Brief Overview of ἐξέραμα (Strong’s G1829: exerama)

Introduction

Understanding the Greek words used in Biblical texts is essential for interpreting their deeper meanings and nuances. The Greek word ἐξέραμα (exerama) is particularly significant due to its vivid imagery and usage, often evoking a sense of violent expulsion or intense rejection. This term provides key insights into the New Testament’s expression of rejection or forceful removal, as well as into ancient Greek culture, where such language was used to convey strong emotional or physical actions.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐξέραμα, transliterated as exerama [ex-ER-ah-ma]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and the verb ἐράω (erao, “to vomit” or “to spew”), suggesting a forceful ejection or expulsion.
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter); its form suggests it may function as an accusative or nominative depending on its usage in a sentence.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Vomit or something vomited.
• Expulsion or ejection, often with force or intensity.
• Figurative usage: Strong rejection or disapproval.

Similar Words: ἔμετος (emetos) [EM-eh-tos] – While both ἔμετος and ἐξέραμα refer to vomit, ἔμετος is often used in a more literal, medical sense, whereas ἐξέραμα tends to carry stronger connotations of forceful ejection, often with a figurative application to express intense rejection or expulsion.

Further Insights: The word ἐξέραμα carries a powerful connotation of violent ejection or expulsion. In the context of the New Testament and other ancient Greek writings, it often symbolizes rejection or removal, not just in the physical sense but also metaphorically, as in the rejection of ideas, people, or actions deemed unacceptable. This term highlights the intensity of the action or feeling associated with the word.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ἐξέραμα as “vomit,” emphasizing its usage in contexts where the expulsion is not just physical but also metaphorical, reflecting intense disapproval or rejection.

Thayers: Defines ἐξέραμα as “something that is vomited,” underscoring its literal and figurative senses. It is often used to convey an extreme reaction of distaste or repulsion.

Vines: Discusses ἐξέραμα in terms of its application in describing intense ejection or rejection, both literally (as in vomit) and figuratively (as in rejection or disapproval).

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LSJ: Lists ἐξέραμα as “vomit,” commonly used in classical Greek to describe literal vomiting or, in a metaphorical sense, to indicate rejection or intense expulsion.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides the definition of ἐξέραμα as “vomit,” linking it to contexts where forceful ejection or expulsion is implied, often used figuratively to suggest strong disapproval or rejection.

Related Scripture References

• Revelation 3:16: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew [ἐξέραμα] thee out of my mouth.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐξέραμα (G1829: exerama)

The Greek word ἐξέραμα (Strong’s G1829) is a noun meaning “vomit” or “something vomited.” It can imply a literal act of vomiting or be used metaphorically to indicate intense rejection or expulsion. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where strong rejection or disapproval is expressed. The word is also found in classical Greek literature, where it is used both in a literal sense and metaphorically to express intense repulsion or the need to expel something unwanted.

Did You Know?

The Greek word ἐξέραμα is closely associated with intense emotional reactions in both philosophical and medical texts. For example, Aristotle used the term metaphorically in his Rhetoric to describe the rejection of unconvincing arguments, while Hippocrates applied it literally in discussing the body’s natural expulsion of toxins.