ἔσωθεν
ésōthen
G2081 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
From within, on the inside. The term primarily indicates an origin or position from the interior of a space, person, or object—whether literally (from inside a physical boundary) or figuratively (interiorly, inwardly, with reference to thoughts, motives, or the inner nature). In certain contexts, it can denote what exists or proceeds from within rather than from without.
Semantic Range
from within, on the inside, inwardly, interiorly, internally, from the interior, as opposed to outside
Root / Etymology
Adverb derived from ἔσω ('inside, within') with the suffix -θεν denoting origin or source, hence 'from inside.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἔσωθεν is used in Koine Greek, including the New Testament and Septuagint, to mark position, direction, or source on the interior side of a boundary, often contrasted with ἔξωθεν ('from without, outside'). Frequently functions both literally (e.g., from inside a tomb, room, or vessel) and figuratively (e.g., inner thoughts, spiritual interiority). In Hellenistic and early Christian writings, it can reference ethical or moral interiority—what is inward or hidden as opposed to external behavior. Standard English translations often render as 'within,' 'from within,' or 'inwardly,' but sometimes obscure the contrast with external/visible reality. Attested also in some papyri and non-biblical Koine contexts. The formation with -θεν as a marker of origin parallels other adverbial forms (e.g., ἄνωθεν, 'from above').
Translation Consistency
Most common and natural rendering in the P2 data and in English Bibles; covers literal and figurative senses ('from within,' 'on the inside,' 'inwardly') and reads smoothly in all contexts, so using 'within' yields consistent, idiomatic translations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἔσω; from inside; also used as equivalent to ἔσω (inside):--inward(-ly), (from) within, without.
Root Family
ἔσω- (ésōthen) — inside, within, from inside
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G2082 | ἐσώτερος | the more inward (feminine singular accusative) |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2081-01 |
ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inside | from within | from within | 12 |
Occurrences in Scripture
12 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2081-01 |
Matthew 7:15 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inwardly | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Matthew 23:25 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inside | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Matthew 23:27 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inside | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Matthew 23:28 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
within | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Mark 7:21 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
from within | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Mark 7:23 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
from within | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Luke 11:7 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
from inside | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Luke 11:39 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inside | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Luke 11:40 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inside | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
2 Corinthians 7:5 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
within | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Revelation 4:8 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inside | from within | from within |
G2081-01 |
Revelation 5:1 | ἔσωθεν | esothen | ADV |
inside | from within | from within |