Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding even the less commonly used words can significantly enrich one’s comprehension of the text. The Greek word ἐμέω (emeó), meaning “to vomit,” appears only once in the New Testament but carries substantial theological and symbolic weight. This word’s inclusion in the Book of Revelation underscores its importance in conveying spiritual and moral disgust, making it a potent example of the vivid imagery often employed in scriptural language. Exploring the nuances of ἐμέω provides insight not only into the specific passage where it occurs but also into broader themes of purity, divine judgment, and spiritual health in ancient Greek culture and New Testament theology.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμέω (emeó) [eh-MEH-oh]
• Etymology: ἐμέω is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *weme-, meaning “to vomit” or “to throw up.” This verb has retained a consistent meaning related to physical expulsion across various languages.
• Part of Speech: Verb (first-person singular present indicative active).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• “To Vomit”: The primary meaning of ἐμέω is “to vomit” or “to throw up,” describing the physical act of expelling contents from the stomach. In a metaphorical or symbolic sense, it can also convey rejection, disgust, or divine judgment.

Similar Words:

• ἐκχέω (ekchéō) [ek-KHEH-oh]: This verb means “to pour out” or “to spill.” While it can describe the act of pouring liquid, it can also carry metaphorical meanings, such as the outpouring of emotions or divine wrath.
• ἀποδοκιμάζω (apodokimázō) [ap-o-dok-EE-mah-zo]: This word means “to reject” or “to disapprove.” While not related to vomiting, it similarly conveys a sense of rejection, often in a moral or spiritual context.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐμέω is a verb in the first-person singular present indicative active form. It follows standard Greek verb conjugation patterns, with the root “εμ-” indicating the base meaning of the action. The verb is simple in structure but powerful in its implication, especially given its use in the context of divine judgment.
• Linguistic Features: The rarity of ἐμέω in the New Testament (appearing only once in Revelation 3:16) highlights its specific use for dramatic effect. The word’s visceral nature conveys not only a physical action but also an emotional or spiritual response, making it a vivid choice for expressing divine displeasure.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon notes that ἐμέω is used in the New Testament in a figurative sense, referring to the act of rejecting something with disgust, particularly in a spiritual context.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the physical action associated with ἐμέω, but also acknowledges its metaphorical usage in conveying the idea of divine rejection.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary connects ἐμέω with broader themes of spiritual health and divine judgment, noting its strong negative connotations.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon explores the word’s usage in classical Greek, where it typically refers to the physical act of vomiting but can also suggest a violent or intense reaction.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἐμέω as “to vomit” and highlights its appearance in Revelation 3:16, where it symbolizes rejection or expulsion due to spiritual lukewarmness.

Scripture References

• Revelation 3:16 – “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit (ἐμέω) you out of my mouth.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμέω (G1692: emeó)

The Greek word ἐμέω (emeó), meaning “to vomit,” is a striking example of how language can vividly convey both physical and spiritual realities. Used only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 3:16, it serves as a powerful symbol of divine rejection and judgment. The word’s connection to physical expulsion makes it an apt metaphor for expressing the intensity of God’s displeasure with spiritual complacency. Understanding ἐμέω provides readers with a deeper appreciation of the vivid and often dramatic language employed in Biblical texts, particularly in conveying themes of purity, judgment, and divine reaction.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek medicine, vomiting (ἐμέω) was often seen as a necessary purging of harmful substances from the body. This perspective influenced the metaphorical use of the word in literature and religious texts, where it could represent the expulsion of impurity or the rejection of something harmful or undesirable.