Lexical Summary exelegchó: To expose, to convict, to refute, to reprove Original Word: ἐξελέγχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance convince. From ek and elegcho; to convict fully, i.e. (by implication) to punish -- convince. see GREEK ek see GREEK elegcho HELPS Word-studies 1827 ekselég NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for elegchó, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1827: ἐξελέγχωἐξελέγχω: 1 aorist infinitive ἐξἐλέγξαι; (ἐξ strengthens the simple verb (cf. ἐκ, VI. 6)); to prove to be in the wrong, convict, (chiefly in Attic writings): by punishing, τινα περί τίνος, Jude 1:15 Rec. (see ἐλέγχω, 1) of God as judge, as in Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3 for הוכִיחַ. Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Conceptual Background ἐξελέγχω (exelénchō) intensifies the common verb ἐλέγχω, adding the preposition ἐκ (“out of”), and thus conveys the idea of exposing or bringing something fully into the open so that it may be decisively refuted or proven wrong. Though unattested in the Greek New Testament, the compound sheds light on the depth of divine reproof: God not only exposes sin but drives it out into clear view so that no defense can stand. Old Testament Foundations The Septuagint occasionally opts for ἐξελέγχω where the Hebrew text emphasizes decisive exposure of guilt. For example, in Job-like wisdom settings the verb depicts God’s relentless unveiling of hidden motives. While the exact references vary among manuscript traditions, the picture is consistent: divine confrontation that leaves the sinner speechless, mirroring “Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’” (2 Samuel 12:7). The lexical range thus stretches from courtroom imagery (cross-examination) to prophetic indictment (shattering self-deception). Related New Testament Vocabulary 1. ἐλέγχω (Strong’s 1651) – used of John the Baptist’s rebuke of Herod (Luke 3:19) and of the Spirit’s inner work: “When He comes, He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). Understanding ἐξελέγχω as the intensified form helps trace a continuum: from gentle admonition, through firm rebuke, to the thorough cross-examination that leaves no refuge for self-justification. Theological Themes 1. Divine Holiness and Truth: God’s character demands that darkness be dragged into the light (Ephesians 5:13). The conceptual force of ἐξελέγχω highlights that nothing ultimately remains concealed before Him (Hebrews 4:13). Historical Church Usage Early patristic writers employ ἐξελέγχω in apologetic and pastoral contexts. Justin Martyr speaks of Scripture’s power to “expose and refute” (ἐξελέγχειν) pagan error. Athanasius uses the term when demonstrating the folly of Arian claims, echoing the apostolic commitment to public refutation of heresy (cf. Titus 1:9). Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching: Faithful proclamation should aim not merely to inform but to expose hidden unbelief, driving hearers to the cross where grace answers every accusation. Counsel for Today’s Church Where cultural pressures mute biblical confrontation, the concept behind ἐξελέγχω reminds leaders to combine courageous exposure of sin with compassionate invitation to repentance. Such balance reflects Christ, who both lays bare the Samaritan woman’s past and offers living water (John 4:17-18, 10). Forms and Transliterations εξελεγξει εξελέγξει εξελισσομένηLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance ἐξαπέστειλεν — 6 Occ.ἐξαποστελῶ — 1 Occ. ἐξαρτίσαι — 1 Occ. ἐξηρτισμένος — 1 Occ. ἐξαστράπτων — 1 Occ. ἐξαυτῆς — 6 Occ. ἐξήγειρά — 1 Occ. ἐξεγερεῖ — 1 Occ. ἐξῄεσαν — 1 Occ. ἐξιέναι — 2 Occ. ἐξελκόμενος — 1 Occ. ἐξέραμα — 1 Occ. ἐξηραύνησαν — 1 Occ. ἐξῆλθαν — 2 Occ. ἐξήλθατε — 9 Occ. ἐξῆλθεν — 68 Occ. ἐξῆλθες — 1 Occ. ἐξήλθομεν — 1 Occ. ἐξῆλθον — 23 Occ. ἐξήρχετο — 2 Occ. |
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