ἔξοδος (exodos)
exodos
departure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun exodos literally means a "going out" or a departure from a place. In classical Greek it referred to any exit, but in the New Testament it carries a specific weight: the departure from life, or death. It appears only three times, yet each instance highlights this final transition.
Its most striking use is in Luke 9:31, where Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about his "departure" that he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Here the word points not just to dying, but to a purposeful exit toward glory. Peter echoes this sense in 2 Peter 1:15, hoping to remain long enough for believers to remember how Jesus’ exodos would unfold. The author of Hebrews (11:22) uses it differently, recalling Joseph’s faith in the Israelites’ future departure from Egypt.
Though rooted in the idea of physical exit, the term often signals a theological milestone — a movement from one state to another, whether toward freedom or toward death. Translators usually render it "departure" or "exodus," preserving its sense of decisive movement rather than mere cessation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exodus describes a decisive movement from one state to another. In Luke’s Gospel, it marks Jesus’ purposeful journey toward Jerusalem and his cross. This is not a random exit but a planned mission to bring redemption. It reminds us that our own transitions, even those involving loss or change, can hold deep meaning within God’s plan.
When we face the end of life or significant changes, this word offers comfort. It suggests that departure is not merely an ending but a passage toward fulfillment. Just as Joseph looked forward to his people’s release from Egypt, we look forward to our final home with Christ. This perspective helps us see death not as a defeat, but as a transition into glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- going out1×
- exodus1×
- departure1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔξοδον2×
- ἐξόδου1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:31
who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
This verse uniquely applies the term to Jesus’ impending death in Jerusalem, framing it as a divine mission rather than a mere biological event.
-
Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Here the word recalls the historical Exodus from Egypt, linking Israel’s physical liberation to Joseph’s enduring faith in God’s promises.
-
II Peter 1:15
Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.
Peter uses the term for his own impending death, showing how early Christians viewed their passing as a transition that should be remembered by the church.