ἐκπνέω (ekpneō)
ekpneō
to expire
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekpneō describes the physical act of breathing out one’s last breath, marking the moment of death. It is a straightforward term for expiration, derived from roots meaning "out" and "breathe." In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the narrative accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion in Mark and Luke.
Its usage carries significant weight because it frames Jesus’ death not as a passive collapse but as an intentional act. In Mark 15:37 and 15:39, the text notes that he breathed his last with a loud cry, emphasizing his control over his own life even in dying. Luke 23:46 similarly records him committing his spirit to God as he expired, highlighting the peaceful and purposeful nature of his final moments.
Translators typically render this word simply as "died" or "breathed his last," which captures the literal meaning without adding theological speculation. The rarity of the term in Scripture underscores its specific focus on the physical end of life, serving as a concrete marker of Jesus’ genuine humanity and the reality of his sacrifice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpneō describes the simple, physical act of breathing out one’s last breath. In the Gospels, it marks the moment Jesus died on the cross. This term highlights that His death was not a sudden collapse or an accident, but a deliberate and controlled release of life. He chose the timing of His own expiration, demonstrating His authority even in suffering.
For believers, this detail offers profound comfort. It shows that Jesus fully experienced human mortality while remaining in complete control of His mission. When you face your own final moments or witness the passing of a loved one, remember that death is not a defeat but a transition under God’s sovereign care. The same power that allowed Jesus to breathe His last now holds your future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- breathed His last.1×
- He breathed His last.1×
- He breathed His last,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέπνευσεν.¶2×
- ἐξέπνευσεν,1×
Key Verses
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Mark 15:37
Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit.
This verse uses the word to mark the precise moment of death following a loud cry, emphasizing the intentional nature of Jesus' sacrifice.
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Mark 15:39
When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
The centurion witnesses this specific act of breathing out, which leads directly to his confession that Jesus was the Son of God.
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Luke 23:46
Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.
Here the word follows Jesus' prayer of commitment, showing that His final breath was an act of trust in the Father.