← G2080 G2082 →

ἔσωθεν

ésōthen

G2081 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root ἔσω- inside, within, from inside

Definition

From within, on the inside. The term primarily indicates an origin or position from the interior of a space, person, or object—whether literally (from inside a physical boundary) or figuratively (interiorly, inwardly, with reference to thoughts, motives, or the inner nature). In certain contexts, it can denote what exists or proceeds from within rather than from without.

Semantic Range

from within, on the inside, inwardly, interiorly, internally, from the interior, as opposed to outside

Root / Etymology

Adverb derived from ἔσω ('inside, within') with the suffix -θεν denoting origin or source, hence 'from inside.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἔσωθεν is used in Koine Greek, including the New Testament and Septuagint, to mark position, direction, or source on the interior side of a boundary, often contrasted with ἔξωθεν ('from without, outside'). Frequently functions both literally (e.g., from inside a tomb, room, or vessel) and figuratively (e.g., inner thoughts, spiritual interiority). In Hellenistic and early Christian writings, it can reference ethical or moral interiority—what is inward or hidden as opposed to external behavior. Standard English translations often render as 'within,' 'from within,' or 'inwardly,' but sometimes obscure the contrast with external/visible reality. Attested also in some papyri and non-biblical Koine contexts. The formation with -θεν as a marker of origin parallels other adverbial forms (e.g., ἄνωθεν, 'from above').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἔσω; from inside; also used as equivalent to ἔσω (inside):--inward(-ly), (from) within, without.

Root Family

ἔσωθεν (esōthen) — from within, inside, inwardly, from the interior

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2081-01 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within from within 12

Occurrences in Scripture

12 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2081-01 Matthew 7:15 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within
G2081-01 Matthew 23:25 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within
G2081-01 Matthew 23:27 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within
G2081-01 Matthew 23:28 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within
G2081-01 Mark 7:21 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within from within
G2081-01 Mark 7:23 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within from within
G2081-01 Luke 11:7 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from inside from within
G2081-01 Luke 11:39 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV inside from within
G2081-01 Luke 11:40 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV inside from within
G2081-01 2 Corinthians 7:5 ἔσωθεν esothen ADV from within
← G2080 Greek Lexicon G2082 →