ἐκτρέπω (ektrepō)
ektrepō
to turn/wander away
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ektrepō means to turn out of a straight course or to wander away from a set path. In its literal sense, it describes a physical displacement, such as a limb that has been dislocated or put out of joint, as suggested in Hebrews 12:13 where it calls for the healing of weak knees. This medical imagery underscores the idea of something being forced off its proper alignment.
Figuratively, the word captures the act of turning aside from truth or duty. It appears frequently in the Pastoral Epistles to describe those who deviate from sound teaching. For instance, 1 Timothy 1:6 speaks of some who have "turned aside" to empty talk, while 2 Timothy 4:4 warns of people who will turn their ears away from the truth. The term can also mean to shun or avoid something entirely, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:20 where Paul urges Timothy to avoid profane babblings.
Its root combines a prefix indicating "out" with a verb meaning "to turn." This construction emphasizes not just a slight deviation but a significant departure from the intended direction. Translators often render it as "turn aside," "wander," or "avoid," depending on whether the context is physical, doctrinal, or social.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often feels like a journey where staying on course requires constant attention. The Greek word ektrepō captures the reality of drifting off that path, whether through physical weakness or spiritual distraction. In Hebrews 12:13, it describes healing a dislocated joint, reminding us that our struggles are real and that God offers restoration for what feels broken or misaligned.
We also see this word used to describe turning away from truth into empty chatter or harmful fables. It is easy to lose focus when noise competes with clarity. This word invites us to check our direction, not out of fear, but with the hope that returning to the straight path brings peace and healing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will be turned aside.1×
- they have turned aside1×
- may be disabled,1×
- have turned aside1×
- avoiding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξετράπησαν2×
- ἐκτρεπόμενος1×
- ἐκτραπῇ,1×
- ἐκτραπήσονται.¶1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 1:6
from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned away to vain talking,
This verse uses the word to describe a specific deviation into vain talking, highlighting how intellectual pride can lead one away from sound teaching.
-
Hebrews 12:13
and make straight paths for your feet, so what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
Here the term refers to physical dislocation, using medical imagery to encourage believers to heal their weaknesses rather than let them cause further stumbling.
-
II Timothy 4:4
and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.
Paul warns that people will actively turn their ears away from truth toward fables, showing the word's use in describing a deliberate rejection of reality.