ἐκλύω (ekluō)
ekluō
to faint
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekluoō describes a state of being loosened or released from strength, resulting in physical exhaustion or mental weariness. Its literal sense involves unloosing something taut, like relaxing the string of a bow, which metaphorically extends to a person losing their vitality. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this word when he notices his followers have no food left and are faint (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:3), highlighting a tangible depletion of energy.
Beyond physical tiredness, the term captures a deeper sense of discouragement or faint-heartedness. The Epistle to the Hebrews employs it to warn believers against growing weary in their souls as they face endurance (Hebrews 12:3), while Paul encourages persistence by noting that doing good will bring reward if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). This usage points to a spiritual fatigue that threatens perseverance.
Etymologically, the word combines the prefix ek- ("out") with luō ("to loose"), suggesting strength flowing out until nothing remains. Translators often render it as "faint" or "grow weary," which captures both the bodily exhaustion seen in the Gospels and the emotional despondency addressed in the epistles. It serves as a reminder that human endurance has limits, requiring divine sustenance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life demands more than we have to give, our strength naturally begins to fade. The Greek word ekluō paints a picture of this loosening of vitality, much like a bowstring that has been held taut for too long and finally gives way. In the Gospels, Jesus notices when crowds are so exhausted they might faint on the road home. He does not scold them for their weakness; instead, he shows compassion and provides what they need. This reminds us that our physical and emotional limits are real, and it is okay to acknowledge them before God.
Spiritual fatigue often follows physical tiredness, leading to a weariness of the soul. The writer to the Hebrews warns against fainting when we face reproval or hardship, pointing us to Jesus who endured far greater opposition without giving up. Paul also encourages us not to lose heart in doing good, promising that perseverance will bring its own reward. When you feel your energy draining, remember that you do not have to sustain yourself alone.
God’s grace meets us in our weakness rather than demanding we push through it. Instead of relying on your own reserve of strength, look to the One who never grows weary. His compassion covers your exhaustion, and His power is made complete when you admit you cannot go on by yourself. Rest in that truth today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will faint1×
- they may faint1×
- giving up.1×
- fainting.1×
- do faint1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκλυόμενοι.2×
- ἐκλύου1×
- ἐκλυθῶσιν1×
- ἐκλυθήσονται1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 15:32
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way.”
Jesus uses this term to describe the physical collapse of the crowd, showing His practical compassion for their immediate needs.
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Hebrews 12:3
For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.
The author connects this word to 'fainting in your souls,' urging believers to look to Jesus’ endurance to prevent spiritual exhaustion.
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Galatians 6:9
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
Paul links the concept of not fainting with the long-term reward of perseverance in doing good deeds.