ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos)
ekeinos
that
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 247 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The pronoun ekeinos points to a person or thing that is distant, whether in space, time, or social standing. It serves as the counterpart to houtos ("this"), creating a distinction between what is near and present versus what is remote or past. This spatial logic extends into emphasis; by choosing "that" over "this," speakers draw attention to something specific and often significant, as when Jesus contrasts his own role with others in John 3:30.
A notable feature of its usage is how it conveys respect or contempt depending on context. In the Fourth Gospel, it can refer to unnamed figures with a tone of disdain, such as in John 7:11 and 9:28, where crowds discuss Jesus indirectly. Conversely, it carries honor when applied to Christ, appearing in passages like 1 John 2:6 and 3:3 to describe those who live in accordance with his example.
The word also functions adjectivally to mark time, frequently describing eras past or future. Phrases like "in those days" appear in Matthew 3:1 and Mark 1:9 to set the historical scene of John the Baptist’s ministry. It similarly points toward eschatological events, such as the day of judgment in Matthew 7:22 or the return of the Son of Man, anchoring theological hope in a distant but certain future.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekeinos points to something distant, whether in space, time, or status. It acts as a marker of distinction, separating what is near from what is remote. In the Gospels, this simple pronoun carries weight. It often highlights specific moments or figures that hold theological significance, drawing attention to God's actions in history.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God meets us in specific times and places. When Jesus speaks of "that day" or "that hour," He anchors hope in real events. Whether referring to John the Baptist’s ministry or the final judgment, ekeinos signals that God’s promises are not abstract ideas but concrete realities. You can trust that the One who acts in history is faithful to His word.
This pronoun also invites reflection on your own life. Just as ekeinos distinguishes between near and far, it encourages you to focus on what truly matters. In moments of uncertainty, remember that God’s timing is precise. His promises, though sometimes distant in appearance, are certain and sure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 247 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- that [very]33×
- that26×
- those25×
- that [one]24×
- He24×
- that.13×
- he8×
- they6×
- those,4×
- them4×
- that;4×
- that,4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκεῖνος42×
- ἐκείνῃ28×
- ἐκείνου16×
- ἐκείνης15×
- ἐκείναις15×
- ἐκεῖνοι11×
- ἐκεῖνον10×
- ἐκείνῳ10×
- ἐκείνων10×
- ἐκεῖνός8×
- ἐκείνη8×
- ἐκείνην7×
Key Verses
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Matthew 3:1
In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
This verse uses ekeinos to establish the historical setting of John the Baptist’s ministry, grounding the Gospel narrative in a specific time.
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Matthew 7:25
The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.
Here, ekeinos identifies the house built on rock, distinguishing it from the one on sand and emphasizing the stability of Jesus’ teaching.
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Matthew 10:19
But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.
In this promise, ekeinos points to a specific hour when the Holy Spirit will provide words, offering comfort during persecution.
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Matthew 13:11
He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.
This verse contrasts those who receive the mysteries of the Kingdom with "them," using ekeinos to highlight spiritual distinction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekeinos mean in the Bible?
How is ekeinos different from houtos?
Why is ekeinos important in the Gospels?
Can ekeinos refer to people?
Every Occurrence (247 verses across 17 books)
Matthew 52 verses
In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
Matthew 7:22Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your…
Matthew 7:25The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded…
Matthew 7:27The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.”
Matthew 8:13Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” His servant was healed in that…
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…
Matthew 9:22But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was…
Matthew 9:26The report of this went out into all that land.
Matthew 9:31But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.
Matthew 10:14Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
Matthew 10:15Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for…
Matthew 10:19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you…
Matthew 11:25At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…
Matthew 12:1At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck…
Matthew 12:45Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The…
Matthew 13:1On that day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the seaside.
Matthew 13:11He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 14:1At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
Matthew 14:35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who…
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…
Matthew 15:28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was…
Matthew 17:18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour.
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:1In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Matthew 18:7“Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person…
Matthew 18:27The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.
Matthew 18:28“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him…
Matthew 18:32Then his lord called him in and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
Matthew 20:4He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way.
Matthew 21:40When therefore the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?”
Matthew 22:7When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Matthew 22:10Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…
Matthew 22:23On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him,
Matthew 22:46No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.
Matthew 24:19But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days!
Matthew 24:22Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days…
Matthew 24:29“But immediately after the suffering of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the…
Matthew 24:36“But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Matthew 24:38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until…
Matthew 24:43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have…
Matthew 24:46Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes.
Matthew 24:48But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’
Matthew 24:50the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it and in an hour when he doesn’t know it,
Matthew 25:7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Matthew 25:19“Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them.
Matthew 26:24The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would…
Matthew 26:29But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with…
Matthew 26:55In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I…
Matthew 27:8Therefore that field has been called “The Field of Blood” to this day.
Matthew 27:19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,…
Matthew 27:63saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’