Original Word: ἐγκαταλείπω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: egkataleipó
Pronunciation: eng-kat-al-i'-po
Phonetic Spelling: (eng-kat-al-i'-po)
Definition: To forsake, abandon, leave behind, desert
Meaning: I leave in the lurch, abandon (one who is in straits), desert.

Word Origin: From the preposition ἐν (en, "in") and καταλείπω (kataleipó, "to leave behind")

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - עזב (azab): Often translated as "forsake" or "abandon," this Hebrew verb carries similar connotations of leaving or deserting, particularly in the context of covenantal relationships (e.g., Deuteronomy 31:6).

Usage: The verb ἐγκαταλείπω conveys the action of leaving someone or something behind, often with the implication of abandonment or desertion. It is used in contexts where there is a sense of forsaking or neglecting, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In the New Testament, it often carries a negative connotation, highlighting the seriousness of abandonment, especially in relational or covenantal contexts.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, loyalty and fidelity were highly valued in familial, social, and religious contexts. Abandonment or desertion was seen as a breach of duty and trust. In the Jewish context, the covenant relationship between God and His people was central, and forsaking God was considered a grave sin. The use of ἐγκαταλείπω in the New Testament reflects these cultural values, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of forsaking one's commitments.

1459 egkataleípō (from 1722 /en, "in"; 2596 /katá, "down"; and 3007 /leípō, "to leave") – properly, left in a condition of lack ("without"); hence, to feel forsaken (helpless), like left in dire circumstances.

Word Origin
from en and kataleipó
Definition
to leave behind, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over or (in a bad sense) desert
NASB Translation
abandon (1), abandoned (1), deserted (2), forsake (1), forsaken (3), forsaking (1), left (1).

STRONGS NT 1459: ἐγκαταλείπω

ἐγκαταλείπω (Acts 2:27, 31, T WH ἐνκαταλείπω.; T also in Romans 9:29, see his note and cf. ἐν, III. 3); (imperfect ἐγκατελειπον (WH text in 2 Timothy 4:10, 16)); future ἐγκαταλείψω; 2 aorist ἐγκατέλιπον; passive (present ἐγκαταλείπομαι) 1 aorist ἐγκατελειφθην; the Sept. for עָזַב;

1. to abandon, desert (ἐν equivalent to ἐν τίνι, in some place or condition), i. e. to leave in straits, leave helpless, (colloquial, leave in the lurch): τινα, Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 from Psalm 21:2 (); Hebrews 13:5; passive 2 Corinthians 4:9; after the Hebrew עָזַב with לְ, τινα εἰς ᾅδου (or ᾅδην), by forsaking one to let hlm go into Hades, abandon unto Hades, Acts 2:27, 31 (not R). to desert, forsake: τινα, 2 Timothy 4:10, 16; τήν ἐπισυναγωγήν, Hebrews 10:25.

2. to leave behind among, to leave surviving: ἡμῖν σπέρμα, Romans 9:29 from Isaiah 1:9. (Hesiod, Works, 376; Thucydides, and following.)

forsake, leave.

From en and kataleipo; to leave behind in some place, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad sense) to desert -- forsake, leave.

see GREEK en

see GREEK kataleipo

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