ἐκψύχω (ekpsuchō)
ekpsuchō
to expire
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekpsuchō describes the physical act of breathing one’s last, literally meaning to "breathe out" or "expire." It is a stark, physiological term used in the New Testament to mark the precise moment of death, focusing on the cessation of breath rather than spiritual transition. This word appears only three times in Scripture, all within the book of Acts.
In Acts 5:5 and 5:10, Luke uses this term to describe the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. The narrative highlights their sudden collapse immediately after speaking a lie, with the text noting they "breathed their last." This usage underscores the finality of their physical end at that specific moment.
The third occurrence in Acts 12:23 refers to King Herod Agrippa I, who was struck down by an angel and eaten by worms. Here, ekpsuchō serves as a blunt marker of his demise, contrasting sharply with the earlier growth of the church. The word’s rarity and clinical nature emphasize death as a concrete, irreversible event in these historical accounts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpsuchō describes the simple, physical act of breathing one’s last. It is a stark term that marks the precise moment life ends, focusing on the cessation of breath rather than any spiritual transition. In Acts, this word appears only three times, each time marking a sudden and final end for those who opposed God’s truth.
These accounts remind us that God is holy and deserves our reverence. When Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, or when Herod demanded worship instead of giving glory to God, their deaths were immediate. This word helps us see that God takes sin seriously, yet it also points to His justice.
For believers, these passages are not meant to frighten us into perfection but to draw us closer to a holy God. We can trust that He is just and that He sees every heart. In our own lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God is faithful, even when the world around us seems chaotic or unjust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he breathed his last.2×
- breathed her last;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέψυξεν·1×
- ἐξέψυξεν.¶1×
- ἐξέψυξεν.1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:5
Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.
This verse marks the first use of the word to describe Ananias's sudden death after lying to the Holy Spirit, highlighting the seriousness of deceit within the early church.
-
Acts 5:10
She fell down immediately at his feet and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.
Here the word describes Sapphira's death just three hours later, showing that the judgment was consistent and immediate for both husband and wife.
-
Acts 12:23
Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory. Then he was eaten by worms and died.
This occurrence records Herod Agrippa I's death after he accepted praise meant for God, serving as a final warning against pride and blasphemy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ekpsuchō mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in Acts?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.
Acts 5:10She fell down immediately at his feet and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and…
Acts 12:23Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory. Then he was eaten by worms and died.