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Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
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In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like μεταβαίνω (metabainō) provides deeper insights into the nuances of the New Testament text. This verb, which first appears in Matthew 8:34, is significant for both its literal and metaphorical implications. The word is used in various contexts to indicate physical movement from one place to another, as well as transitions or changes in state. Recognizing how metabainō functions in different passages enriches our understanding of New Testament teachings and the broader cultural and linguistic backdrop of ancient Greek society.
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Greek Word: μεταβαίνω (metabainō) [me-tah-BAH-ee-noh]
Etymology: The word metabainō is derived from the preposition μετά (meta), meaning “after” or “beyond,” and βαίνω (bainō), meaning “to go” or “to walk.” Together, they convey the sense of moving from one place to another or transitioning from one state to another.
Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, metabainō is used in various forms and tenses to describe both literal and figurative movement or transition. It appears in different moods and voices, highlighting the action of moving or crossing over, often with a clear destination or purpose.
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Tense, Voice, Mood: Metabainō is most commonly found in the present and aorist tenses, highlighting ongoing or completed actions. It appears in both active and middle voices, indicating both direct and reflexive actions of moving or transitioning.
Person and Number: The verb can be conjugated in various persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural) to reflect the subject performing the action. For example, “μεταβαίνω” (I move) and “μεταβαίνουσιν” (they move).
Aspect: The aspect of metabainō indicates whether the action is viewed as a process or a single occurrence. In the present tense, it reflects ongoing movement or transition, while the aorist tense denotes a specific, completed action of moving or crossing over.
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In New Testament lexicons, metabainō is noted for its varied usage. BDAG emphasizes its role in indicating physical movement or relocation. Thayer’s and LSJ explore its metaphorical applications, such as transitions in thought or state. Vine’s and Strong’s highlight its significance in conveying purposeful movement or change. LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide additional classical and Septuagint contexts, showing how metabainō was employed to describe significant shifts, both physical and metaphorical.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Author | Name of Work | Text |
---|---|---|
Plato | Republic | “He moved [μεταβαίνει] to a new understanding of justice.” |
Herodotus | Histories | “After crossing [μεταβῆναι] the river, they settled in a new land.” |
Xenophon | Anabasis | “The troops moved [μεταβὰντες] from one city to another.” |
Septuagint | Genesis | “He went [μεταβαίνων] to see his brothers in the field.” |
Septuagint | Exodus | “Moses moved [μεταβὰς] from the tent to the mountain.” |
Septuagint | Psalms | “He moves [μεταβαίνει] to protect the righteous.” |
Metabainō is a versatile verb that captures both physical and metaphorical movement in the New Testament. It appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’ travels to the spiritual transformation of believers. Understanding its varied uses enhances our appreciation of how Greek conveys both literal and abstract transitions.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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