ἐκδιώκω (ekdiōkō)
ekdiōkō
to persecute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekdiōkō means to chase someone out or drive them away, carrying a strong sense of hostile pursuit. In the New Testament, it is used sparingly, appearing only once in I Thessalonians 2:15. Here, Paul describes how Jewish leaders persecuted both Jesus and the prophets, effectively driving them out.
Its root combines ek ("out") with diōkō ("to pursue or chase"). This etymology highlights that persecution is not just passive opposition but an active effort to expel or banish. The sources note that in the Septuagint, similar concepts are used for driving away enemies or forcing people out of their land.
Translators typically render this word as "persecute" or "oppress." It captures the violent intent behind the actions, emphasizing the goal of removal rather than mere disagreement. This usage underscores the severe resistance faced by early Christian leaders and biblical figures alike.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekdiōkō describes a violent kind of pursuit, one that aims not just to disagree but to drive someone out entirely. When we read about this in Scripture, it reminds us that following Jesus has often come with serious resistance. It was true for the prophets of old and for the early church, and it can feel very real in our own lives when we stand for truth.
Knowing this helps us understand that opposition is not a sign of failure. If you face hostility for your faith, you are in good company. This word shows that the enemy’s goal is often exclusion, but God’s purpose is to keep you within His family. You are never truly driven out from His love.
May you find comfort in knowing that no amount of opposition can separate you from Christ. Your steadfastness is seen and valued by Him. Rest in the assurance that He holds you fast, regardless of who tries to push you aside.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having driven out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκδιωξάντων1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 2:15
who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and don’t please God, and are contrary to all men,
This verse uses the word to describe an active effort to expel the apostles, highlighting the hostile intent behind their opposition.