ἐξάλλομαι (exallomai)
exallomai
to leap up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exallomai describes a sudden, energetic leap upward. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Acts 3:8 when Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate. The text notes that the man’s feet and ankles became strong, and he jumped up (exallomai) and began to walk.
This action conveys more than simple movement; it suggests a burst of vitality and joy. The sources link this usage to expressions of delight or sudden strength, contrasting with ordinary walking. By using this specific term, the narrative highlights the dramatic nature of the healing, showing a physical response that mirrors spiritual renewal.
The word’s rarity underscores the uniqueness of the event. It is not used for routine activity but for a moment of profound change. The image of leaping up captures the immediate and complete restoration of the man, serving as a visible sign of God’s power at work through the apostles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exallomai describes a sudden, energetic leap upward. In Acts 3:8, it captures the moment a man healed of lifelong lameness jumps up with renewed strength. This action conveys more than simple movement; it suggests a burst of vitality and joy that mirrors spiritual renewal.
When you encounter hardship, remember that God’s power can bring sudden restoration. The leaping man shows how divine intervention transforms weakness into strength. His leap was not just physical but an expression of delight in his new life.
This rare word reminds us that God’s work often brings unexpected joy. Just as the lame man leaped up, you too may experience moments where faith overcomes limitation. Let this story encourage you to trust in God’s ability to restore and renew your spirit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- leaping up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξαλλόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 3:8
Leaping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.
This occurrence matters because the man's leap demonstrates the immediate and complete restoration of his physical strength, serving as a visible sign of God's power at work through Peter.