Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies, as they provide depth and context to Scripture and the cultural backdrop of the early Christian church. The Greek word ἐξορκιστής (exorkistēs) is particularly significant as it directly relates to the practice of exorcism, a concept familiar in both ancient Jewish and early Christian traditions. Knowing the meaning of ἐξορκιστής helps us grasp the authority and techniques employed by those who performed exorcisms in biblical times and the broader Greco-Roman world.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐξορκιστής, transliterated as exorkistēs [ex-or-kee-STACE]
• Etymology: From the root ἐξορκίζω (exorkízō, “to adjure” or “to cast out”) + -τής (-tēs, a suffix denoting an agent or practitioner). It means “one who exorcises,” “an exorcist,” or “one who casts out demons.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; masculine, first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• An exorcist, one who practices exorcism
• A person who casts out demons or evil spirits through adjuration or invoking a higher power
• An individual involved in spiritual warfare or ritual cleansing of persons afflicted by spiritual forces

Similar Words: ἐξορκιστής (exorkistēs) is closely related to ἐξορκίζω (exorkízō) [ex-or-KEE-zoh], which means “to adjure” or “to exorcise.” While ἐξορκίζω is the verb form describing the act of exorcising, ἐξορκιστής denotes the person who performs the exorcism. Another similar word is ἐπικαλέομαι (epikaleomai) [ep-ee-kal-EH-oh-my], meaning “to call upon” or “invoke,” which could be used in prayers or requests for divine intervention but lacks the formalized role implied by ἐξορκιστής.

Further Insights: ἐξορκιστής is a noun formed from the verb ἐξορκίζω with the agentive suffix -τής, denoting someone who performs the action of exorcism. It is used to describe a person with the authority or role of casting out demons or spirits. This term often appears in contexts involving spiritual battles and suggests a formalized role within religious communities. In Greek, this word follows the first declension pattern, and here is its full declension:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The term ἐξορκιστής is defined as “an exorcist,” specifically someone who uses adjurations or commands to expel demons. BDAG highlights the term’s appearance in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 19:13, where Jewish exorcists attempt to use the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits.

Thayers: This lexicon explains ἐξορκιστής as a noun that refers to “an exorcist” or one who adjures spirits. Thayer’s further describes its connection to Jewish traditions of exorcism and notes its use in early Christian texts to depict spiritual confrontations.

Vines: In Vine’s lexicon, ἐξορκιστής is identified as a practitioner involved in driving out spirits, particularly in a religious or ritualistic context. Vine’s emphasizes its application within the broader framework of Jewish and Christian spiritual practices.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon defines ἐξορκιστής as “an exorcist” and details its use in ancient Greek and Hellenistic literature, focusing on its role in religious or healing practices where spiritual or supernatural forces are invoked.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἐξορκιστής as “an exorcist” or “one who casts out demons.” It cites the New Testament usage in Acts 19:13 and discusses the broader implications of spiritual authority in early Christian communities.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 19:13: “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists [ἐξορκιστῶν], took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐξορκιστής (G1845: exorkistēs)

The Greek word ἐξορκιστής (Strong’s G1845), meaning “an exorcist,” refers to a person who casts out demons or evil spirits, often by invoking divine authority or using solemn oaths. It plays a critical role in understanding the spiritual dynamics of the New Testament and the broader ancient Mediterranean world, where exorcism was a recognized practice. Recognizing the term’s usage in the Bible and classical texts sheds light on how early Christians understood spiritual authority, ritual purity, and the struggle against spiritual forces.

Did You Know?

The term ἐξορκιστής also appears in ancient Greek magical papyri, where exorcists were depicted as wielding power over spirits using both Hebrew and Egyptian names. This highlights the multicultural and syncretistic nature of religious practices in the ancient world, where exorcism bridged Jewish, Christian, and pagan traditions.