ἐγκαταλείπω (egkataleipō)
egkataleipō
to leave behind
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb egkataleipō conveys a sense of being left behind or abandoned, often in a state of helplessness. Its components suggest a thorough desertion—being left entirely without support. In the New Testament, it appears ten times, carrying significant emotional weight in contexts of isolation or distress.
Most notably, Jesus uses this word on the cross to quote Psalm 22:1, crying out that he has been "forsaken" by God (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). This usage highlights the depth of his suffering and the feeling of total abandonment. The same term is applied to Paul’s experience in Acts 2:27 and 2 Corinthians 4:9, describing a state where one is left helpless or cast down but not destroyed.
In Hebrews 13:5, believers are encouraged that God will never egkataleipō them, offering comfort against the fear of abandonment. The word thus bridges human vulnerability and divine faithfulness, reminding readers that even in moments of deepest loneliness, they are not ultimately left alone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word egkataleipō carries a heavy weight, describing a state of being left behind or abandoned without support. It paints a picture of isolation where help seems distant or absent. In human experience, this feeling can be terrifying, suggesting that we are alone in our struggles.
Yet, the New Testament uses this term to highlight God’s faithfulness precisely when abandonment feels most real. Jesus quoted it on the cross, entering fully into human despair so that no one would ever feel truly forsaken by God. The promise in Hebrews 13:5 assures us that He will never leave or abandon us, turning our deepest fears into grounds for confidence.
This truth offers comfort to anyone facing loneliness or hardship. You are not defined by your current isolation but by the One who remains present even when circumstances seem to pull away. His presence is a steady anchor, reminding you that you are held securely in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was He left behind1×
- shall I forsake;1×
- have you forsaken?1×
- have You forsaken1×
- has deserted1×
- had left1×
- forsaking1×
- deserted;1×
- being forsaken,1×
- You will abandon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐγκατέλιπεν2×
- ἐγκατέλιπές1×
- ἐγκατέλιπον·1×
- ἐγκατέλιπες;¶1×
- ἐγκατελείφθη1×
- ἐγκαταλίπω·1×
- ἐγκαταλείψεις1×
- ἐγκαταλείποντες1×
- ἐγκαταλειπόμενοι,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus uses this word to express the depth of His suffering and identification with human abandonment on the cross.
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Hebrews 13:5
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”
This verse provides a direct promise that God will never leave or forsake believers, countering fears of isolation.
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II Corinthians 4:9
pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;
Paul describes being 'pursued, yet not forsaken,' showing that physical distress does not mean spiritual abandonment by God.
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Acts 2:31
he foreseeing this, spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul wasn’t left in Hades, and his flesh didn’t see decay.
Peter applies this term to Jesus’ resurrection, affirming that death and Hades could not hold Him or leave Him in decay.