ἔκπαλαι (ekpalai)
ekpalai
of old
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb ekpalai means "from of old" or "for a long time." It describes an action or state that has existed for a significant duration in the past and continues into the present. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the Second Epistle of Peter.
Its structure combines the preposition ek ("out of") with palai ("old" or "long ago"). This compound form emphasizes continuity from an ancient starting point. Peter uses it to describe false teachers who have been present among the people for a long time, and later to refer to the ancient promise made by the prophets regarding Christ's return.
The word highlights the depth of history involved in these situations. By using ekpalai, the text underscores that these issues are not new developments but have roots stretching back through generations. This usage connects current events with a long-standing tradition or expectation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpalai reminds us that God’s plans are not new ideas developed in response to current trends. They are rooted in ancient truth, stretching back through generations before we were born. When Peter uses this term, he connects the present moment with a deep, enduring history of faith.
This continuity offers stability. The promises made by the prophets and the truths revealed by God have stood the test of time. We can trust that what is written has been true from the beginning, providing a solid foundation for our hope today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of long ago1×
- long ago1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔκπαλαι2×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 2:3
In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber.
This verse uses the word to show that the judgment on false teachers is not a new reaction but an ancient certainty that has been declared for a long time.
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II Peter 3:5
For they willfully forget that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water by the word of God,
Here the term describes the heavens and earth as existing from of old, anchoring the creation account in a distant past to counter those who deny God's historical work.