ἐκτίθημι (ektithēmi)
ektithēmi
to explain/expose
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ektithēmi literally means to set something out or expose it in the open. In Acts 7:21, it describes how Moses’ mother placed him on a basket among the reeds along the Nile, exposing the infant to view for others to find. This concrete image of making something visible serves as the foundation for its figurative use.
In narrative contexts like Acts 11:4 and 18:26, the word shifts to mean setting forth an explanation or expounding a matter. When Peter recounts his vision to the church in Jerusalem, he is "setting out" the details of what happened. Similarly, when Apollos speaks in the synagogue, he is laying out the facts of the gospel clearly for those listening.
Its force comes from the prefix ek ("out") combined with tithēmi ("to place"). The sources highlight that this word implies a deliberate act of making information accessible to an audience. Translators often render it as "explain" or "set forth," capturing the idea of presenting truth plainly for understanding rather than hiding it away.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ektithēmi paints a vivid picture of setting something out in the open for others to see. In Acts 7:21, we see this literally when Moses’ mother places him on a basket among the reeds, exposing him so he might be found. This concrete image helps us understand how the word is used later to describe sharing information clearly and openly.
In Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside to explain the way of God more accurately. They do not hide the truth or speak in riddles; they set it out plainly so he can understand. This shows that true teaching involves making things accessible, ensuring no one is left guessing about what matters most.
When we share our faith or listen to others, we can learn from this example. It invites us to be clear and honest, laying out the truth with care. May your conversations always reflect this spirit of openness, helping others see the light of God’s word without confusion or fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they expounded1×
- he was expounding1×
- he was explaining [it]1×
- When was being exposed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξετίθετο2×
- ἐξέθεντο1×
- ἐκτεθέντος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:21
When he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and reared him as her own son.
This verse provides the literal background for the word, showing Moses being exposed in a basket so he could be found.
-
Acts 18:26
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Here the word describes Priscilla and Aquila carefully explaining the way of God to Apollos with greater accuracy.
-
Acts 28:23
When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
Paul uses this method of setting forth the truth by testifying about Jesus from both the Law and the Prophets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ektithēmi mean in the New Testament?
How is ektithēmi different from other words for speaking?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Acts 4 verses
When he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and reared him as her own son.
Acts 11:4But Peter began, and explained to them in order, saying,
Acts 18:26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained…
Acts 28:23When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s…