Understanding ἀναίρεσις (anairesis) Strong’s G336: The Biblical Term for Violent Removal and Its Deep Spiritual Implications

Pronunciation Guide: ah-NAI-reh-sis (emphasis on NAI)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G336: ἀναίρεσις refers to a taking away or removal, specifically in the context of putting to death or execution. In biblical usage, it carries the weighty connotation of a deliberate and often violent removal of life. This term appears in crucial moments of early church history, particularly during the persecution of believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀναιρέω (anaireō, G337)
• Classical Greek origin
• Primary usage in narrative sections
• Common in historical and legal contexts

ἀναίρεσις Morphology:

• ἀναίρεσις (nominative singular) – killing, putting to death
• ἀναιρέσεως (genitive singular) – of killing/death
• ἀναιρέσει (dative singular) – in/by killing/death
• ἀναίρεσιν (accusative singular) – the act of killing

Origin & History

The term ἀναίρεσις emerged from classical Greek legal and historical writings, where it was commonly used to describe official executions and political assassinations. Thucydides employed it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” when describing state-sanctioned executions, while Plutarch used it in his “Lives” to describe political removals.

In the Septuagint, ἀναίρεσις appears in contexts of judgment and divine intervention, particularly in the historical books. The term carries judicial overtones, often describing the implementation of capital punishment or divine judgment.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” used this term when discussing martyrdom and the persecution of believers, drawing parallel between the suffering of the Messiah and His followers.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Legal execution or capital punishment
• Violent removal or elimination
• Murder or assassination
• Systematic destruction or elimination

ἀναίρεσις Translation Options:

• “Execution” – Best captures the legal and official nature of the action
• “Violent death” – Emphasizes the forceful nature of the removal
• “Murder” – Appropriate when highlighting the unjust nature of the action
• “Putting to death” – Captures both the process and finality of the action

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναίρεσις appears most notably in Acts 8:1, describing Saul’s approval of Stephen’s execution. This usage marks a pivotal moment in early church history, launching a period of intense persecution that paradoxically led to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem.

The term’s appearance in this context is particularly significant as it connects to the broader narrative of persecution and martyrdom in the early church. It represents not just the physical act of execution, but the systematic opposition to the message of the Messiah.

Key Biblical References:

• “And Saul approved of his execution [ἀναίρεσις].” Acts 8:1

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Roman world, ἀναίρεσις carried strong legal and political connotations. The term was associated with official Roman execution procedures, which were carried out with precise protocols. The fact that Luke uses this term in Acts suggests he’s emphasizing the quasi-legal nature of Stephen’s martyrdom, though it was essentially mob violence given religious sanction by the authorities.

The term also connects to the Jewish legal concept of מִיתָה (mitah), the death penalty under Torah law. However, by the first century, the Sanhedrin had largely lost its authority to carry out capital punishment, making Stephen’s execution technically illegal under Roman law.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναίρεσις in Acts carries profound theological implications. It represents the cost of discipleship that Yeshua (Jesus) had prophesied, where following Him might lead to persecution and death. Yet, paradoxically, these acts of violent removal became instruments of Kingdom advancement.

The term connects to the broader biblical theme of persecution producing growth, exemplifying Tertullian’s famous observation that “the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Through ἀναίρεσις, we see God’s sovereign ability to turn intended destruction into a means of spreading His truth.

The appearance of this term in connection with Saul/Paul’s early persecution of the church adds layers of meaning to his later ministry, highlighting the transformative power of God’s grace in turning a supporter of ἀναίρεσις into a willing recipient of it for the sake of the Messiah.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἀναίρεσις in Scripture, we’re reminded that following the Messiah may come at great cost. Yet, this term also encourages us that even in circumstances of severe opposition or persecution, God remains sovereign. Just as He used Stephen’s martyrdom to spread the Gospel and transform Saul into Paul, He can use our trials for His greater purposes.

This word challenges us to examine our own commitment to the faith and remember that our response to persecution can become a powerful testimony to God’s grace and sovereignty.

Related Words

• φόνος (phonos, foh’-nos) – murder, slaughter – More generally refers to killing without the official or legal connotation of ἀναίρεσις See G5408
• σφαγή (sphagē, sfah-GAY) – slaughter, particularly of sacrificial animals – Carries sacrificial implications not present in ἀναίρεσις See G4967
• θάνατος (thanatos, THAN-ah-tos) – death in general – Broader term without the specific violent or official connotations of ἀναίρεσις See G2288

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀναίρεσις has evolved to mean “withdrawal” or “revocation,” particularly in legal contexts, showing how the meaning has shifted from physical removal to legal cancellation.
• The root word ἀναιρέω appears in ancient medical texts to describe the removal of diseased tissue, suggesting a broader semantic range involving deliberate removal for a perceived greater good.
• The term was used in ancient Greek mathematical texts to describe the elimination or cancellation of terms in an equation, showing its broader application to any process of deliberate removal or cancellation.

Remember This

ἀναίρεσις stands as a sobering reminder that the path of faith may lead through valleys of persecution, yet even in death, God’s purposes prevail and His Kingdom advances.