Brief Overview of αἱρετίζω (Strong’s G140:)

The Greek word αἱρετίζω (hairetizō) means “to make a choice” or “to cause to choose.” It is used in the New Testament to describe the act of choosing or persuading someone to make a choice. It conveys the idea of influencing or leading someone to a particular decision or belief.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G140 αἱρετίζω (hairetizō): Strong’s defines this term as “to choose” or “to cause to choose.” The verb is used in a limited number of passages in the New Testament to describe the act of influencing someone to make a choice or to lead them to adopt a certain position (e.g., Acts 5:36). The emphasis is on the process of persuasion or influence leading to a decision.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἱρετίζω means “to cause to choose” or “to lead to a choice.” Thayer’s notes that it involves the act of influencing or persuading someone to make a particular choice, especially in a religious or ideological context. This includes guiding someone toward a certain belief or decision (e.g., Acts 5:36-37), reflecting its use in the context of persuasion and influence.

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

• BDB provides a concise definition of αἱρετίζω as “to choose” or “to persuade to choose.” The lexicon emphasizes its role in causing or leading someone to make a decision, particularly in a context where influence or persuasion is involved. The term is used less frequently but underscores the process of guiding someone’s choice (e.g., Acts 5:36-37).

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

• The LSJ Lexicon describes αἱρετίζω as “to lead to a choice” or “to persuade.” It highlights its use in Greek literature and the New Testament to denote the action of influencing someone to adopt a particular choice or belief. The term is associated with persuasion and the process of guiding decisions (e.g., Acts 5:36-37).

In summary, αἱρετίζω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of causing or persuading someone to make a choice, reflecting its role in influencing decisions or beliefs.