Strong's g1561

Pronunciation Guide: ek-do-KHĒ (the ‘ch’ is pronounced like in the Scottish ‘loch’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1561: The Greek word ἐκδοχή (ekdochē) fundamentally means “expectation” or “the act of waiting for something.” In its biblical context, it specifically refers to a fearful anticipation or expectation of something to come, particularly divine judgment. This powerful term conveys the psychological and spiritual state of one who waits with certainty for an inevitable outcome.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from the verb ἐκδέχομαι (ekdechomai, G1551) meaning “to await, expect”
• Compound word: ἐκ (ek, “out of, from”) + δέχομαι (dechomai, “to receive, accept”)
• Primarily used in didactic/teaching contexts
• Rare in New Testament literature (hapax legomenon – appears only once)
• Used in contexts of eschatological judgment

ἐκδοχή Morphology:

• ἐκδοχή (nominative singular) – expectation
• ἐκδοχῆς (genitive singular) – of expectation
• ἐκδοχῇ (dative singular) – in/with expectation
• ἐκδοχήν (accusative singular) – expectation (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἐκδοχή emerges from classical Greek literature where it generally referred to a “receiving from” or “succession.” In works like Polybius’ “Histories” (2nd century BCE), it could indicate the reception of a tradition or the succession of events. The term evolved semantically over time, with its compounded elements (ἐκ + δέχομαι) strengthening its meaning toward “expectation” or “anticipation.”

In the Septuagint (LXX), the related verb form ἐκδέχομαι appears in contexts of patient waiting, such as in Job 2:9 where Job’s wife speaks of his persistent hope despite suffering. By the time of the New Testament, this word family had developed strong connotations of expectation with certainty—waiting for something one knows will inevitably come. The particular noun form ἐκδοχή is rare, appearing only once in the New Testament, giving it special significance in the context of Hebrews 10:27.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A fearful anticipation or expectation (especially of judgment)
• The act of waiting for something with certainty
• A reception or receiving from another
• A succession or sequence of events

ἐκδοχή Translation Options:

• Expectation – captures the core meaning of anticipating something to come
• Fearful waiting – emphasizes the emotional component present in Hebrews 10:27
• Certain anticipation – highlights the inevitability aspect of the term
• Dreadful prospect – conveys both the future orientation and the negative emotional context
• Impending reception – connects to the etymological roots of “receiving from”

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἐκδοχή appears exclusively in Hebrews 10:27, where it describes the terrifying expectation of judgment awaiting those who deliberately continue in sin after receiving knowledge of the truth. This singular usage gives the term profound theological weight, as it occurs in a passage warning believers about the severity of turning away from the Messiah after having known Him. The author of Hebrews employs this term to convey the psychological and spiritual state of one who stands under divine judgment—a state of fearful anticipation knowing that consequences are certain.

While the exact noun form ἐκδοχή is rare, related forms from the same word family appear elsewhere in Scripture, particularly the verb ἐκδέχομαι, which occurs in contexts of patient waiting for divine promises or judgment.

• “but a certain fearful expectation [ἐκδοχή] of judgment and fiery indignation, which will devour the adversaries.” Hebrews 10:27

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of waiting for judgment carried significant cultural weight. Greek and Roman legal systems often involved periods of waiting between accusation and judgment—a time of anxiety and uncertainty for the accused. The Jewish audience of Hebrews would have been familiar with the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) traditions, where atonement was sought annually for sins. The author of Hebrews leverages this cultural understanding to emphasize that rejection of the Messiah’s once-for-all sacrifice leaves one in a permanent state of ἐκδοχή—fearful waiting for judgment without hope of atonement.

The term also resonates with Second Temple Jewish apocalyptic literature, which frequently described the coming Day of יהוה (Yahweh) as a time of judgment that the righteous awaited with hope but the wicked with dread. This dualistic expectation—hope for the faithful, terror for the unfaithful—forms the background against which the author of Hebrews employs this powerful term. The singular usage of ἐκδοχή in the New Testament heightens its dramatic impact, marking it as a word chosen with deliberate theological precision.

Theological Significance

The theological gravity of ἐκδοχή in Hebrews 10:27 cannot be overstated. It stands as a somber reminder of God’s holiness and justice—attributes that demand response to His truth. The term illuminates the reality that knowledge of God’s truth brings accountability, and rejection of that truth places one in a position of fearful expectation. This reflects the biblical principle that greater revelation brings greater responsibility.

At the same time, ἐκδοχή indirectly highlights the magnificence of God’s grace through the Messiah. The entire context of Hebrews emphasizes that because of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) perfect sacrifice, believers need not live in this state of fearful expectation. The warning serves to magnify the precious gift of salvation—those who embrace the Messiah’s sacrifice can replace ἐκδοχή (fearful expectation) with παρρησία (confident assurance) mentioned just verses earlier in Hebrews 10:19. This juxtaposition reveals the heart of the gospel: God’s righteousness and justice are satisfied in the Messiah, transforming our relationship with Him from one of dread to one of confident approach.

Personal Application

The concept of ἐκδοχή invites us to examine our own spiritual positioning. Do we live in fearful expectation of judgment, or in the confident assurance that comes through faith in the Messiah? This single word challenges us to consider the consequences of our response to God’s truth. For those who have embraced the Messiah, it serves as a reminder of what we have been saved from—a state of terrifying anticipation has been replaced with peaceful confidence.

In our daily walk, this understanding can transform how we approach moments of conviction and correction. Rather than seeing God’s discipline as punishment to be feared, we can receive it as the loving guidance of a Father who has already removed the threat of final judgment through His Son. The stark contrast between ἐκδοχή and the believer’s position of grace empowers us to live not from fear but from love and gratitude.

Related Words

• προσδοκία (prosdokia, pros-do-KEE-ah) – expectation, anticipation, looking for; often used for general expectations without the specific connotation of fear attached to ἐκδοχή. See G4329
• ἀναμονή (anamonē, ah-nah-mo-NAY) – a waiting for, expectation; emphasizes the patient aspect of waiting rather than the fearful element. See G362
• ἐλπίς (elpis, el-PEES) – hope, expectation; contrasts with ἐκδοχή by typically carrying positive connotations of joyful anticipation rather than dread. See G1680
• φόβος (phobos, FOH-bos) – fear, terror; complements ἐκδοχή by explicitly naming the emotional state implied in the fearful expectation. See G5401
• κρίσις (krisis, KREE-sis) – judgment, decision; identifies the object of the fearful expectation expressed by ἐκδοχή. See G2920

Did you Know?

• Did you know that ἐκδοχή is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament? This means it appears only once in the entire Greek New Testament, specifically in Hebrews 10:27. This single occurrence gives the word special significance and has led scholars to carefully analyze its precise meaning and why the author chose this particular term instead of more common words for expectation.
• Did you know that the concept behind ἐκδοχή appears in modern Greek psychological literature? The term has evolved to describe a state of anticipatory anxiety—a psychological condition where one experiences heightened fear when anticipating a negative event. This modern usage maintains remarkable continuity with its ancient biblical context, where it described the psychological state of those awaiting divine judgment.
• Did you know that the root word δέχομαι (dechomai) from which ἐκδοχή derives is used in the Passover tradition? In the context of Jewish households preparing for Passover, they would “receive” (δέχομαι) the lamb that would be sacrificed. This connection adds poignancy to the use of ἐκδοχή in Hebrews, a book that emphasizes Yeshua (Jesus) as the ultimate Passover lamb. Those who reject this sacrifice are left in a state of ἐκδοχή—fearfully waiting for judgment instead of receiving salvation.

Remember This

ἐκδοχή encapsulates the profound spiritual reality that our response to God’s truth determines whether we live in fearful expectation of judgment or joyful anticipation of glory—there is no neutral ground in our relationship with the Divine.