Original Word: ἔξεστι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: exesti
Pronunciation: ek'-es-tee
Phonetic Spelling: (ex'-es-tee)
KJV: be lawful, let, X may(-est)
NASB: lawful, may, permitted, permissible
Word Origin: [third person singular present indicative of a compound of G1537 (ἐκ - among) and G1510 (εἰμί - am), so also exon ex-on' neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of G1510 (εἰμί - am) expressed)]

1. impersonally, it is right (through the figurative idea of being out in public)

so also

Third person singular present indicative of a compound of ek and eimi; so also exon ex-on' neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of eimi expressed); impersonally, it is right (through the figurative idea of being out in public) -- be lawful, let, X may(-est).

see GREEK ek

see GREEK eimi

see GREEK eimi

Word Origin
from ek and eimi
Definition
it is permitted, lawful
NASB Translation
lawful (26), may (3), permissible (1), permitted (2).

STRONGS NT 1832: ἔξεστι

ἔξεστι, an impersonal verb (from the unused ἔξειμι), it is lawful;

a. followed by the present infinitive: Matthew 12:2, 10 (Tdf. infinitive aorist), ; ; Luke 6:2 (R G T); (L T Tr WH infinitive aorist); with the aorist infinitive: Matt. ( L T); ; Mark 3:4; Mark 12:14; Luke 6:9; Acts 2:29 (ἐξόν εἰπεῖν scil. ἔστω, allow me (others supply ἐστι, Buttmann, 318 (273); Winer's Grammar, § 64, I. 2 a., cf. § 2, 1 d.)); with the infinitive omitted because readily suggested by the context, Mark 2:24 and Rec. in Acts 8:37.

b. followed by the dative of person and a present infinitive: Mark 6:18; Acts 16:21; Acts 22:25; and an aorist infinitive: Matthew 19:3 (L T WH omit the dative); Matthew 20:15; Mark 2:26 (R G L Tr text); Mark 10:2; Luke 20:22 R G L; John 5:10; John 18:31; Acts 21:37; ἐξόν ἦν, Matthew 12:4; ἅ οὐκ ἐξόν, namely, ἐστι, 2 Corinthians 12:4; with the infinitive omitted, as being evident from the context: πάντα (μοι) ἔξεστιν, namely, ποιεῖν, 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23.

c. followed by the accusative and infinitive: Luke 6:4; Luke 20:22 T Tr WH; so here and there even in classic writings; cf. Rost § 127 Anm. 2; Kühner, § 475 Anm. 2; (Buttmann, § 142, 2).

STRONGS NT 1832: ἐξόνἐξόν, see ἔξεστι.

Overview of Permitted and Lawful Action

Strong’s Greek 1832 conveys what is allowed—whether by divine command, Mosaic precept, civil statute, or apostolic counsel. The verb frames thirty-two New Testament moments where the question “Is it lawful?” exposes human motives, clarifies God’s purposes, and delineates the boundary between true righteousness and mere legality.

Old Testament and Intertestamental Backdrop

The Septuagint frequently uses the cognate to render Hebrew phrases such as “it shall be lawful for him” (for example, in Deuteronomy 23:23), preparing Greek-speaking Jews to think of lawfulness both theologically and judicially. By the first century the term could apply to Torah obligations, synagogue custom, or Roman jurisprudence, setting the stage for the Gospel writers and Paul.

Sabbath Controversies and Works of Mercy

Matthew 12, Mark 2–3, and Luke 6 present parallel incidents in which religious leaders indict Jesus’ disciples for plucking grain and Jesus Himself for healing. Each narrative pivots on the query, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath…?” (Luke 6:9). Jesus answers with Scripture (David eating consecrated bread) and with compassionate deed, showing that the Sabbath points to restoration rather than restriction. He concludes, “So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:12). The word thus becomes a litmus test revealing whether hearts grasp God’s intent behind His law.

Marriage, Divorce, and Sexual Ethics

In Matthew 19:3 and Mark 10:2, the Pharisees probe, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” Jesus roots permissible action not in Deuteronomy’s concession but in Genesis’ creation order. By redefining what is truly lawful, He elevates marriage from contractual convenience to covenantal permanence. The Pauline echoes in 1 Corinthians 6:12 underscore that bodily autonomy must surrender to the Lordship of Christ: “All things are lawful for me,” but only within the limits of edification and holiness.

Property, Generosity, and Stewardship

The owner in Matthew 20:15 asserts, “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own money?” While affirming property rights, the parable reveals a higher economy of grace that transcends human calculations of fairness. Here lawfulness is not negated but overshadowed by divine generosity.

Taxes and Civil Allegiance

The disciples of the Pharisees and the Herodians ask, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Matthew 22:17; Mark 12:14; Luke 20:22). Jesus replies, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The term bridges two jurisdictions—earthly and heavenly—affirming civic duty without compromising worship. Acts 16:21 shows the flip side: civic authorities indict Paul and Silas for “practices that are not lawful for us Romans.” The word thus marks the tension believers sometimes face between gospel proclamation and prevailing statutes.

Judicial Proceedings and Human Rights

John 18:31 records Pilate’s dismissal, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your own law.” The Jews answer, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” The vocabulary exposes Rome’s monopoly on capital punishment and underscores that Christ’s crucifixion, though illegal in Jewish eyes, proceeds under Roman sanction, fulfilling prophecy. Acts 22:25 reprises the term when Paul asserts his right as a Roman citizen: “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” The question protects him and advances the gospel to Rome.

Temple and Sacrificial Concerns

Matthew 27:6 reveals priestly scruples: “It is not lawful to put [the thirty pieces of silver] into the treasury, since it is blood money.” Ironically, they uphold ritual law while violating its moral core. Acts 2:29, by contrast, uses the term positively: Peter declares it “lawful to speak” of David’s tomb, affirming apostolic freedom to interpret Scripture publicly.

Christian Liberty in Corinth

Twice in both 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 10:23 Paul quotes a Corinthian slogan, “All things are lawful,” then counters, “but not all things are beneficial” and “not all things build up.” Lawfulness apart from love descends into license. The Spirit-guided conscience must evaluate not only whether an act is permitted but whether it glorifies God and edifies others.

Heavenly Mysteries and Reverent Silence

Paul, caught up to Paradise, “heard inexpressible words, things that man is not permitted to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:4). Here the term sets a boundary around revelation: some truths remain beyond lawful disclosure, reminding ministers to respect God’s timing and limits.

Historical and Ministry Significance

1. Discernment over mere permission: Every occurrence presses the reader to move from external compliance to heart-level obedience.
2. Balance of freedom and responsibility: The Corinthian passages shape Christian ethics, counseling believers that grace does not abolish moral constraints.
3. Witness amid hostile systems: Acts shows how asserting lawful rights can further gospel advance without compromising meekness.
4. Pastoral care on contentious issues: Whether Sabbath observance, divorce, or cultural practices, the term equips shepherds to lead believers back to Scripture’s intent.
5. Christological climax: Jesus, though confronting “Is it lawful?” questions, ultimately fulfills the law and secures true freedom for His people.

Summary

Strong’s 1832 threads through legal debates, moral dilemmas, and gospel proclamation to reveal that in Christ the question shifts from “Is it permitted?” to “Does it please the Lord?” Properly understood, what is lawful becomes a servant of love, truth, and mission until “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free” (Romans 8:2).

έξεστι έξεστί εξεστιν έξεστιν ἔξεστιν ἔξεστίν εξον εξόν ἐξὸν exestin éxestin éxestín exon exònInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts