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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words is key to unlocking the full depth of scripture. Greek, as the original language of the New Testament, holds layers of meaning that translations may sometimes obscure. The word μετακινέω (metakineō) is significant because it conveys not just physical movement but also metaphorical shifts in one’s faith or position. Its usage in Colossians 1:23, for example, has profound theological implications, speaking to the steadfastness required in faith. Additionally, by examining how μετακινέω is used in the broader context of ancient Greek culture, we gain insight into how this concept of movement or shifting applied both physically and spiritually in various texts.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετακινέω (transliteration: metakineō, pronunciation: meh-tah-kee-NEH-oh)

Etymology: The word μετακινέω comes from the preposition “μετα-” (meta-), meaning “after” or “beyond,” and the verb “κινέω” (kineō), meaning “to move” or “to set in motion.” This combination suggests a movement that occurs from one place or state to another, either physically or metaphorically.

Part of Speech: μετακινέω is a verb. As a verb, it appears in various tenses, voices, and moods, reflecting different types of actions or states related to movement or change.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To move something from one place to another. This is the most straightforward definition of the word and applies to literal, physical relocation.

Meaning 2: To remove or shift something in a metaphorical sense, such as shifting beliefs or changing one’s stance on a matter. This meaning is particularly relevant to its use in theological discussions, where steadfastness or lack thereof is underlined.

Meaning 3: To displace or uproot. This is a more figurative application, describing the idea of being removed from a fixed position or foundation, often used in the context of faith or moral certainty in biblical literature.

Exploring Similar Words

μετατίθημι (metatithemi, pronounced meh-tah-TEE-thay-mee): This word also involves movement, but it often refers to transferring or changing something’s place or status, especially in contexts where the change is more permanent.

κινέω (kineō, pronounced kee-NEH-oh): A root word of μετακινέω, this verb primarily means “to move” or “to stir.” While it lacks the prepositional prefix, it shares the core idea of initiating movement.

μεταβαίνω (metabainō, pronounced meh-tah-BAY-noh): This verb means “to pass over” or “to move across,” with a stronger sense of transitioning from one state or location to another, often used in reference to more significant changes in position.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: μετακινέω, as a verb, appears in several tenses, such as the present (indicative mood), which suggests an ongoing action of moving or shifting. The aorist tense signifies a completed action, while the perfect tense indicates a state resulting from a past action. It can also appear in both active and passive voices. The active voice shows that the subject is causing the action, while the passive voice implies that the subject is being moved or shifted by an external force.

Person and Number: μετακινέω can be conjugated in various persons and numbers. For example, the 1st person singular present active indicative form is μετακινῶ, meaning “I am moving” or “I am shifting.”

Aspect: μετακινέω can reflect different aspects, such as imperfective (ongoing action) or perfective (completed action). These aspects help to indicate the nature of the action described.

Conjugation Table: Present Indicative Active

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word μετακινέω is associated with both literal and metaphorical movement in various Greek lexicons. It primarily refers to a shift from one place to another, but it also carries the connotation of a more abstract change, such as the removal of a belief or the act of destabilizing someone’s foundation, especially in a spiritual context. In New Testament usage, particularly in Colossians 1:23, μετακινέω signifies the steadfastness required to remain grounded in faith, warning against being moved away from the hope of the gospel.

Theologically, this verb often carries the weight of perseverance, urging believers to hold fast to their convictions without allowing external forces to dislodge them. In classical Greek, the word was similarly used in contexts ranging from literal displacement to shifts in allegiance or belief systems. Across various lexicons, its metaphorical applications are highlighted, especially in moral and religious discourse.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Colossians 1:23: “If you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away [μετακινέω] from the hope of the gospel, which you heard.”
• Acts 13:22: “And when He had removed [μετακινέω] him, He raised up for them David as king.”
• Hebrews 12:27: “Now this, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal [μετακινέω] of those things that are being shaken.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μετακινέω, meaning to move, shift, or displace, plays an essential role in understanding spiritual steadfastness, particularly in the New Testament. As seen in Colossians 1:23, it emphasizes the need to remain grounded in faith without being moved by external forces. Its roots in classical Greek literature further highlight the concept of both physical and metaphorical movement, making it a versatile word used across various contexts. Understanding μετακινέω enriches the study of biblical passages, showing how faith and belief must remain unshakable.

Did You Know?

• μετακινέω is used metaphorically to describe shifts in belief, particularly in warning passages that urge Christians to hold fast to their faith.
• The root word κινέω is also the basis for the modern English word “kinetic,” referring to motion and energy.
• In classical Greek, μετακινέω was used to describe political or ideological shifts, much like how we use the term “move” in political discourse today.