[Greek] φεύγω (pheugō), [Latin] fugere, [Latin] recedere, [Latin] transire, [French] refugier, [German] fliehen: to flee, to escape, to run away, to vanish, to avoid, to be a fugitive; 33 scripture refences
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to flee, to go into exile, to escape, to shirk (from doing something), and to avoid.
Homer’s Iliad 18.307: “I verily will not flee from him out of dolorous war, but face to face will I stand against him.”
Euripides’ Medea 346: “I do not care if I myself go into exile. It is their experience of misfortune I weep for.”
Homer’s Iliad 23.645: “Did the reins haply slip from the charioteer?”
Homer’s Odyssey 1.12: “Many had escaped sheer destruction and were at home, safe from war and sea.”
Aristophanes’ Archarnians 203: “Freed from war and its ills, I shall keep the Dionysia feast in the country.”
Antiphon’s Against the Stepmother for Poisoning 1.13: The defense was anxious not to bring it into the light.”
Runaway slaves: This example is perhaps best illustrated by the runaway Greek (or Roman) slaves escaping from their keepers (authorities). There are actual historical records showing slave-owners branding a tattoo over the slave’s forehead. In the Greek culture, slaves would have such a tattoo saying, “katekhe me, pheugo”, meaning “Stop me, I am a runaway slave.”
Old Testament: This term is represented by 8 different Hebrew roots, meaning: flee, escape, depart, take flight, hasten, and go through. Interestingly, this term does involve a legal or criminal context, but rather a moral context. A Hebrew idiom, “departing unto their tents” refer to separation of the 10 tribes of Israel. A contemptuous insult or treacherous attack will drive away any friend (Sir.22:22). Flee from sin as a serpent (Sir.21:2). The wicked flee but none follow (Prov.28:1). The wind hurls itself at Job and sweeps him from his place (Job.27).
New Testament: This term means to flee, to escape, to avoid, and to disappear. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus flee to Egypt. The disciples repeatedly run away. Moses fled Egypt. Sailors abandon ship. Sheep run away from strangers. One must avoid idolatry, immorality, and youthful desires. Mountains disappear from sight. Death escapes those who are not able to die. One is warned to flee from the coming wrath. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Scripture:
“When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy Him.” Mt.2:13
The scripture fulfills Hosea’s prophecy that His son will come out of Egypt. Hos.11:1).
“Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body.” 1Cor.6:18
Paul expresses the intimacy and depth of sexual disorder, which violates the very orientation of our bodies.
“So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Jas. 4:7
Surrounding oneself under God’s protection can be a great way to resist the devil.
Conclusion:
Fugitive, refuge, transmit, refugee, flee, recede
In Greek Hellenism, this term is used extensively. Tattooing was an effective but cruel method for recapturing runaway slaves and prisoners. In some situations, an act of bravery could win a slave’s freedom. The movie Ben Hur comes to mind.
Egypt was the traditional place of refuge for those fleeing Palestine. It was interesting to discover that Paul calls immorality an inner sin (motivations and desires). Every other sin is outside the body. In this current culture, one has to be very careful about talking about immorality for fearing of being demonized, canceled, or attacked. One can even become addicted, becoming a slave (prisoner) to sin. This becomes a form of a self-delusion of freedom.
New Testament concept of freedom: Man attains self-control by letting himself be controlled by God. God provides a true liberation (freedom) from a deficient existence. (Talk about a profound contradiction!!) #GodIsInControl #Mindblown
It is important to note that one does not need to be fully possessed to be affected by the devil. The devil can act in much more subtle ways by distracting, confusing, and misleading.
Update: The Ukrainians are following the voice of President Zelenskyy in their valiant struggles for their country
We must continue to be mindful of the plight, fears, and worries of the exiled Ukrainians, who are escaping the destruction of their towns, cities, and villages.
The Russian citizens in a sense have become prisoners (held captive) by circumstances. They will have to bear the consequences of these sanctions imposed on Russia.
The Russian govt. is surely not anxious to bring the news of current events to the light of day to their citizens or the international community.
We cannot escape notice or forget about the intended and unintended consequences of the war in Ukraine.
Next post: forgetting and not knowing