The meaning of “ἔξεστι”
Understanding éxesti reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
third person singular present indicative of a compound of ἐκ and εἰμί be lawful, let, X may(-est). - so also neuter pres...
ἔξεστι
third person singular present indicative of a compound of ἐκ and εἰμί be lawful, let, X may(-est). - so also neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of εἰμί expressed) - impersonally, it is right (through the figurative idea of being out in public)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 14:4 | “For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.” Word: ἔξεστι (éxesti) | |
| Mark 6:18 | “For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” Word: ἔξεστι (éxesti) | |
| Luke 6:9 | “Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?” Word: ἔξεστι (éxesti) | |
| John 18:31 | “Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:” Word: ἔξεστι (éxesti) | |
| Acts 8:37 | “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Word: ἔξεστι (éxesti) |