Brief Overview of ἐάω (G1439: eáō)

Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the exploration of Greek verbs is essential for understanding the dynamics of actions, commands, and permissions within the New Testament. One such verb is ἐάω (G1439: eáō), a term that holds significant importance in both Biblical and classical Greek contexts. The verb ἐάω is primarily used to convey the idea of allowing, permitting, or leaving something or someone alone. This word appears in various passages where the act of permission or the deliberate choice not to intervene is a key element of the narrative. Understanding ἐάω is crucial for interpreting these contexts, particularly in relation to divine permission, human authority, and the idea of non-interference. Additionally, this verb provides insight into ancient Greek culture, where the concept of allowing or permitting was often tied to social and religious practices.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐάω (eáō) [eh-ah’-o]
• Etymology: The word ἐάω is related to the Greek verb ἴαω (íaō), meaning “to let” or “to permit.” The verb ἐάω focuses on the act of allowing or permitting, often with an implication of non-interference.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active, Imperfect Active, Aorist Active)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Allow, To Permit: This is the primary meaning of ἐάω, indicating that someone is allowed to do something, or something is permitted to happen.
• To Leave, To Let Alone: The verb can also imply that something is left alone or not interfered with, often carrying the sense of deliberate non-intervention.

Similar Words:

• ἀφίημι (aphíēmi) [af-ee’-ay-mee]: While ἀφίημι also means “to leave” or “to let go,” it often has broader connotations, including forgiveness or release, whereas ἐάω focuses more specifically on permission or allowance.
• ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō) [ep-ee-trep’-o]: This verb means “to permit” or “to allow,” similar to ἐάω, but is often used in contexts involving official or authoritative permission.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἐάω is a regular Greek verb that follows standard conjugation patterns in the present, imperfect, and aorist tenses. Its use in different tenses can indicate ongoing permission (present), past permission (imperfect), or a single act of permission (aorist).
• The verb is often used in conjunction with a dependent infinitive, indicating what is being allowed or permitted.

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG: ἐάω is defined as “to allow” or “to permit,” particularly in contexts where someone is given permission to act or where an action is allowed to happen without interference. The lexicon highlights its usage in New Testament passages where divine or human permission is a central theme.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐάω as a verb meaning “to allow” or “to leave alone,” with emphasis on its use in passages that discuss permission or non-interference. It is noted for its application in both physical and moral contexts.

Vine’s: ἐάω is noted as a verb that means “to permit” or “to allow,” with a particular focus on its use in contexts where something is left alone or where a person is given the freedom to act without restraint.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐάω is recognized as a verb meaning “to let” or “to permit,” commonly used in both legal and social contexts to denote permission or non-interference.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἐάω is listed as “to allow” or “to leave,” with an emphasis on its use in the New Testament to describe situations where permission is granted or where something is deliberately not hindered.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 7:4: “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? (ἐᾷς).”
• Matthew 13:30: “Let both grow together until the harvest (ἄφετε ἀμφότερα συναυξάνεσθαι).”
• Acts 14:16: “In past generations he allowed (εἴασεν) all the nations to walk in their own ways.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐάω (G1439: eáō):

The verb ἐάω (G1439: eáō) is a critical term in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, conveying the concepts of permission, allowance, and non-interference. Its use in the New Testament often reflects situations where divine or human permission is granted, or where actions are deliberately left alone. Understanding ἐάω provides valuable insights into the nature of authority, freedom, and responsibility within Biblical texts. Additionally, its usage in classical Greek contexts highlights the importance of permission and non-interference in both social and legal practices.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The verb ἐάω was commonly used in ancient Greek legal documents to indicate that a person had the official permission to act, such as building on a property or conducting business. This reflects the broader cultural importance of permission and the boundaries of authority in Greek society.