ἐσχάτως (eschatōs)
eschatōs
extremely
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb eschatōs means extremely or utterly, describing a state that is absolute in degree. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Mark 5:28, where it modifies the verb for "to have" or "to be." The phrase literally translates to being "in extremis," capturing a sense of being at the very edge or limit.
This usage is rare and specific. It does not simply mean "very sick"; it conveys being on the point of death, in the last gasp. The woman with the issue of blood felt she was in this critical condition, believing that touching Jesus’ garment would save her from this final state. Translators often render this as "extremely" or "utterly," but the underlying image is one of reaching the absolute end of physical strength.
The word derives from eschatos, meaning "last" or "utmost." While eschatos usually refers to time (the last days), eschatōs here applies that sense of finality to a person’s physical condition. It highlights the desperation of her situation: she was not just ill, but nearing death, which makes her faith in Jesus’ power all the more striking.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eschatōs describes a state of being at the absolute limit, on the very edge of existence. In Mark 5:28, it captures the woman with the issue of blood who felt she was in extremis, nearing death itself. Her situation was not merely difficult; it was final. Yet, in that moment of total depletion, she reached out to Jesus. This word reminds us that our deepest desperation is often the precise place where divine intervention meets human need.
When we feel we have nothing left to give or receive, this term assures us that God’s power is not limited by our exhaustion. The woman believed that even touching His garment would save her from this final state. Her faith did not depend on her strength but on His availability. This encourages us that no matter how close we come to the end of our resources, there is still room for hope in Christ.
We do not need to have everything figured out or be at our best to approach Him. The very edge of our weakness is where His grace becomes most visible. May you find comfort knowing that your limits are not barriers to His love, but invitations for His power to work through you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at the end1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐσχάτως1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:23
and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.”
While this verse does not use the word, it sets the context for Jairus' plea, showing that both he and the woman recognized a situation at the brink of finality.