G2751

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies allows for a deeper insight into the cultural, religious, and social contexts of the New Testament. The Greek word κείρω (keirō) is particularly significant as it relates to practices that were common in both Jewish and broader Greco-Roman traditions. The term appears in contexts involving personal grooming and religious rites, offering scholars a window into daily life and religious customs of the ancient world.

Necessary Information

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The Greek word is κείρω, transliterated as keirō and pronounced [KAY-ro]. This verb is commonly used in both biblical and classical Greek to mean “to shear” or “to cut the hair.”

The etymology of κείρω comes from the root word κείρω itself, which is directly associated with the act of cutting or shearing. The term is often linked to grooming practices, including the trimming of hair or the shearing of sheep. It was a word commonly understood in both everyday and ritualistic contexts in the ancient world.

κείρω is a verb in Greek. As with most Greek verbs, it can appear in various tenses, voices, and moods. The word follows typical Greek verb conjugation patterns, which include the present, aorist, and perfect tenses, among others. The specific details of these conjugations will be discussed further in the morphology section.

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Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of κείρω is “to shear” or “to cut the hair.” This definition is commonly associated with the cutting of hair for personal grooming or ritualistic purposes.

A secondary meaning of κείρω extends to “to shave” or “to trim,” which can also apply to animals, particularly sheep. In this sense, it involves the act of removing hair or wool.

Another related meaning is “to crop” or “to mow,” which is occasionally used metaphorically to describe the removal or reduction of something, like in agricultural contexts where plants or fields are trimmed or harvested.

Exploring Similar Words

ξυράω (xuraō) [ksoo-RAH-oh]: This word means “to shave” and specifically refers to the act of shaving off hair completely. Unlike κείρω, which implies trimming or cutting, ξυράω suggests a closer shave or removal of hair.

διαμάσσω (diamassō) [dee-ah-MAS-soh]: This term means “to shear completely” and is more intensive than κείρω. It implies a thorough removal of wool or hair, especially in the context of animal shearing.

κόπτω (koptō) [KOP-toh]: Meaning “to cut” or “to strike,” this word is more general and does not specifically refer to hair or shearing. It can refer to cutting down trees or other objects, making it more versatile than κείρω.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

κείρω is a regular Greek verb and can be conjugated in various tenses and voices. Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative form:

The table shows the different forms of κείρω depending on the person (first, second, or third) and number (singular or plural). Each form changes based on who is performing the action. For more on Greek verb conjugation, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In biblical contexts, κείρω is often used in connection with ritualistic hair-cutting, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles when Paul takes a Nazarite vow that involves the shaving of his head. The word appears in broader Greek literature to describe both grooming practices and agricultural activities like shearing sheep. It is considered by lexicons to have both literal and metaphorical connotations, depending on its use. In the New Testament, it usually retains its literal meaning but can imply a deeper spiritual significance, such as in Acts 18:18.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

In Acts 18:18, the verse states, “Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off [κείρασθαι] at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.” This scripture illustrates the religious and cultural practice associated with κείρω, highlighting its significance in early Christian practices.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word κείρω holds significant value in understanding New Testament contexts involving personal vows and grooming practices. It emphasizes the religious undertones of ancient practices, such as the Nazarite vow, and extends its meaning to agricultural and daily life activities. By examining κείρω, one can appreciate the layers of cultural and religious importance associated with hair-cutting in the Greco-Roman world and biblical traditions.

Did You Know?

In the ancient world, hair-cutting or shaving was often associated with religious vows, especially among Jewish Nazarites who would shave their heads at the end of a vow.

κείρω was not only used for humans but also for animals, particularly sheep, signifying its versatility in Greek vocabulary.

The act of shearing sheep (κείρω) was considered a routine yet vital activity in ancient economies, reflecting both agricultural and societal practices.