1827. exelegchó
Lexical Summary
exelegchó: To expose, to convict, to refute, to reprove

Original Word: ἐξελέγχω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: exelegchó
Pronunciation: ex-el-eng'-kho
Phonetic Spelling: (ex-el-eng'-kho)
KJV: convince
Word Origin: [from G1537 (ἐκ - among) and G1651 (ἐλέγχω - reprove)]

1. to convict fully
2. (by implication) to punish

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
convince.

From ek and elegcho; to convict fully, i.e. (by implication) to punish -- convince.

see GREEK ek

see GREEK elegcho

HELPS Word-studies

1827 ekselégxō (from 1537 /ek, "completely out from" intensifying 1651/elegxō, "convict") – properly, thoroughly convict; (figuratively) God offering to bring people out of their sin and completely into His persuasions (revelations of faith). Note the force of the prefix (ek).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
variant reading for elegchó, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1827: ἐξελέγχω

ἐξελέγχω: 1 aorist infinitive ἐξἐλέγξαι; (ἐξ strengthens the simple verb (cf. ἐκ, VI. 6)); to prove to be in the wrong, convict, (chiefly in Attic writings): by punishing, τινα περί τίνος, Jude 1:15 Rec. (see ἐλέγχω, 1) of God as judge, as in Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3 for הוכִיחַ.

Topical Lexicon
Linguistic and Conceptual Background

ἐξελέγχω (exelénchō) intensifies the common verb ἐλέγχω, adding the preposition ἐκ (“out of”), and thus conveys the idea of exposing or bringing something fully into the open so that it may be decisively refuted or proven wrong. Though unattested in the Greek New Testament, the compound sheds light on the depth of divine reproof: God not only exposes sin but drives it out into clear view so that no defense can stand.

Old Testament Foundations

The Septuagint occasionally opts for ἐξελέγχω where the Hebrew text emphasizes decisive exposure of guilt. For example, in Job-like wisdom settings the verb depicts God’s relentless unveiling of hidden motives. While the exact references vary among manuscript traditions, the picture is consistent: divine confrontation that leaves the sinner speechless, mirroring “Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’” (2 Samuel 12:7). The lexical range thus stretches from courtroom imagery (cross-examination) to prophetic indictment (shattering self-deception).

Related New Testament Vocabulary

1. ἐλέγχω (Strong’s 1651) – used of John the Baptist’s rebuke of Herod (Luke 3:19) and of the Spirit’s inner work: “When He comes, He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8).
2. ἐπιτιμάω – to rebuke with authoritative censure (Matthew 17:18).
3. παρρησία – bold, open speech that often follows Spirit-wrought conviction (Acts 4:13).

Understanding ἐξελέγχω as the intensified form helps trace a continuum: from gentle admonition, through firm rebuke, to the thorough cross-examination that leaves no refuge for self-justification.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Holiness and Truth: God’s character demands that darkness be dragged into the light (Ephesians 5:13). The conceptual force of ἐξελέγχω highlights that nothing ultimately remains concealed before Him (Hebrews 4:13).
2. Redemptive Purpose of Reproof: Exposure is never an end in itself; it aims at repentance and restoration (Revelation 3:19).
3. Eschatological Certainty: Final judgment is foreshadowed whenever sin is decisively unmasked in the present age (Romans 2:16).

Historical Church Usage

Early patristic writers employ ἐξελέγχω in apologetic and pastoral contexts. Justin Martyr speaks of Scripture’s power to “expose and refute” (ἐξελέγχειν) pagan error. Athanasius uses the term when demonstrating the folly of Arian claims, echoing the apostolic commitment to public refutation of heresy (cf. Titus 1:9).

Practical Ministry Implications

• Preaching: Faithful proclamation should aim not merely to inform but to expose hidden unbelief, driving hearers to the cross where grace answers every accusation.
• Church Discipline: Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a graduated process that may climax in public exposure, approximating the force of ἐξελέγχω when private appeals fail.
• Personal Sanctification: Believers invite the Spirit’s searching gaze, praying with David, “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24).
• Apologetics: Defending the faith includes dismantling arguments “raised against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5), a task akin to thorough refutation.

Counsel for Today’s Church

Where cultural pressures mute biblical confrontation, the concept behind ἐξελέγχω reminds leaders to combine courageous exposure of sin with compassionate invitation to repentance. Such balance reflects Christ, who both lays bare the Samaritan woman’s past and offers living water (John 4:17-18, 10).

Forms and Transliterations
εξελεγξει εξελέγξει εξελισσομένη
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