ἐξηγέομαι
exēgéomai
G1834 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To set forth, relate in detail, explain; in the core sense, to lead out or bring forth an account or description, with the primary meaning of expounding, interpreting, or narrating at length. Frequently used for recounting events or explaining meanings, particularly in formal or authoritative contexts; also used for interpreting words, dreams, or law.
Semantic Range
to set forth, to narrate in detail, to explain, to interpret, to expound, to declare, to recount authoritatively, to relate, to unfold meaning
Root / Etymology
From ἐκ (out of, from) and ἡγέομαι (to lead, to guide, to think), literally 'to lead out.' The verb thus conveys the act of leading information or understanding out into the open, i.e., narrating or explaining. Related to the noun ἐξηγητής ('interpreter').
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus, Plato) in the sense of 'to relate in detail,' 'to recount,' or 'to expound.' Used in the Hellenistic and Koine periods for acts of interpretation, especially religious or legal explanation. In the Septuagint, often used to render concepts of interpretation or detailed narration; in the New Testament, found in contexts where authoritative declaration or interpretation is needed (e.g., Lk 24:35, Jn 1:18). Remains more formal or official than verbs like λέγω ('say, speak') or διηγοῦμαι ('relate, describe'), typically conveying the sense of an informed or authoritative unfolding of meaning. Standard translations like 'declare' or 'tell' can flatten its nuance; it often carries implications of interpretation and thorough explanation beyond simple reporting.
Translation Consistency
"Explain" is a natural, widely understood verb that covers the primary semantic range of ἐξηγέομαι — to set forth, expound, interpret, and relate in detail. It handles both narrative recounting in a formal, authoritative way and the act of interpreting or unfolding meaning (words, dreams, law), so it provides consistent, idiomatic rendering across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and ἡγέομαι; to consider out (aloud), i.e. rehearse, unfold:--declare, tell.
Root Family
ἡγ- (exēgéomai) — to lead, to guide, to consider
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G2233 | ἡγέομαι | to lead or consider |
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1834-03 |
ἐξηγήσατο | exegesato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
has declared | he set forth in detail | he explained in detail | 2 |
G1834-01 |
ἐξηγεῖτο | exegeito | V IMPF MID IND 3P SG |
he related | he was expounding | he was relating | 1 |
G1834-02 |
ἐξηγησάμενος | exegesamenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
having explained | having set forth in detail | having explained | 1 |
G1834-04 |
ἐξηγουμένων | exegoumenon | V PRS MID PTCP GEN M PL |
as they were relating | of those explaining | as they were relating | 1 |
G1834-05 |
ἐξηγοῦντο | exegounto | V IMPF MID IND 3P PL |
told | they were expounding | they were expounding | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1834-05 |
Luke 24:35 | ἐξηγοῦντο | exegounto | V IMPF MID IND 3P PL |
told | they were expounding | they were expounding |
G1834-03 |
John 1:18 | ἐξηγήσατο | exegesato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
has made known | he set forth in detail | he explained in detail |
G1834-02 |
Acts 10:8 | ἐξηγησάμενος | exegesamenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
having explained | having set forth in detail | having explained |
G1834-04 |
Acts 15:12 | ἐξηγουμένων | exegoumenon | V PRS MID PTCP GEN M PL |
as they were relating | of those explaining | as they were relating |
G1834-03 |
Acts 15:14 | ἐξηγήσατο | exegesato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
has declared | he set forth in detail | he explained in detail |
G1834-01 |
Acts 21:19 | ἐξηγεῖτο | exegeito | V IMPF MID IND 3P SG |
he related | he was expounding | he was relating |