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Unveiling the Word

In the study of New Testament Greek, understanding the nuances of specific words can open up new layers of meaning in scripture. The word μεταίρω (metairō) is one such term, embodying the concept of movement and transition. This verb, appearing for the first time in Matthew 13:53, is significant because it captures the idea of lifting up or moving from one place to another. It is not just about physical movement but also suggests metaphorical shifts, making it relevant to both literal and figurative interpretations of the New Testament. The exploration of metairō provides insights into how early Christians viewed concepts of movement, change, and transition, both in everyday life and in spiritual journeys.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μεταίρω (metairō) [meh-TY-roh]

Etymology: The word μεταίρω is derived from two components: the prefix μετά (meta), which often conveys the sense of change, movement, or transformation, and the root αἴρω (airō), which means “to lift” or “to take up.” Together, the term suggests the action of lifting up or moving something or someone to a different place.

Part of Speech: Verb. Metairō is used primarily as a verb, indicating an action related to movement or relocation. It is employed in various contexts in the New Testament to describe physical movement as well as metaphorical shifts.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Lift or Raise Up: This is the primary meaning of metairō, indicating the action of physically lifting or raising something. In Matthew 13:53, it refers to Jesus departing from a place, signifying the end of his teaching in that particular location.
2. To Move or Remove: Metairō can also mean to move something from one location to another, suggesting a transfer or change of place.
3. To Transition or Shift: In a metaphorical sense, the word can imply a change in state or condition, such as a transition from one phase of life to another or a shift in perspective.

Exploring Similar Words

1. αἴρω (airō) [AI-roh]: This verb means “to lift” or “to take up” and serves as the root for metairō. It is used more frequently in the New Testament and has a broader range of meanings, including taking away or carrying off.
2. μεταφέρω (metapherō) [meh-tah-FEH-roh]: Meaning “to carry over” or “to transfer,” this word emphasizes the act of moving something from one place to another, often with a focus on the process of relocation rather than the end state.
3. μετατίθημι (metatithēmi) [meh-tah-TEE-thay-mee]: This verb means “to transfer” or “to change” and is used in contexts involving more abstract or conceptual changes, such as altering opinions or converting to a different belief system.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: As a verb, metairō can appear in different tenses, voices, and moods. The present tense form indicates ongoing action, while the aorist form suggests a completed action. It can be used in the active voice to indicate the subject performing the action or in the passive voice to show the subject being acted upon.

Person and Number: Metairō can be conjugated in various persons (first, second, third) and numbers (singular, plural). For example, the first person singular form in the present indicative would be μεταίρω, meaning “I lift up” or “I move.”

Aspect: The aspect of metairō can be imperfective, indicating an ongoing action (e.g., “I am lifting up”), or perfective, indicating a completed action (e.g., “I lifted up”). This distinction helps to convey the temporal and durative nature of the action described.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In BDAG, metairō is noted for its usage in contexts involving movement and transition, whether physical or metaphorical. Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes its literal sense of lifting or raising, while LSJ expands on its broader usage in classical Greek literature, including nautical contexts where it could refer to raising sails or lifting anchors. Vine’s lexicon highlights its metaphorical applications, such as in shifting responsibilities or altering positions. Strong’s Concordance also acknowledges its use in the New Testament as indicating a shift or departure. Moulton and Milligan discuss its use in secular Greek to indicate relocation or migration, while LEH focuses on its occurrences in the Septuagint, particularly in descriptions of God lifting or removing obstacles for His people.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 13:53: “When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed [μετῆρεν] from there.”
2. John 2:1: “And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus and His disciples were also invited [μετῆραν] to the wedding.”
3. Luke 19:4: “So he ran on ahead and climbed up [μετῆρεν] into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word metairō encapsulates the concept of lifting, moving, or transitioning, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. Its use in Matthew 13:53 emphasizes the departure and movement of Jesus after completing His teachings. This word is not only significant in understanding physical movements but also in interpreting metaphorical shifts in perspective and roles within the New Testament. The broader usage in classical Greek and the Septuagint shows how metairō was employed to describe various forms of lifting, raising, and relocating, making it a versatile term for conveying change and transition.

Did You Know?

1. The word metairō is often used in classical Greek literature to describe the action of lifting sails on a ship, symbolizing readiness for departure or adventure.
2. In the Septuagint, metairō is used to describe the lifting of hands in prayer, emphasizing the connection between physical actions and spiritual expressions.
3. The word has a unique nautical usage, where it can refer to raising anchors or lifting a ship’s bow, illustrating the dynamic nature of movement and change.