what does exodus mean

Exodus basically means “a going out” or “departure,” especially when a lot of people leave a place at once.

Core meaning

• The word comes from Greek exodos , built from “ex-” (out of) and “hodos” (way/road), so it literally means “the way out” or “going out.”

• In general English, an exodus is when many people leave a place at the same time, like a mass migration or big crowd departure.

Biblical and religious sense

• Exodus is the name of the second book of the Bible, which tells how the people of Israel were freed from slavery in Egypt and left under Moses’ leadership.

• In that context, “Exodus” refers to their dramatic escape or “way out” from oppression, crossing the sea and journeying toward the promised land.

Symbolic or metaphorical use

• People also use “exodus” figuratively for any big move from one situation to another, especially leaving something harmful or restrictive (for example, “an exodus from poverty” or “an exodus from a toxic workplace”).

• In religious writings, it can symbolize a path out of bondage or injustice, through struggle, into a better and freer life.

In short: “Exodus” means a large-scale departure, and in the Bible it names the story of Israel’s deliverance and journey out of Egypt.