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G1590 · Greek · New Testament
ἐκλύω
Eklyō
Verb
To Faint; To Grow Weary; To Give Out

Definition

The Greek eklyō means to loosen completely — hence to faint, grow weary, or give out from exhaustion. It appears in Hebrews 12:3 and 12:5, Galatians 6:9, and Matthew 15:32 / Mark 8:3 where Jesus expresses concern for the crowd who have been with Him three days and might 'collapse' on the way home if not fed. The word captures the physical experience of strength running out.

Usage & Theological Significance

Hebrews 12:3-5 pairs eklyō with the example of Jesus: 'Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (eklyō).' The antidote to spiritual fainting is fixing our eyes on Christ's endurance of the cross. Hebrews 12:5 then quotes Proverbs 3:11: 'do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you.' Discipline is evidence of sonship, not rejection. Knowing this prevents the eklyō that comes from misreading suffering as abandonment.

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary (eklyō) and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart (eklyō) when he rebukes you.'
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Matthew 15:32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.'
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

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