Lexical Summary esóthen: Within, inside, inwardly Original Word: ἔσωθεν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance inwardly, from within. From eso; from inside; also used as equivalent to eso (inside) -- inward(-ly), (from) within, without. see GREEK eso see GREEK eso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom esó Definition from within NASB Translation inside (6), inwardly (2), within (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2081: ἔσωθενἔσωθεν (ἔσω), adverb of place, from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; (1. adverbially;) a. from within (Vulg. de intus, ab intus, intrinsecus, (etc.)): Mark 7:21, 23; Luke 11:7; 2 Corinthians 7:5. b. within (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 54, 7): Matthew 7:15; Matthew 23:25, 27, 28; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 5:1 (cf. γράφω, 3); ὁ ἔσωθεν ἄνθρωπος, 2 Corinthians 4:16 R G (see ἔσω, 2); τό ἔσωθεν, that which is within, the inside, Luke 11:40; with the genitive of person equivalent to your soul, Luke 11:39. (2. as a preposition with the genitive (W § 54, 6): Revelation 11:2 Rec.st (see ἔξωθεν, 2).) Strong’s 2081 occurs twelve times, uniformly describing that which is “inside,” “from within,” or “inward.” Whether exposing hypocrisy, revealing the seat of sin, portraying domestic life, or unveiling heavenly glory, the word presses readers to look beyond appearances to the realities God sees. Jesus’ Teaching on Authentic Righteousness 1. Matthew 7:15 – False prophets appear “in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” The term contrasts deceptive outward gentleness with a predatory inner nature. Moral Corruption Originating in the Heart Mark 7:21, 23 – “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality…”. Jesus overturns ritual notions of defilement, locating sin’s source in the inner person. This underscores the necessity of regeneration, not merely reformation. Domestic Illustration of Dependence on Grace Luke 11:7 – In the parable of the persistent friend, the sleeping father answers from within the house, highlighting both the intimacy of the relationship and the initial barrier to aid. Persistent prayer moves the One who dwells “within” to open the door. Hypocrisy Unmasked in Table Fellowship Luke 11:39–40 – When the Pharisee marvels that Jesus did not ceremonially wash, Christ exposes inner uncleanness: “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness”. The focus returns to God’s priority—the heart. Pastoral Conflict and Inner Turmoil 2 Corinthians 7:5 – “Conflicts on the outside, fears within.” Paul distinguishes external opposition from internal anxiety, validating the emotional weight carried in ministry and the sufficiency of divine comfort (7:6). Heavenly Realities in Apocalyptic Vision Revelation 4:8 – The four living creatures are “full of eyes around and within,” portraying perfect, all-sided perception in unceasing worship. Revelation 5:1 – The seven-sealed scroll is written “inside and on the back,” emphasizing completeness and divine authorship; nothing is left unwritten within the purposes of God. Theological Significance of the Inner Life 1. True righteousness proceeds from a transformed heart (Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 2:29). Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching and counseling must aim at heart transformation, not mere behavioral adjustment. Historical Reflection Early church fathers employed 2081 to warn against Gnostic dualism—affirming that the inner and outer person must be consistently aligned in truth. Medieval mystics drew on the term to emphasize interior prayer, while Reformers stressed justification that begins within by faith yet manifests outwardly in works. Implications for Contemporary Discipleship Believers are called to guard the heart, cultivate integrity, and pursue holiness that flows from the indwelling Word and Spirit. The twelve occurrences of 2081 collectively remind the church that God’s gaze penetrates “within,” that sin’s cure must reach the core, and that eternal glory is already written on the inside pages of His sovereign scroll. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 7:15 AdvGRK: ἐνδύμασιν προβάτων ἔσωθεν δέ εἰσιν NAS: clothing, but inwardly are ravenous KJV: but inwardly they are INT: clothing of sheep inwardly moreover they are Matthew 23:25 Adv Matthew 23:27 Adv Matthew 23:28 Adv Mark 7:21 Adv Mark 7:23 Adv Luke 11:7 Adv Luke 11:39 Adv Luke 11:40 Adv 2 Corinthians 7:5 Adv Revelation 4:8 Adv Revelation 5:1 Adv |
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