ἐκχέω (ekcheō)
ekcheō
to pour out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekcheō means to pour out, describing the action of emptying a vessel or shedding liquid onto a surface. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts, ranging from Jesus overturning money changers’ coins in the temple (John 2:15) to the vivid imagery of judgment bowls being emptied in Revelation (Revelation 16:1-17).
Its theological weight emerges when applied to non-physical realities. The word describes blood being shed, as in Jesus’ words about his covenant blood (Matthew 26:28), or the Spirit being poured out on all people (Acts 2:17). It also conveys abundance, such as God’s love being poured into human hearts (Romans 5:5) or grace given lavishly through Jesus Christ (Titus 3:6). The term captures a sense of generous, unrestricted distribution.
Etymologically, it combines the prefix ek- ("out") with cheō ("to pour"), emphasizing complete release. Translators typically render it as "pour out" or "shed," preserving the physical imagery while allowing for spiritual application. This dual usage highlights how biblical language often bridges tangible actions and divine grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekcheō describes an action that is total and unreserved. When a vessel is emptied completely, nothing is held back. In Scripture, this image moves from physical acts, like Jesus overturning tables in the temple or wine spilling onto the ground, to profound spiritual realities. It suggests that God’s grace does not trickle out in small, measured amounts but flows freely and abundantly.
For your faith, this means you can rely on a supply of divine help that is never running low. Romans 5:5 reminds us that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This is not a partial gift reserved for a few, but a complete outpouring available to all who believe. The imagery invites trust in a God who gives generously.
Even in moments of judgment or sorrow, the word carries weight. It reminds us that every action has consequence, yet also that redemption is secured through the blood of Christ poured out for many. This dual meaning encourages honesty about our struggles while holding fast to the hope of forgiveness and renewal found in His sacrifice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- poured out8×
- being poured out2×
- I will pour out2×
- He poured out2×
- will be spilled out,1×
- was poured out1×
- to shed1×
- they rushed1×
- they have poured out,1×
- is poured out1×
- is being poured out.1×
- is being poured out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέχεεν10×
- ἐκχυννόμενον3×
- ἐκχεῶ2×
- ἐξέχεαν,1×
- ἐξεχύννετο1×
- ἐξεχύθησαν1×
- ἐξεχύθη1×
- ἐκχέετε1×
- ἐκχέαι1×
- ἐκχυννόμενον.1×
- ἐκχυθήσεται,1×
- ἐκχεῖται1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:28
for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
This verse establishes the covenantal significance of the word, linking the physical act of pouring out blood to the spiritual reality of forgiveness for many.
-
Acts 2:17
‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.
Here the term shifts to describe the Holy Spirit being released upon all people, marking a new era of divine presence and prophecy.
-
Romans 5:5
and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Paul uses this imagery to explain how abstract hope becomes concrete experience in the believer's heart through the indwelling Spirit.
-
Revelation of John 16:3
The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man. Every living thing in the sea died.
In apocalyptic judgment, the word emphasizes the severity and totality of God’s wrath against evil, turning life-giving water into death-dealing blood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekcheō mean in the New Testament?
Why is this word important in Matthew 26:28?
How is ekcheō different from other words for giving?
Does this word appear in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 23:35that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of…
Matthew 26:28for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.