ἐκεῖθεν (ekeithen)
ekeithen
from there
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb ekeithen simply means "from there" or "thence," pointing to a place where someone or something has originated. In the New Testament, it appears twenty-eight times, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, as well as in Acts. It serves as a directional marker, indicating movement away from a specific location previously mentioned in the narrative.
Its meaning is grounded in its root, derived from ekeinos ("that"). While most occurrences refer to physical geography—such as Jesus leaving Capernaum (Matthew 4:13) or departing a house (Mark 7:24)—the word can also imply sequence. In some contexts, it suggests "from that point onward" or "thereafter," linking events in a chronological chain rather than just a spatial one.
Translators typically render ekeithen as "thence" or "from there." This straightforward usage helps readers track the movement of characters through the biblical landscape. By clearly marking where figures come from, it anchors the stories in real places and times, providing a clear sense of origin for the actions that follow.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekeithen simply means "from there." It is a small directional marker used throughout the Gospels and Acts to show where Jesus or his followers moved next. While it may seem like a minor detail, these references anchor the biblical stories in real geography. They remind us that faith was lived out in specific towns, by lakes, and along roads, not in abstract voids.
For your daily walk, this word offers a gentle comfort. It shows that Jesus moved with purpose, leaving one place to bring hope to another. Whether you are transitioning from a season of rest to service, or moving from a familiar routine into new challenges, these verses illustrate that God’s work often involves intentional movement. You are not stationary; your journey has direction.
As you read Scripture, notice how Jesus responds to the needs around him as he travels. His movements were never random but driven by compassion and mission. This can encourage you to see your own transitions not as disruptions, but as opportunities to follow where He leads, trusting that each step forward is part of a larger, meaningful plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from there19×
- from there,3×
- from there.2×
- From there2×
- there1×
- from there;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκεῖθεν20×
- ἐκεῖθεν,3×
- Ἐκεῖθεν1×
- ἐκεῖθέν1×
- ἐκεῖθεν·1×
- ἐκεῖθεν.¶1×
- ἐκεῖθεν.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:21
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.
This verse uses the word to show Jesus continuing his mission by calling James and John immediately after passing Peter's family.
-
Matthew 9:9
As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.
Here the term marks the precise moment Jesus leaves one location to encounter Matthew, highlighting how divine calls often happen during transit.
-
Mark 6:10
He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.
Jesus instructs his disciples to stay in a house until they depart from there, emphasizing stability and commitment during their ministry travels.
-
Acts 13:4
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
This occurrence shows the early church’s expansion as missionaries move from Seleucia to Cyprus under the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ekeithen mean?
How is ekeithen different from other Greek words for place?
Why does the Bible mention Jesus leaving places so often?
Every Occurrence (28 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 12 verses
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with…
Matthew 5:26Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 9:9As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him,…
Matthew 9:27As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
Matthew 11:1When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Matthew 12:9He departed from there and went into their synagogue.
Matthew 12:15Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all,
Matthew 13:53When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from there.
Matthew 14:13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it,…
Matthew 15:21Jesus went out from there and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.
Matthew 15:29Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Matthew 19:15He laid his hands on them, and departed from there.