Brief Overview of ἐξαιρέω (Strong’s G1807: exaireō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for deepening one’s grasp of Biblical texts. The Greek word ἐξαιρέω (exaireō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of removing, rescuing, or delivering from a difficult situation. This word appears in various contexts in the New Testament, often highlighting God’s intervention to save or deliver His people. It is also notable in ancient Greek literature, where it was used to express physical removal or extracting something from a specific place.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐξαιρέω (exaireō) [eks-ai-REH-o]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and αἱρέω (haireō), meaning “to take” or “to choose.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; appears primarily in the middle and passive voices.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To remove or take out.
• To rescue or deliver from danger.
• To select or choose out.

Similar Words: ἁρπάζω (harpazō) [har-PAH-zo], meaning “to seize” or “to snatch away.” While both ἐξαιρέω and ἁρπάζω can denote removing or taking away, ἁρπάζω often implies forceful or sudden action, whereas ἐξαιρέω is more nuanced, indicating careful removal or a deliberate act of rescue or deliverance.

Further Insights: ἐξαιρέω is a compound verb that combines the prefix ἐκ- (“out of”) with αἱρέω (“to take” or “to choose”), adding a sense of deliberate action in taking out or rescuing. It appears in various forms in the New Testament, usually in the middle or passive voices, emphasizing the subject’s experience of being delivered or rescued.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Highlights ἐξαιρέω as “to take out” or “to remove,” often in contexts of deliverance from danger or difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the protective or rescuing nature of the action.
Thayer’s: Defines ἐξαιρέω as “to take out” or “to deliver,” frequently used in the New Testament to denote rescue from harm, distress, or oppressive situations.
Vines: Notes that ἐξαιρέω primarily appears in contexts where God or a divine figure intervenes to deliver or rescue individuals or groups from peril or bondage.
LSJ: Lists ἐξαιρέω as meaning “to take out,” with uses in both physical and metaphorical senses, including military contexts of withdrawing troops or extracting forces.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐξαιρέω (G1807) as “to take out” or “to pluck out,” and emphasizes its use in contexts involving divine rescue or deliverance.

Scripture References

• Acts 7:10 – “And delivered (ἐξαιρέω) him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt…”
• Acts 12:11 – “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered (ἐξαιρέω) me out of the hand of Herod…”
• Galatians 1:4 – “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver (ἐξαιρέω) us from this present evil world…”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐξαιρέω (G1807: exaireō)

The Greek word ἐξαιρέω (exaireō) carries significant meaning in both biblical and classical contexts, focusing on the action of taking out, rescuing, or delivering. In the New Testament, it is often associated with divine deliverance, where God intervenes to save His people from danger or distress. In classical literature, it describes similar acts of removing or withdrawing, often in military or strategic contexts. Understanding this word provides deeper insight into biblical themes of salvation, protection, and divine intervention.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Greek word ἐξαιρέω not only appears in New Testament scriptures but is also used in ancient Greek military contexts? This versatility in meaning—from divine rescue to strategic withdrawal—demonstrates the richness of the Greek language in conveying both literal and metaphorical actions of taking out or delivering.