ἔξεστι, ἐξόν (exesti, exon)
exesti, exon
be permitted
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The impersonal verb exesti means "it is permitted" or "it is lawful." It appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts to frame questions about religious or civil authority. In Matthew 12:2, for instance, the disciples are questioned about plucking grain on the Sabbath because it was not considered permissible at that time. The word functions as a legal or moral gauge, asking whether an action falls within the bounds of what is allowed.
Its structure combines the prefix ex- ("out") with estin ("is"), suggesting something that is open or publicly accessible. This etymology aligns with its usage in contexts where public law or social convention dictates behavior. In Mark 6:18, Herod’s legal standing regarding his marriage is debated, highlighting how the term anchors personal actions to established rules. Translators often render it as "lawful" or "permitted," depending on whether the context emphasizes divine command or human regulation.
A notable feature of exesti is its flexibility in syntax. It can stand alone with an implied infinitive, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:23 ("All things are lawful"), or take a direct object, such as in Mark 2:26 where David’s actions are examined against the law. This adaptability allows it to address both specific acts and general principles of conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exesti translates simply to "it is permitted" or "it is lawful." In the Gospels, it often appears in tense conversations where religious leaders challenge Jesus or his followers about breaking rules. These moments reveal a deep human struggle: we want to follow God, but we also worry about whether our actions fit within strict boundaries. The Pharisees used this word to trap Jesus, focusing on technicalities rather than the heart behind the action.
Yet Jesus consistently redirects the conversation. He reminds us that the law was made for people, not as a cage to restrict love and mercy. When he asks if it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, he highlights that compassion always takes priority over rigid tradition. This word invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we using rules to judge others, or are we seeking to reflect God’s generous character in our daily lives?
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is lawful15×
- Is it lawful5×
- are lawful4×
- lawful1×
- it is permitted [me]1×
- it is permitted1×
- it is lawful.1×
- is lawful?1×
- is it permitted1×
- is it lawful1×
- being permitted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔξεστιν22×
- ἔξεστίν5×
- ἐξὸν3×
- ἔξεστιν;¶1×
- ἔξεστιν.1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:10
And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” so that they might accuse him.
Jesus uses this question to expose the hypocrisy of prioritizing ritual over human suffering, showing that mercy is always lawful.
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Mark 3:4
He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do harm? To save a life or to kill?” But they were silent.
Here the word frames a moral choice between doing harm or saving life, establishing that good deeds are never prohibited by God's design.
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Matthew 19:3
Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
The Pharisees attempt to limit divorce rights, but Jesus uses this opportunity to reveal God’s original intent for marriage fidelity.
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Mark 6:18
For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
John the Baptist uses this term to speak truth to power, demonstrating that moral boundaries apply even to those in authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word exesti mean?
Why do the Pharisees keep asking if something is lawful?
How does Jesus respond when asked if something is lawful?
Every Occurrence (30 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 9 verses
But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, “Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”
Matthew 12:4how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were…
Matthew 12:10And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” so that…
Matthew 12:12Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.”
Matthew 14:4For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Matthew 19:3Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
Matthew 20:15Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’
Matthew 22:17Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
Matthew 27:6The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the…