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G1612 · Greek · New Testament
ἐκστρέφω
Ekstrepho
Verb
To pervert, twist, corrupt, turn inside out

Definition

The Greek verb ekstrepho is a compound of ek (out) and strepho (to turn), meaning to turn inside out, pervert, or corrupt. It appears only once in the NT (Titus 3:11), describing a divisive, factious person as one who is "warped" — turned inside out spiritually and morally.

Usage & Theological Significance

Titus 3:11 warns about the "divisive person" (hairetikos anthropos) who has been corrected twice but refuses to repent: such a person is ekstrepho — perverted, warped. This is not a surface failure but a fundamental corruption of character. The verb captures the tragedy of deliberate, persisted-in sin: it twists the person inside out, inverting what God designed. Paul connects this with self-condemnation — the divisive person judges themselves by their own continued rebellion. The warning to Titus places the protection of church unity and doctrinal health at the center of pastoral responsibility.

Key Bible Verses

Titus 3:11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.
2 Timothy 3:8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds.
Galatians 1:7 Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Related Words

External Resources

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