ἔξειμι (exeimi)
exeimi
to go out/away
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exeimi means to go out or depart, combining the prefix for "out" with the root for "going." In the New Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in the Acts of the Apostles to describe physical movement away from a location. For instance, Paul and Barnabas urge the believers in Antioch to continue in the grace of God as they prepare to leave (Acts 13:43), and the brothers in Philippi escort Paul out of the city after his imprisonment (Acts 17:10).
Its usage is straightforward, focusing on the act of exiting or traveling away from a specific place. In Acts 20:7, it describes the disciples departing from Troas to sail to Assos, highlighting a simple transition in travel plans. The word carries no inherent spiritual weight beyond the physical action itself; it simply marks the movement of people leaving one setting for another.
Translators typically render exeimi as "departed" or "went out," depending on the context of the journey. Because it is so rare, it does not develop a distinct theological nuance separate from its near-synonyms. Instead, it serves as a clear narrative marker in Acts, helping readers track the geographical spread of the early church as missionaries move from one city to the next.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἔξειμι simply describes the physical act of leaving a place. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, mostly in Acts to track where Paul and his companions traveled next. It is a straightforward term for moving from one location to another, without adding extra spiritual meaning to the action itself.
When you read about believers departing in these verses, think of it as part of God’s larger plan unfolding step by step. Paul left cities not just because he was tired, but because the message needed to reach new people. Your own journeys, whether physical or life changes, can also be seen as part of a path guided by faith.
Even small departures matter in the story of the early church. As disciples moved from Troas to Assos or left synagogues for Gentile homes, they trusted that God would provide what was needed next. This word reminds us that leaving is not an end, but a transition toward new opportunities to share hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to go out,1×
- to depart1×
- they were departing.1×
- When are departing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐξιόντων1×
- ἐξῄεσαν.¶1×
- ἐξιέναι,1×
- ἐξιέναι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:42
So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
This verse shows the word marking a shift in ministry focus as Paul moves from Jewish synagogues to Gentile audiences.
-
Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day; and continued his speech until midnight.
Here the term highlights a planned departure that follows a night of fellowship and teaching among believers.
-
Acts 17:15
But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.
The word describes companions fulfilling a command to leave Paul in Athens so they could return quickly to him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does exeimi mean in the Bible?
How is exeimi different from other words for leaving?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Acts 4 verses
So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next…
Acts 17:15But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should…
Acts 20:7On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them,…
Acts 27:43But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim…