ἐκνεύω
ekneúō
G1593 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To withdraw, turn aside, or depart quietly, often to avoid notice or confrontation. In the core sense, denotes a deliberate but non-confrontational movement away from a location or situation, especially with a nuance of avoiding involvement, danger, or attention. The term can also carry the sense of deviating or shifting away from a position or course in contexts beyond physical movement.
Semantic Range
to withdraw quietly, to turn aside, to slip away without notice, to avoid involvement, to depart discreetly
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐκ ('out of, from') + the verb νεύω ('to nod, to incline, to turn'), thus 'to turn (one's self) out of' or 'to turn aside.' The compound form expresses the idea of turning away or departing, beyond the simple sense of movement implied by νεύω alone.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, νεύω primarily means 'to nod' or make a movement of the head, but it developed extended senses such as 'to incline' or 'to turn.' The prefix ἐκ- intensifies or outwardly directs the action, yielding the meaning of turning out of or away from something. ἐκνεύω is not common in classical literature but is more attested in Hellenistic and Koine sources, including the Septuagint and occasionally in the New Testament. It generally lacks the idea of fleeing in terror but suggests quiet withdrawal or discreet departure. English translations such as 'slip away,' 'withdraw,' or 'turn aside' capture only part of its nuance, often obscuring the intention of quiet avoidance. In biblical usage, it may indicate deliberate avoidance rather than overt confrontation or escape. The standard translation 'convey self away' is imprecise and omits the connotation of turning or inclining aside.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and νεύω; (by analogy) to slip off, i.e. quietly withdraw:--convey self away.
Root Family
νευ- (ekneúō) — to turn, to incline, to depart
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1593-01 |
ἐξένευσεν | exeneusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
had slipped away | withdrew quietly | had slipped away | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1593-01 |
John 5:13 | ἐξένευσεν | exeneusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
had slipped away | withdrew quietly | had slipped away |