Brief Overview of αἴρω (G142)

The Greek word αἴρω (airō) generally means “to lift up,” “to take away,” or “to raise.” It is used in various contexts in the New Testament to denote actions such as lifting up objects, taking away something, or metaphorically raising something to a higher level. The term can also imply removing or taking away in a figurative sense.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G142 αἴρω (airō): Strong’s defines this term as “to lift up,” “to take away,” or “to raise.” The verb is used in different contexts, including physically lifting or taking something away (e.g., Matthew 9:6; John 11:41), as well as metaphorically raising or removing (e.g., John 1:29; John 2:19). The term covers a broad range of actions from physical lifting to figurative removal.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἴρω means “to lift up,” “to take away,” or “to raise.” Thayer’s details various uses, including lifting or carrying something physically (e.g., John 11:41), taking away or removing something (e.g., John 1:29), and metaphorically raising something to a higher state or position (e.g., John 2:19). The lexicon emphasizes the verb’s versatility in both literal and figurative senses.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB describes αἴρω as “to lift up,” “to carry,” “to take away,” or “to remove.” It highlights the term’s application in physical actions, such as lifting or carrying (e.g., Matthew 9:6), as well as in figurative contexts, where it involves taking away or removing (e.g., John 1:29). BDB’s explanation aligns with Strong’s in covering both literal and metaphorical uses.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon provides a comprehensive definition of αἴρω, including “to lift up,” “to take away,” “to raise,” and “to remove.” It notes the term’s use in classical and New Testament Greek to describe various actions, from physically lifting or raising objects to removing or taking away in a figurative sense (e.g., John 2:19; John 11:41). The LSJ emphasizes the word’s broad application.

In summary, αἴρω encompasses a range of meanings including lifting up, taking away, or raising, applicable in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the New Testament.