← Back to Lexicon
G1570 · Greek · New Testament
ἔκθετος
Ekthetos
Adjective
Exposed / Abandoned

Definition

Exposed, abandoned, or cast out — particularly referring to an infant left to die. Used in Acts 7:19 in Stephen's speech, describing Pharaoh's edict that forced Israelite parents to expose their male infants.

Usage & Theological Significance

Ekthetos appears in Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin — the longest speech in Acts. Stephen recounts how Pharaoh forced Israelites to abandon (expose) their infants. Moses himself was nearly this kind of victim, saved by his mother's courage. God rescues the exposed, the abandoned, the cast-off. This theme culminates in Christ, 'despised and rejected by men' (Isaiah 53:3), who was himself cast out of the city and crucified.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 7:19 He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.
Exodus 1:22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: 'Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.'
Exodus 2:3 She got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Psalm 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️