Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for a deeper interpretation of the scriptures and the messages they convey. The Greek word ἐξαλείφω (exaleíphō) holds a significant place in Biblical texts, as it is often used to describe the action of wiping out, blotting out, or erasing. This term carries profound theological implications, especially in contexts related to forgiveness, judgment, and divine mercy. Knowing the nuances of such words enriches our understanding of both New Testament teachings and the broader ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐξαλείφω (exaleíphō) [ex-al-EYE-fo]
- Etymology: From ἐκ (ek, “out of”) + ἀλείφω (aleíphō, “to anoint, to smear”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; typically used in the active voice, present tense.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To wipe off, wipe away
- To erase, blot out
- To obliterate or remove completely
Similar Words: ἀφανίζω (aphanízō) [a-fa-NEE-zo], meaning “to make invisible or to destroy,” also conveys the idea of complete removal but often with a connotation of making something disappear rather than physically wiping it away. ἐξαφανίζω (exaphanízō) [ex-a-fa-NEE-zo] further intensifies this meaning, emphasizing total destruction or disappearance.
Further Insights: ἐξαλείφω is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐκ (“out of”) and the verb ἀλείφω (“to anoint or smear”), suggesting an action that involves removing something by wiping or smearing it away. The word is typically used in the context of erasing writing or marks, but it is also employed metaphorically to denote the removal of sins or offenses. The verb is conjugated according to standard Greek grammar, adapting in form to reflect different tenses, voices, and moods. Below is a table of the verb’s present active indicative declension:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ἐξαλείφω | ἐξαλείφομεν |
| 2nd | ἐξαλείφεις | ἐξαλείφετε |
| 3rd | ἐξαλείφει | ἐξαλείφουσι(ν) |
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐξαλείφω is described as “to wipe off, to erase.” It is used both literally (e.g., removing marks from a surface) and figuratively (e.g., wiping away sins or offenses), especially in theological contexts to express the forgiveness or cancellation of sins.
Thayers: This lexicon provides similar definitions, highlighting ἐξαλείφω as meaning “to wipe away, to obliterate.” It notes that the term is often used in scriptural contexts referring to divine forgiveness and removal of sin, as well as the annihilation of an entity or idea.
Vines: Emphasizes the metaphorical usage of ἐξαλείφω in Biblical texts, particularly where it signifies the eradication of sin or transgressions. It frequently appears in contexts where God’s forgiveness is described as completely wiping away the record of wrongdoing.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon records ἐξαλείφω as “to wipe out, obliterate,” and includes both literal and metaphorical applications. This word is used widely across classical literature, often in the context of cleaning, deleting, or erasing writings.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐξαλείφω simply as “to erase or to obliterate,” with special emphasis on its metaphorical use in the scriptures to convey divine forgiveness or the nullification of guilt.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (ἐξαλείφω), when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
- Colossians 2:14 – “Blotting out (ἐξαλείφω) the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text with the Greek word |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “He ordered that all writings be wiped away (ἐξαλείφω).” |
| Plato | Republic | “The memories of their crimes were wiped out (ἐξαλείφω).” |
| Homer | Iliad | “The stains of war are erased (ἐξαλείφω) by peace.” |
Septuagint Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text with the Greek word |
|---|---|---|
| Moses | Exodus | “I will blot out (ἐξαλείφω) his name from under heaven.” |
| David | Psalms | “Blot out (ἐξαλείφω) my transgressions according to your mercy.” |
| Isaiah | Isaiah | “I have blotted out (ἐξαλείφω), as a thick cloud, thy transgressions.” |
Summary of ἐξαλείφω (G1813: exaleíphō)
The Greek verb ἐξαλείφω (exaleíphō) is a powerful term used to denote wiping away or obliterating something completely. Its primary use in Biblical texts relates to the metaphorical act of erasing sins, representing divine forgiveness and mercy. Additionally, the word appears in both classical Greek literature and the Septuagint to depict the removal of written records, memories, or stains. Understanding this word enriches our comprehension of key theological concepts in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the completeness of divine forgiveness and the cultural contexts that shape these texts.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? The word ἐξαλείφω (exaleíphō) was not only used in religious texts but also in the context of ancient Greek art and inscriptions? When citizens’ names were condemned or someone was ostracized, their names would literally be wiped off from public records, such as monuments or official lists, using a process akin to “blotting out,” showing how deeply ingrained this concept was in both societal and spiritual practices.
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