Pronunciation Guide: AH-ee-roh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G142: αἴρω (airo) is a dynamic Greek verb that primarily means to lift up, take up, raise, or carry away. It can also mean to remove, take away, or bear up, often implying movement from a lower to a higher position or the complete removal of something. This versatile verb appears frequently in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the New Testament.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, teaching passages, and metaphorical contexts
• Voice Options: Active, Middle, and Passive
• Tense Forms: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect, Pluperfect
• Mood Options: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative, Infinitive, Participle

αἴρω Morphology:

• αἴρω (present active indicative) – I lift up/take away
• ἦρα (aorist active indicative) – I lifted up/took away
• ἀρθήσομαι (future passive indicative) – I will be lifted up/taken away
• ἆρον (aorist active imperative) – Lift up!/Take away!
• ἀρθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive) – might be lifted up/taken away

Origin & History

The verb αἴρω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing in works as early as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, where it often described the physical action of lifting objects or raising weapons. In Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War,” the word frequently appears in naval contexts, describing ships “lifting” their anchors or “taking up” their positions.

In the writings of Plato and Aristotle, αἴρω began to take on more metaphorical meanings, often used to describe the elevation of thoughts or the removal of obstacles to understanding. This philosophical usage helped pave the way for its later spiritual applications in biblical literature.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To lift up or raise from a lower to higher position
• To take away, remove, or carry off
• To bear up or support
• To raise up in honor or exalt
• To take upon oneself or bear as a burden

αἴρω Translation Options:

• “Lift up” – Best for contexts involving physical elevation or exaltation
• “Take away” – Optimal for contexts of removal or separation
• “Bear” – Most appropriate when describing carrying burdens or responsibilities
• “Raise” – Preferred for contexts of elevation or increasing status
• “Remove” – Most fitting for contexts of elimination or cleansing

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αἴρω appears with remarkable versatility, from literal physical actions to profound spiritual symbolism. Its first appearance in Matthew 4:6 occurs in Satan’s temptation of Jesus, quoting angels who would “lift up” (αἴρω) Him to prevent Him from striking His foot against a stone.

The word carries special significance in Jesus’ teachings about discipleship, particularly in contexts about bearing one’s cross. It’s also prominently used in John’s Gospel in descriptions of Jesus’ sacrificial role as the one who “takes away” the sin of the world.

Key cross-references:

• “and will lift you up [αἴρω]” lift you up Matthew 4:6
• “Take up [αἴρω] your cross” take up Matthew 16:24
• “who takes away [αἴρω] the sin of the world!” takes away John 1:29
• “Take up [αἴρω] your bed and walk” take up John 5:8
• “They have taken away [αἴρω] my Lord” taken away John 20:13

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, the act of lifting or taking up often carried significant ceremonial and social implications. During victory celebrations, winners would be physically lifted up on shields by their soldiers, a practice that adds depth to the New Testament’s use of αἴρω in contexts of exaltation and honor.

The word also had significant meaning in Jewish temple worship, where priests would “lift up” various offerings to יהוה (Yahweh). This ritualistic lifting represented both dedication and surrender, concepts that later informed the New Testament’s use of αἴρω in spiritual contexts.

Theological Significance

The theological richness of αἴρω is perhaps most powerfully displayed in its dual application to Christ’s work: He both “takes away” sin and calls believers to “take up” their cross. This linguistic parallel creates a profound theological connection between His atoning work and our response of discipleship.

The word also carries eschatological significance, particularly in passages about the removal of judgment or the lifting up of the righteous. It serves as a reminder of God’s power to both remove barriers to fellowship with Him and to exalt those who humble themselves before Him.

Personal Application

Understanding αἴρω challenges believers to consider both what needs to be lifted up to God in surrender and what needs to be taken away from their lives that hinders spiritual growth. The word calls us to active participation in our spiritual journey – we must consciously “take up” our cross daily, following our Messiah’s example of sacrificial obedience.

This word also offers comfort in reminding us that just as Christ takes away our sin, He can lift away our burdens when we trust in Him. It encourages a lifestyle of both active discipleship and peaceful surrender to His lifting power.

Related Words

• ἐπαίρω (epairo) – to lift up, raise up, exalt oneself – adds intensity to the basic meaning of αἴρω See G1869
• βαστάζω (bastazo) – to lift, carry, bear – emphasizes the bearing of weight or burden See G941
• μεταίρω (metairo) – to transfer, depart – emphasizes movement from one place to another See G3332
• ὑψόω (hupsoo) – to lift up, exalt – focuses specifically on elevation or exaltation See G5312

Did you Know?

• The versatility of αἴρω in ancient Greek made it one of the most frequently used verbs in maritime contexts, where it described everything from lifting anchors to raising sails, reflecting its fundamental connection to upward movement and initiation of journey.
• In ancient athletic contests, victors would be physically “lifted up” (αἴρω) on the shoulders of supporters, a practice that adds deeper meaning to New Testament passages about Christ being “lifted up” in victory over death.
• Modern Greek still uses αἴρω in mathematical contexts to mean “to raise to a power,” preserving the ancient sense of elevation while applying it to abstract concepts.

Remember This

αἴρω embodies the divine paradox of the Christian faith: in Christ’s lifting up of our sins, we find the strength to take up our cross and follow Him.