Brief Overview of ῥίπτω (Strong’s G4496: rhiptō)

Strong’s G4496: A primary verb meaning “to throw,” “to cast,” or “to scatter.” In the New Testament, it ranges from literal throwing to metaphorical casting down or abandonment. Its first appearance describes people scattered like sheep without a shepherd, emphasizing spiritual abandonment and need for divine care.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥίπτω carries rich theological significance in both its literal and metaphorical uses. While basically meaning “to throw” or “cast,” it often conveys deeper spiritual meaning in the New Testament, particularly in describing humanity’s lost condition and need for divine shepherding. Early church fathers frequently used this word to contrast the world’s rejection with God’s care for His people. Today, it continues to illustrate both human spiritual abandonment and God’s redemptive response in gathering His scattered people.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥίπτω, rhiptō, /hrip-toh/
• Detailed pronunciation: HRIP-toh (with emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb root
• Indo-European base *wreip- (to turn, bend)
• Forms basis for many compound words
• Related to motion and force

D – Defining Meanings

• To throw or cast
• To scatter or disperse
• To cast down or abandon
• To throw away or reject

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but serves as a root for compounds.

Translation Options:

• “to cast” – emphasizing deliberate action
• “to scatter” – highlighting dispersion
• “to throw down” – indicating rejection or abandonment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ῥιπτέω (rhipteō) /hrip-teh-oh/ – intensified form of throwing
  See G4495
• βάλλω (ballō) /bal-loh/ – to throw, less forceful
  See G906

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:

• Present active: ῥίπτω
• Perfect passive: ἔρριμμαι
• Aorist active: ἔρριψα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its range from physical throwing to spiritual abandonment. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples. Vine’s highlights its use in describing spiritual conditions. Strong’s connects it to deliberate casting. Moulton and Milligan document its widespread usage in various contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and [ῥίπτω] helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36

Additional References:
Matthew 15:30
Matthew 27:5
Luke 4:35
Luke 17:2
Acts 22:23
Acts 27:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥίπτω powerfully illustrates humanity’s lost condition and God’s redemptive response. It proclaims the good news that though we may be scattered and cast down, King Jesus comes as the Good Shepherd to gather and restore His people. This word reminds us that no one is so far cast away that they cannot be reached by God’s compassionate care.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient medical texts for setting broken bones.
2. Greek dramatists used this word for scenes of suicide or dramatic rejection.
3. Early Christian writers used it to describe martyrs being thrown to wild beasts.

Strong’s G4496: A primary verb meaning “to throw,” “to cast,” or “to scatter.” In the New Testament, it ranges from literal throwing to metaphorical casting down or abandonment. Its first appearance describes people scattered like sheep without a shepherd, emphasizing spiritual abandonment and need for divine care.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: throw, cast, scatter, abandon, shepherd, compassion, lost sheep, rejection, salvation, restoration, divine care, spiritual condition​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​