ἐκκλείω (ekkleiō)
ekkleiō
to exclude
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekkleio means to shut out or exclude, literally describing the act of turning someone away from a door. Its meaning is clear and physical: it involves preventing access or keeping someone outside. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, making its usage quite rare.
In Galatians 4:17, Paul uses it to describe people who are trying to shut out his readers from their current relationship with him. This highlights a social or relational exclusion rather than a legal one. The word combines the prefix ek (out) and kleio (to shut), emphasizing the finality of being kept outside.
Romans 3:27 uses the passive form, asking what becomes of boasting if the law is shut out. Here, exclusion refers to something being removed from consideration or access. The word carries a sense of deliberate separation, whether between people or between concepts like faith and works. Its rarity in Scripture suggests it was reserved for specific situations where clear boundaries were being drawn.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekkleio paints a clear picture of someone being shut out or kept outside. In Galatians 4:17, Paul uses it to describe those trying to push his readers away from him. This shows how exclusion can be a tool for control, creating distance where connection should exist.
Yet Romans 3:27 offers a different angle. Here, boasting itself is excluded by the law of faith. This reminds us that our confidence does not come from what we achieve but from trusting God. It is a relief to know that our standing with Him is secure, not based on performance.
When we feel shut out or find ourselves trying to shut others out, this word invites reflection. We are called to build bridges of grace rather than walls of exclusion. May your heart remain open to the inclusion found in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to exclude1×
- It has been excluded.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξεκλείσθη.1×
- ἐκκλεῖσαι1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 4:17
They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them.
Paul uses this word to describe a deliberate social alienation, where others try to push believers away from him to gain their loyalty.
-
Romans 3:27
Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
The passive form shows that boasting is actively shut out by the principle of faith, removing human pride from the equation of salvation.