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G1856 · Greek · New Testament
ἐξωθέω
Exotheo
Verb
To drive out, thrust away, push forth

Definition

The Greek verb exotheo (ἐξωθέω) means to drive out, thrust away, or push forth. It appears twice in the New Testament — in Acts 7:45 (God driving out nations before Israel) and Acts 27:39 (sailors attempting to drive the ship onto the beach). The word is physically vivid: a forcible pushing or thrusting.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Acts 7:45, Stephen's speech uses exotheo to describe God's sovereign displacement of the Canaanite nations before Israel — the same Hebrew concept as yarash (to dispossess). This sovereign expulsion theology underpins the entire conquest narrative: God's people advance not by their own military might but because God drives out what opposes His purposes. The same forceful advance characterizes the Kingdom of God in the New Testament.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 7:45
God drave out before the face of our fathers.
Acts 27:39
They discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
Exodus 33:2
And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite.
Matthew 12:28
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Joshua 24:12
And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you.

Related Words

External Resources

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