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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the depth of Greek words in biblical texts enhances our interpretation of Scripture. One such word is ὀλοθρεύω (olothreuō), which is found in Hebrews 11:28. This word is crucial in understanding the concept of divine judgment and destruction, particularly in the context of God’s punishment for disobedience. In biblical interpretation, olothreuō reflects a powerful act of destruction associated with divine retribution, and it plays a key role in the theological understanding of God’s justice.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀλοθρεύω (olothreuō), pronounced o-lo-threu-ō.

Etymology: The word olothreuō is derived from the root word ὄλεθρος (olethros), meaning “destruction” or “ruin.” The verb form olothreuō incorporates this root, carrying the meaning “to destroy” or “to utterly ruin.”

Part of Speech: Olothreuō is a verb. It is used in an active sense, signifying the act of destroying or bringing about ruin, often in a context of divine or supernatural punishment.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Destroy Utterly: The primary meaning of olothreuō is to cause complete and utter destruction. This sense of the word is used in Hebrews 11:28 to describe the destroyer who brought about the death of the firstborn in Egypt as part of God’s divine judgment.

2. To Bring Divine Judgment: In a theological context, olothreuō can also mean the execution of God’s judgment through a destructive act, as seen in the Exodus narrative.

3. To Cause Total Ruin: The word can be used in broader contexts to imply total ruin, whether on a physical, moral, or spiritual level, depending on the context.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀπολλύω (apollyō) [pronunciation: a-POHL-lu-ō]: This word also means “to destroy” or “to perish,” but it often emphasizes loss or perishing rather than total, utter destruction as olothreuō does.

2. καταστρέφω (katastrephō) [pronunciation: ka-ta-STRE-phō]: This word means “to overturn” or “to destroy,” but it typically refers to physical destruction, such as the collapse of a city, rather than divine punishment.

3. φθείρω (phtheirō) [pronunciation: phtheir-ō]: Meaning “to corrupt” or “to destroy,” phtheirō implies moral or spiritual decay, contrasting with olothreuō, which often refers to an active, catastrophic destruction.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: Olothreuō is a verb that can appear in various tenses. In Hebrews 11:28, it is in the aorist tense, reflecting a completed action. The verb is used in the active voice, meaning the subject performs the action. The mood is indicative, denoting a factual statement.

Person and Number: In Hebrews 11:28, olothreuō is used in the third person singular to describe the destroyer’s action.

Aspect: The aorist tense in olothreuō reflects a punctiliar aspect, indicating that the destruction occurred at a specific point in time, rather than continuously or habitually.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons consistently highlight olothreuō as a verb meaning “to destroy utterly,” often with a connotation of divine judgment or supernatural punishment. In Hebrews 11:28, it refers to the destroyer during the Passover event, where the firstborn of Egypt were slain. Various Greek lexicons agree that olothreuō conveys not just physical destruction but a form of divine or moral judgment, particularly in contexts involving God’s direct intervention. This theological meaning is also present in its usage in classical Greek literature, where it often denotes divine or catastrophic destruction.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Hebrews 11:28: “Through faith, he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed [ὀλοθρεύων] the firstborn should touch them.”

2. Exodus 12:23 (LXX): “For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood upon the lintel, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer [ὀλοθρεύοντα] to come into your houses to smite you.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with the Greek word in parentheses

Herodotus Histories “The gods sent a destroyer (ὀλοθρεύων) to their enemies.”

Plato Republic “The city fell to ruin by the hands of its destroyers (ὀλοθρευτῶν).”

Septuagint Exodus 12:23 “The destroyer (ὀλοθρεύων) passed through Egypt to strike the firstborn.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb ὀλοθρεύω (olothreuō) is a significant term that denotes utter destruction, often linked with divine punishment. It is primarily used in contexts of divine judgment, where God’s wrath brings about catastrophic consequences. In Hebrews 11:28, the word is used to describe the Passover event, emphasizing the role of the destroyer who carried out God’s punishment on the Egyptians. Its usage in both biblical and classical Greek contexts highlights the theological weight of divine justice and destruction.

Did You Know?

1. Olothreuō is directly connected to the root word ὄλεθρος, which also appears in several New Testament passages related to destruction and judgment.

2. The word olothreuō is often associated with angelic beings tasked with carrying out divine judgment, such as the destroyer in the Passover event.

3. In classical Greek literature, olothreuō was used not only in religious contexts but also in military and political settings to describe total devastation and defeat.