ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai)
exēgeomai
to tell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exēgeomai means to tell a story or explain something in detail. It comes from roots meaning "to lead out," suggesting that the speaker guides the listener through a narrative, drawing out the meaning step by step. In the New Testament, it is used when people recount events or share important information with others.
For example, in Luke 24:35, two disciples describe how they encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They are not just giving a quick summary; they are unfolding the details of their experience for those who were not there. Similarly, in Acts 15:12, Barnabas and Paul "recount" the miracles God had done among the Gentiles, providing a thorough account to support their message.
This word carries a sense of careful narration. It is not used for casual chat but for sharing significant truths. When John 1:18 refers to Jesus as the one who makes God known, it uses this term to show that Jesus reveals the Father in a clear and complete way, leading people to understand who God is.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exēgeomai suggests more than a simple report; it implies leading someone out into understanding through careful storytelling. When we share our faith, we are not just listing facts but guiding others through the narrative of God's work in our lives. This approach invites listeners to see the connections and details that might otherwise be missed, turning a brief update into a meaningful witness.
In Luke 24:35, the disciples on the road to Emmaus recount their encounter with Jesus with such clarity that their hearers recognize the truth of the resurrection. Their account was not rushed but unfolded step by step, allowing the reality of Christ's presence to emerge naturally. This model encourages us to share our experiences with patience and detail, trusting that God uses these stories to open hearts.
Ultimately, Jesus Himself is the ultimate exēgeomai, making the invisible Father known to us. By following His example, we can offer others a clear picture of God’s character through our own lives. May your sharing be marked by truth and grace, leading others closer to the One who reveals Him best.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were relating1×
- relating1×
- he was relating1×
- having related1×
- has related1×
- has made [Him] known.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξηγήσατο.1×
- ἐξηγήσατο1×
- ἐξηγοῦντο1×
- ἐξηγουμένων1×
- ἐξηγησάμενος1×
- ἐξηγεῖτο1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 24:35
They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
This verse shows the word used for recounting a personal encounter with the risen Christ, emphasizing how detailed storytelling confirms the reality of the resurrection to others.
-
John 1:18
No one has seen God at any time. The only born Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared him.
Here the term describes Jesus uniquely revealing the Father, highlighting that He does not just speak about God but makes Him fully known through His very person and life.
-
Acts 15:12
All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.
Barnabas and Paul use this word to describe their report of miracles, showing how factual accounts of God's power serve to validate the gospel message to a skeptical audience.