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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately. The Greek word ἐξολεθρεύω (exolethreúō) is significant due to its strong connotations of destruction and annihilation. This verb is used in contexts of divine judgment and human actions involving complete destruction, making it particularly relevant for understanding passages related to God’s judgment, warfare, and ethical imperatives in the ancient world.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐξολεθρεύω, transliterated as exolethreúō [ek-so-leth-REH-oo]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and the verb ὀλεθρεύω (olethreúō, “to destroy”), which together mean “to utterly destroy” or “exterminate.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; typically used in an active or passive voice.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To destroy utterly
- To exterminate
- To eliminate completely
- To kill off or annihilate
Similar Words: ἐξολεθρεύω (exolethreúō) compared to ἀπόλλυμι (apóllumi) [a-POL-loo-mee], which also means “to destroy” or “to perish.” While ἐξολεθρεύω emphasizes total and irreversible destruction, ἀπόλλυμι can also refer to a loss or ruin that is not necessarily absolute. Another related word is καταστρέφω (katastréphō) [ka-ta-STRE-fo], meaning “to overturn” or “to ruin,” which is less about complete annihilation and more about overwhelming or defeating.
Further Insights: ἐξολεθρεύω is a verb that is generally used in contexts requiring total destruction or annihilation, often found in descriptions of divine judgments or military conquests in biblical and classical texts. As a compound verb, it combines the force of “out of” and “destroy,” amplifying the sense of thoroughness in the act of destruction.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ἐξολεθρεύω as “to destroy utterly, exterminate,” typically used in contexts involving divine judgment or warlike actions. It highlights its use in both the literal sense (destroying people or cities) and metaphorically (destroying concepts or plans).
Thayers: This lexicon describes ἐξολεθρεύω as “to destroy completely” and notes its frequent usage in Septuagintal contexts where divine or human agents bring about total annihilation.
Vines: Focuses on ἐξολεθρεύω as a term associated with final and absolute destruction, particularly in the theological sense, where it pertains to God’s decisive actions against sin or enemies.
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LSJ: Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon expands the definition to include “to exterminate” or “to blot out,” emphasizing its classical Greek use in military and political texts where the complete eradication of a group or city-state is described.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐξολεθρεύω as “to destroy utterly,” linking it to contexts of divine or sovereign judgment where the emphasis is on complete removal or destruction.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 3:23: “And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed utterly from among the people.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The tyrant threatened to exterminate (ἐξολεθρεύσει) the entire populace if they did not submit.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “He swore to destroy utterly (ἐξολεθρεῦσαι) the enemies of the city.” |
| Plato | Laws | “The state must ensure that any threat is exterminated (ἐξολεθρευθῇ) for the safety of its citizens.” |
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Joshua | “And they utterly destroyed (ἐξολεθρεύσατε) all that breathed, as the Lord commanded.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Samuel | “But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep… but they were supposed to utterly destroy (ἐξολεθρεῦσαι) them.” |
| Septuagint | Deuteronomy | “The Lord will deliver them up before you, and you shall do unto them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you; you shall utterly destroy (ἐξολεθρεύσεις) them.” |
Summary of ἐξολεθρεύω (G1842: exolethreúō)
The Greek word ἐξολεθρεύω (Strong’s G1842), meaning “to destroy utterly” or “exterminate,” is a powerful verb used in contexts demanding total annihilation. It frequently appears in the New Testament and Septuagint when describing divine judgments or commands to destroy enemies completely. Its strong connotations of complete and irreversible destruction make it a critical word for understanding passages related to God’s justice, war, and moral imperatives in both biblical and classical Greek texts.
Did You Know?
The word ἐξολεθρεύω is rarely used in everyday Greek conversation due to its intense meaning. It is mostly found in formal or dramatic contexts, such as ancient literature, historical writings, or legal texts, to emphasize total destruction, often by divine command or legal decree.
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