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Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
1. Brief Overview:
Transliteration: aphaireō
Root Words: The Greek word ἀφαιρέω (aphaireō) is derived from two parts: the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning “from” or “away,” and the verb αἱρέω (haireō), meaning “to take” or “to seize.” Together, the compound word carries the idea of “taking away” or “removing.”
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Primary Meanings:
2. Detailed Description:
BDAG: BDAG emphasizes that ἀφαιρέω primarily means “to take away” or “to remove,” particularly in the sense of physically taking something from someone or someplace. It can also mean “to cut off” or “to abolish,” depending on the context, often carrying a forceful connotation.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon concurs with BDAG, defining ἀφαιρέω as “to take away” or “to remove.” Thayer adds that the term can imply a forceful or authoritative removal, such as when taking something by force or decree.
Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary also aligns with BDAG and Thayer’s, focusing on the idea of “removal” or “taking away.” It notes the word’s use in both literal and figurative contexts, such as removing physical objects or abolishing laws or customs.
LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a broader overview of ἀφαιρέω, including its use in both common and legal contexts, where it could mean to “take away” something tangible or to “abolish” something intangible, like a law or practice.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀφαιρέω as “to take away,” “remove,” or “cut off,” highlighting the verb’s versatility in different contexts, from literal removal of objects to metaphorical removal of rights or privileges.
Bible Verses:
3. Classic Greek Literature:
Usage in Classic Greek Literature:
4. Summary:
ἀφαιρέω (aphaireō) is a versatile Greek verb primarily meaning “to take away” or “to remove.” Derived from the roots ἀπό (apo) and αἱρέω (haireō), the term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, signifying actions such as cutting off, abolishing, or forcibly removing something. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s all agree on these primary meanings, with variations depending on the context in which the word is used. In both the New Testament and classic Greek literature, ἀφαιρέω plays a crucial role in conveying the removal or severance of things, whether physical, legal, or metaphorical, enriching our understanding of texts where the term is used.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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