ἐκφεύγω (ekpheugō)
ekpheugō
to escape
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekpheugō describes the act of fleeing out of danger to find safety, carrying the sense of escaping from a specific threat. Derived from the preposition ek ("out of") and pheugō ("to flee"), it emphasizes movement away from peril rather than simply running. In the New Testament, this word appears eight times, often highlighting urgent physical or spiritual deliverance.
Its usage varies between literal escape and metaphorical warning. For instance, Paul recounts being let down in a basket to escape the governor’s hands (2 Corinthians 11:33), while Jesus urges believers to pray they may not fall into judgment but escape these things (Luke 21:36). The word also appears in Hebrews, where it warns against refusing one who speaks on earth, lest we escape no more if we reject the heavenly voice (Hebrews 12:25).
Translators typically render ekpheugō as "escape" or "flee away," capturing both the physical act of running and the theological concept of deliverance. Unlike general terms for fleeing, this word often implies a successful exit from a confined or dangerous situation, underscoring the believer’s need for vigilance and divine protection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpheugō paints a vivid picture of moving out of danger into safety. It is more than just running; it is a decisive exit from a threat that confines or harms us. In our daily lives, we often face pressures that feel like walls closing in. This term reminds us that God provides real exits, not just temporary hiding spots.
When Paul described being let down in a basket to escape his pursuers, he showed how divine help can come through practical means (2 Corinthians 11:33). We are not left to navigate peril alone. Instead, we look for the way out that God opens, trusting His protection when fear rises.
This promise of deliverance encourages us to stay alert and hopeful. Whether facing physical threats or spiritual confusion, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s strength is sufficient. May you find peace in knowing that You are always our refuge and our escape from harm.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will escape2×
- to have escaped1×
- to escape1×
- shall they escape.1×
- fleeing1×
- escaped1×
- I escaped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέφυγον2×
- ἐκφυγεῖν2×
- ἐκφύγωσιν.¶1×
- ἐκφεύξῃ1×
- ἐκφευξόμεθα1×
- ἐκπεφευγέναι1×
Key Verses
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Luke 21:36
Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
This verse links vigilance and prayer directly to the ability to escape future trials, showing that spiritual readiness is key to deliverance.
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II Corinthians 11:33
I was let down in a basket through a window by the wall, and escaped his hands.
Paul uses this word to describe a literal physical escape from political danger, highlighting God's provision in urgent situations.
-
Hebrews 2:3
how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard,
Here the term emphasizes the impossibility of avoiding judgment if we ignore the salvation message, stressing the seriousness of our response to God.
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Romans 2:3
Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
Paul challenges self-deception by asking if those who judge others think they can escape God's own just judgment.