ἐκκλίνω (ekklinō)
ekklinō
to turn from
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekklino literally means to bend or turn aside, describing a physical deviation from a straight path. In Scripture, it carries this spatial image into the moral and spiritual realm, signifying a departure from the right way of life. It is not merely a slight error but a distinct turning away from established truth or community standards.
This word appears in only three verses, yet its usage is precise. Romans 3:12 quotes the Old Testament to describe those who have turned aside from doing good. In 1 Peter 3:11, believers are urged to turn away from evil and seek peace. Finally, Paul warns the Romans to keep aloof from those who cause divisions, using ekklino to mark a necessary separation from destructive influences.
The term combines a prefix meaning "out" or "away" with a root for bending. This etymology highlights the active nature of the departure; it is a deliberate shift in direction. Translators often render it as "turn aside" or "deviate," capturing the sense of leaving the straight and narrow path for something crooked or harmful.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekklino paints a clear picture of stepping off a straight path. It describes a deliberate turning aside, not just a minor stumble. In our spiritual walk, this reminds us that faith requires active choices. We are called to keep our eyes on the right way and avoid distractions that lead us away from God's truth.
Scripture uses this term to warn against division and evil habits. It encourages believers to separate themselves from destructive influences and instead pursue peace. This is not about isolation, but about protecting your heart and mind from things that harm your relationship with God and others.
When you feel pulled in different directions, remember that turning away from what harms you is the first step toward what heals you. God invites you to stay on the path of righteousness, finding strength in His guidance every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- turned away,1×
- he should turn away1×
- do turn away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέκλιναν,1×
- ἐκκλίνετε1×
- ἐκκλινάτω1×
Key Verses
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Romans 3:12
They have all turned away. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.”
This verse uses ekklino to describe a universal human tendency to deviate from doing good, highlighting the need for divine grace.
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Romans 16:17
Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
Here, Paul instructs believers to actively turn away from those causing divisions, showing the word's use in maintaining church unity.
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I Peter 3:11
Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.
Peter commands believers to turn away from evil as a practical step toward seeking and pursuing peace.