Ekballo

Ekballo

The term "ekballo" (ἐκβάλλω) in the Greek New Testament is a compound word derived from "ek" (ἐκ), meaning "out of," and "ballo" (βάλλω), meaning "to throw" or "cast." It is often translated as "to send out," "to cast out," or "to drive out."

Key Uses in the New Testament:

1. Casting out demons:

   • One of the most common uses of ekballo is in reference to Jesus' ministry of exorcism, where He drives out demons.

   • Example:
     Matthew 9:38 "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out (ἐκβάλλῃ) workers into his harvest field."

     • Here, the term reflects a sense of urgency and divine commissioning.

2. Expelling or removing:

   • Refers to physically or metaphorically removing someone or something.

   • Example:
     John 2:15: Jesus drives out (ἐξέβαλεν) the merchants from the temple.

3. Sending forth laborers:

   • Used figuratively to describe sending workers into the harvest, often with a connotation of divine purpose and mission.

   • Example:
     Matthew 9:38: Jesus urges His disciples to pray that workers will be "sent out" (ἐκβάλλῃ) into the harvest field.

4. Casting judgment:

   • Sometimes refers to God’s judgment or rejection, as in casting someone out from a position or place.

   • Example:
     John 12:31: "Now the prince of this world will be cast out" (ἐκβληθήσεται).

Implications of "Ekballo":

• The word often carries a forceful connotation, whether referring to expelling demons or urgently sending workers into the mission field. It suggests not just a gentle "sending," but an authoritative, powerful action by God.