Brief Overview of σαρόω (Strong’s G4563: saroo)

Strong’s G4563: A verb meaning to sweep or clean thoroughly by sweeping. In New Testament usage, it carries both literal and metaphorical significance, particularly in Jesus’ parables about spiritual cleansing and preparation, warning against superficial reformation without true transformation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σαρόω represents thorough cleaning through sweeping, but its theological significance extends beyond physical housekeeping. In Matthew 12:44 and Luke 11:25, Jesus uses this term to describe a house swept clean but spiritually empty, warning about the dangers of moral reformation without spiritual regeneration. In Luke 15:8, it appears in the parable of the lost coin, illustrating God’s thorough seeking of the lost. The early church saw in this word both the need for genuine spiritual cleansing and God’s diligent pursuit of sinners.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σαρόω, saroo, /sar-o’-o/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sar’ as in ‘sardine’, ‘o-o’ as in ‘go’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Derived from σάρον (saron) “broom”
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *swer- “to sweep”
• Connected to concept of thorough cleaning

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To sweep clean
• Secondary meaning: To clean thoroughly
• Metaphorical meaning: To purify or prepare

Translation Options:

• Sweep – Basic meaning
• Clean thoroughly – Emphasizing completeness
• Clear out – Focusing on the result

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καθαρίζω (katharizo) /kath-ar-id’-zo/ – To cleanse or purify. See G2511
• κοσμέω (kosmeo) /kos-meh’-o/ – To put in order, arrange. See G2885

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present: σαρῶ (I sweep)
• Perfect: σέσαρκα (I have swept)
• Participle: σαρῶν (sweeping)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its concrete meaning of sweeping clean. Thayer’s notes its use in Jesus’ parables. LSJ documents its everyday usage in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical implications. Strong’s connects it to thorough cleaning. Moulton and Milligan cite its common use in household contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 12:44: “Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept [σεσαρωμένον], and garnished.”

Additional References:
Luke 11:25, Luke 15:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σαρόω powerfully illustrates the difference between superficial cleaning and true spiritual transformation. The good news is that while we might sweep our lives clean of obvious sin, true lasting change comes only through Christ’s indwelling presence. God Himself, like the woman seeking her lost coin, thoroughly searches for those who are lost.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient brooms were often made from palm fronds or rushes
2. The word appears in all three parables about domestic life
3. Early Christians saw it as a metaphor for baptismal cleansing

Strong’s G4563: A verb denoting thorough sweeping or cleaning, used in Jesus’ parables to contrast superficial moral reformation with genuine spiritual transformation. Illustrates both human attempts at self-improvement and God’s thorough seeking of the lost.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: cleaning, parables, spiritual-cleansing, reformation, transformation, lost-coin, empty-house, spiritual-warfare, genuine-faith, divine-seeking​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​