Lexical Summary exelkó: To draw out, to drag out Original Word: ἐξέλκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance draw away. From ek and helkuo; to drag forth, i.e. (figuratively) to entice (to sin) -- draw away. see GREEK ek see GREEK helkuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and helkó Definition to draw out or away NASB Translation carried away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1828: ἐξέλκωἐξέλκω: (present passive participle ἐξελκόμενος); to draw out, (Homer, Pindar, Attic writings); metaphorically, equivalent to to lure forth (A. V. draw away): ὑπό τῆς ... ἐπιθυμίας ἐξελκόμενος, James 1:14, where the metaphor is taken from hunting and fishing: as game is lured from its covert, so man by lust is allured from the safety of self-restraint to sin. (The language of hunting seems to be transferred here (so elsewhere, cf. Wetstein (1752) at the passage) to the seductions of a harlot, personated by ἐπιθυμία; see τίκτω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1828 pictures a dynamic movement: the sudden, forceful drawing of a person from safety toward danger. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its single use supplies rich insight into the anatomy of temptation and the believer’s need for watchfulness. Biblical Usage and Context James 1:14 employs the verb to describe the first stage of temptation: “But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed” (James 1:14). The imagery is borrowed from hunting and fishing. Prey does not leave the place of security on its own initiative; it is first “dragged away,” then “baited.” Thus, sin’s assault is not merely an external suggestion but an inward pull that leverages pre-existing desires. Theological Themes 1. Responsibility of the Heart James assigns the origination of temptation to “his own evil desires.” The verb underscores that fallen inclinations cooperate with external enticements; temptation gains real power only when the will consents to be led. This safeguards divine holiness (James 1:13) and underlines personal accountability. 2. The Progressive Nature of Sin The sequence in James 1:14-15 moves from being dragged away, to enticement, to conception, to birth, and finally to death. The initial “dragging” is subtle but decisive, demonstrating that sin’s end is embedded in its beginning. 3. Warfare Imagery The term evokes the violent seizure of captives of war (compare 2 Corinthians 10:5, where thoughts are taken “captive” to obey Christ). Temptation is thus a hostile incursion requiring vigilant defense through Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit. Interplay with Old Testament Imagery The Septuagint uses related verbs for leading animals to slaughter (Proverbs 7:22) and for Israel’s slide into idolatry (Jeremiah 38:2 LXX). James, writing to scattered Jewish believers, leverages familiar metaphors to warn that unchecked desire can “drag” one toward spiritual ruin just as Israel’s cravings led to exile. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Self-Examination: Identify desires before they ripen into actions. Regular confession (1 John 1:9) keeps the believer from being covertly drawn off course. Historical Interpretations • Early Fathers such as Chrysostom highlighted the hunting motif, warning that Satan offers “sweet bait” but “cruel hooks.” Practical Ministry Considerations 1. Counseling: Help counselees trace sin cycles back to the initial drag of desire rather than merely addressing outward acts. Suggested Cross-References Matthew 26:41; Romans 6:12; Galatians 5:16-17; Ephesians 6:11-13; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:16. Summary Strong’s 1828 captures the perilous moment when desire gains the upper hand and begins to transport the soul toward sin. James deploys the term to expose the inner mechanism of temptation, call believers to responsibility, and summon them to decisive resistance through the means God supplies. Forms and Transliterations εξ εξαναντίας εξαντίας εξείλκυσαν εξειλκύσθησαν εξέλκης εξελκομενος εξελκόμενος ἐξελκόμενος εξελκύσει εξεμεθήσεται εξεμέσει εξεμέσετε εξεμέσης εξεμούνται εξεναντίας exelkomenos exelkómenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance James 1:14 V-PPM/P-NMSGRK: ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας ἐξελκόμενος καὶ δελεαζόμενος NAS: is tempted when he is carried away and enticed KJV: is tempted, when he is drawn away of INT: own lust being drawn away and being allured |
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