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ἔκδοτος (ekdotos)

ekdotos

handed over

G1560 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective ekdotos means "given over" or "delivered up." It describes a person who has been handed into the power or control of another, often implying a loss of freedom or safety. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 2:23.

Its meaning comes from the prefix ek ("out of") and a root related to giving or handing over. The text uses it to describe Jesus being handed over by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge. This usage highlights that his death was not an accident, but part of a sovereign purpose.

Translators render this word as "given up" or "delivered up." It emphasizes the act of transfer from one authority to another. The term carries weight because it shows how divine intention and human action intersect in the narrative of the crucifixion.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ekdotos appears just once in the New Testament, describing Jesus as "handed over" in Acts 2:23. This term captures a moment of profound surrender, where divine plan meets human action. It reminds us that even in suffering, God remains sovereign and purposeful.

For your faith, this offers deep comfort. Your struggles are not outside God’s care. Like Jesus, you may feel handed over to difficult circumstances, but His purpose holds firm. Trust that He walks with you through every trial, turning even pain into a path for grace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • delivered up1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ἔκδοτον1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 2:23
    him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;

    This verse uniquely uses ekdotos to show Jesus’ death was part of God’s deliberate plan, not random suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ekdotos mean in the Bible?

Ekdotos is a Greek adjective meaning 'handed over' or 'delivered up.' It appears only once, in Acts 2:23, describing Jesus being given into the hands of lawless men by God’s plan.

Why is this word important for understanding Jesus’ death?

It shows that Jesus’ crucifixion was not an accident but part of God’s sovereign purpose. His handing over was foreknown and intentional, highlighting divine control even in suffering.

How does this word apply to my life today?

When you face situations where you feel out of control, ekdotos reminds you that God can use even painful moments for His good purposes. It invites trust in His plan, not fear of circumstances.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)