebrews 12:25 L T Tr WH; (τάς χεῖρας τίνος, 2 Corinthians 11:33. Cf. Winers Grammar, § 52, 4, 4; Buttmann, 146f (128f)). The verb translated “escape” in the eight New Testament occurrences communicates a decisive, often miraculous deliverance from danger or judgment. It may describe literal flight from physical peril or spiritual deliverance from divine wrath. Each context highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention or obedience to His word for true escape. Scope of Biblical Usage 1. Physical deliverance from immediate danger 2. Spiritual deliverance from coming judgment Key Theological Themes 1. Inevitability of Divine Judgment Romans 2:3 warns religious hypocrites: “do you think you will escape God’s judgment?” The rhetorical question underscores the impartial justice of God. Hebrews 2:3 and Hebrews 12:25 reinforce the point by progressively intensifying the warning—from Sinai to the cross to the heavenly voice. The verb thus serves as a sober reminder that neglect of salvation inevitably forfeits escape. 2. Vigilance and Prayer as Means of Escape In Luke 21:36 Jesus exhorts, “But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all that is about to happen.” Watchfulness and prayer are portrayed as God-ordained means through which believers are preserved amid eschatological upheaval. 3. Sovereign Providence in Mission Paul’s Damascus escape (2 Corinthians 11:33) and the midnight jailbreak of Acts 16 remind readers that God preserves His servants until their work is finished. The dramatic rescues testify to divine sovereignty over human hostility and demonic opposition. 4. False Security Exposed “Peace and security” in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 echoes the complacent rhetoric of worldly systems. While unbelievers expect safety, sudden destruction arrives and “they will not escape.” The verb accentuates the futility of trusting human assurances over divine warnings. Historical and Cultural Insights • Roman prisons (Acts 16) held guards personally liable for escaped inmates, explaining the jailer’s desperation. Old Testament Echoes Though 1628 itself is Greek, the concept parallels Old Testament deliverances: Noah from the Flood, Lot from Sodom, Israel from Egypt, David from Saul. These precedents inform New Testament readers that God consistently provides a path of escape for the obedient while shutting it to the rebellious. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching and Evangelism Hebrews 2:3 urges proclamation of “so great a salvation” because failure to embrace the gospel leaves no escape. Evangelists should allow the gravity of this warning to fuel compassionate urgency. 2. Pastoral Care Luke 21:36 guides discipleship: cultivate watchfulness and intercession. Congregations mindful of Christ’s return are fortified against apostasy and moral drift. 3. Spiritual Warfare Acts 19:16 illustrates the peril of superficial religiosity in confrontation with evil spirits. Authentic relationship with Christ, not ritual formula, is prerequisite for victorious escape. 4. Personal Assurance and Humility Paul’s basket escape models humility: the apostle did not despise a lowly means of deliverance. Believers today should embrace God’s providential pathways, however unimpressive they may appear. Conclusion Across narratives of peril, courtroom warnings, and eschatological prophecy, the verb translated “escape” consistently points to God as the only reliable refuge. Physical rescues authenticate the gospel’s power, while repeated admonitions expose the inevitability of judgment for the unrepentant. The call to watchfulness, repentance, and trust in Christ remains the sole pathway of true escape both now and in the age to come. Englishman's Concordance Luke 21:36 V-ANAGRK: ἵνα κατισχύσητε ἐκφυγεῖν ταῦτα πάντα NAS: that you may have strength to escape all KJV: ye may be accounted worthy to escape all INT: that you might have strength to escape these things all Acts 16:27 V-RNA Acts 19:16 V-ANA Romans 2:3 V-FIM-2S 2 Corinthians 11:33 V-AIA-1S 1 Thessalonians 5:3 V-ASA-3P Hebrews 2:3 V-FIM-1P Hebrews 12:25 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 1628 |
    |