ἐκπίπτω (ekpiptō)
ekpiptō
to fall out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekpiptō literally describes something falling out or falling off from a larger whole. In Acts 12:7, it paints a vivid picture of chains slipping from Peter’s wrists as he is freed from prison. The word captures the suddenness of detachment, whether physical objects separating or a person losing their grip on what they hold.
Scripture extends this image into spiritual and moral realms. In Galatians 5:4 and 2 Peter 3:17, it warns believers against falling away from grace or their firm footing in truth. James 1:11 uses the metaphor of a flower fading to show how quickly earthly glory vanishes. The term implies a loss of position or connection that leads to failure or perishing.
Its root combines "out of" with "to fall," emphasizing movement away from a source. Translators often render it as "fall away" or "fall from," highlighting the danger of drifting from faith. This usage appears in Romans 9:6 regarding the promise to Israel, showing that the word carries weight when discussing covenantal standing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpiptō paints a vivid picture of something slipping away from what holds it. In Acts 12:7, chains fell off Peter’s wrists as an angel freed him. This sudden detachment shows how God can remove barriers we cannot break ourselves. It reminds us that freedom often comes not through our own strength, but through divine intervention.
Yet the word also carries a warning. In Galatians 5:4 and 2 Peter 3:17, it describes falling away from grace or steadfastness. This is not about minor slips, but a significant drift from the truth we once held. It invites us to examine where our trust rests—whether in temporary circumstances or in Christ alone.
When life feels unstable, remember that God’s hold on you does not depend on your grip alone. Even when chains fall away or storms rage, His purpose remains firm. May this word encourage you to cling to Him, knowing He keeps what is truly His.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may fall from1×
- you have fallen away.1×
- we may fall,1×
- to fall.1×
- to fall away.1×
- they may fall1×
- has fallen1×
- has failed1×
- fell1×
- falls away;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκπεσεῖν.¶2×
- ἐξέπεσεν·1×
- ἐξέπεσεν1×
- ἐξέπεσαν1×
- ἐξεπέσατε.1×
- ἐκπέσωσιν1×
- ἐκπέσωμεν,1×
- ἐκπέσητε1×
- ἐκπέπτωκεν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:7
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
The chains falling off Peter's hands illustrates God’s power to liberate suddenly and completely.
-
Galatians 5:4
You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.
Paul uses this term to warn that seeking justification by law means falling away from grace.
-
James 1:11
For the sun arises with the scorching wind and withers the grass; and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So the rich man will also fade away in his pursuits.
The flower falling illustrates how quickly earthly glory fades compared to eternal truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekpiptō mean in the Bible?
How is ekpiptō different from other words for sin?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Does this word mean a Christian can lose salvation?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 6 books)
Acts 5 verses
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him…
Acts 27:17After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the…
Acts 27:26But we must run aground on a certain island.”
Acts 27:29Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.
Acts 27:32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat and let it fall off.