Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Exodus”
The biblical word “Exodus” traces back to Greek (exodos (ἔξοδος)), where it meant “A departure, going out, journey away; a mass departure or migration”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The second book of the Bible; any mass departure or emigration”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Greek
Greekexodos (ἔξοδος)A departure, going out, journey away; a mass departure or migration
Greek exodos from ex- (out) + hodos (way, path). Used by Septuagint translators for the Hebrew departure of Israel from Egypt (Shemot in Hebrew).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinexodusThe departure of the Israelites from Egypt; the second book of the Bible
Latin exodus from Greek exodos. The Latin Vulgate called the second book Exodus (the going out). The event narrates liberation from slavery and covenant formation at Sinai.
Modern English
EnglishexodusThe second book of the Bible; any mass departure or emigration
From Latin exodus and Greek exodos. Biblical Exodus narrates the 40-year wilderness journey (13c BC traditionally dated). Modern usage extends to any significant mass departure.