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Unveiling the Word

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.

Necessary Information

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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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Defining Meanings

1. To Go or Move from One Place to Another: This is the most common use of metabainō in the New Testament, indicating physical relocation. For example, in Matthew 8:34, it describes Jesus moving to another place after performing miracles.
2. To Transition or Change: Metabainō can also be used metaphorically to signify a change in state or condition. This is often seen in passages where individuals or groups undergo significant transformations or shifts in perspective.
3. To Cross Over or Pass Beyond: In some contexts, metabainō suggests crossing a boundary or moving beyond a particular limit, both physically and conceptually.

Exploring Similar Words

1. διαβαίνω (diabainō) [dee-ah-BAH-ee-noh]: This word also means “to cross over” but emphasizes crossing through or over something, such as a river or boundary. It is often used in contexts of significant transitions or journeys.
2. μετατίθημι (metatithēmi) [meh-tah-TEE-thay-mee]: Meaning “to transfer” or “to change,” this word shares the notion of movement or change but is more focused on transformation or alteration rather than simple relocation.
3. ἐκβαίνω (ekbainō) [ek-BAH-ee-noh]: Meaning “to go out” or “to exit,” this verb highlights the action of leaving a place, focusing on the departure aspect rather than the destination.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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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Studying Lexicon Insights

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.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 8:34: “And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave [μεταβῇ] their region.”
2. John 5:24: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed [μεταβέβηκεν] out of death into life.”
3. Acts 18:7: “Then he left there and went [μεταβὰς] to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

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.

Did You Know?

1. The English word “metabolic” is derived from the same Greek root, reflecting the idea of internal change or transformation.
2. Metabainō is often used in classical literature to describe philosophical or intellectual shifts, highlighting its metaphorical flexibility.
3. The verb is relatively rare in the New Testament, appearing only 12 times, but each instance carries significant theological or narrative weight.