[Greek] φεύγω (pheugō), [Latin] fugere, [Latin] recedere, [Latin] transire, [Latin] profugere, [French] refugier, [German] fliehen: to flee, to escape, to run away, to shun, to seek safety, to vanish, to avoid, to seek flight, be a fugitive; Mt.24:16, Heb.12:25, Heb.11:34, Rev.16:20, 1Cor.6:15, 2Tim. 2:22, Rev.12:13, 1Cor.13:8
The galley slave Ben Hur, through an act of bravery, gains his freedom
Background Information:
Secular Greek: This term primarily takes on the sense of fleeing (escaping) from someone or something dangerous, and from the authorities. Such examples may include running from wild animals, poisonous snakes, deadly plagues, or attacking enemies. The object of danger may also be presented in literal (slavery) or metaphorical (evil) forms.
Runaway slaves: This example is perhaps best illustrated by the runaway Greek (or Roman) slave escaping from his keeper (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, phuego”, meaning “Stop me, I am a runaway slave.” This method was used to ensure the escaped slave’s return. In the famous movie, the galley slave Ben-Hur, through an act of bravery, escapes from his bondage and regains his freedom, becoming a champion charioteer.
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 takes on the sense of fleeing, escaping, and avoiding. Revelations provides another dimension in the sense of disappearing or becoming invisible. This term, often presented in the present tense, indicates the continual need of action. Quite often, the objects to be avoided are presented as metaphors and tangible realities. Such examples include temptation, immorality, and vices.
Scripture:
“Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.” Mt.24:16
This involves physically leaving a location in response to a crisis.
“See that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much more in our case if we turn away the one who warns from heaven.” Heb.12:25
In this context, there is not really much difference between rejecting and escaping. Both lead to dire consequences. Rejecting the voice of Christ will lead to more serious consequences.
“So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity and heart.” 2 Tim. 2:22
These youthful desires may involve material desires, carnal desires, selfish desires, vices, and immorality.
“For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.” 1Tim.6:10-11
Paul tell is Timothy, a minister, to avoid the pursuit of riches. This idea strays from the gospel message of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Fugitive, refuge, transit, refugee, flee, recede
It was interesting to note, that for such a cosmopolitan Greco-Roman culture, this term essentially referred to the simple notion of escaping. This immediately comes to mind past epic movies. Perhaps it’s Charlton Heston as Ben Hur or Kirk Douglas as Spartacus.
I was surprised that the Old Testament culture did not use this term in the criminal or legal sense, but primarily in the moral sense. Perhaps, this was due to its simpler culture, relying on God.
This moral sense continues in the New Testament culture, where one is warned about being lead into temptation. I thought it was very telling that Paul needed to warn Timothy, a leader in ministry, about the allure of wealth. In as sense, Jesus is telling Timothy to “run away” from this temptation! Yet, in our current culture, there are some preachers and ministers who preach the “wealth and prosperity gospel message.” Therefore, many people in the pews now equate prosperity with “financial blessings.” I do not think Jesus was talking about financial “blessings!” I think this detracts from Jesus’ message of accumulating spiritual treasures.