Brief Overview of ἐκριζόω (Strong’s G1610: ekrizóō)

Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words of the New Testament is crucial for accurately interpreting the text and grasping the full depth of its meaning. One such word is ἐκριζόω (ekrizóō), a verb that carries the vivid imagery of uprooting or plucking out. This word plays a significant role in both literal and metaphorical contexts within the New Testament, highlighting themes of removal, destruction, and spiritual purification. Its use offers insight into the ways ancient Greek culture and language expressed concepts of eradication and transformation, both in physical and spiritual senses.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκριζόω (ekrizóō) [ek-ree-ZO-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ- (ek-), meaning “out of,” and ῥίζα (rhíza), meaning “root.” The compound form ἐκριζόω literally means “to root out” or “to uproot.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To root out
• To uproot
• To eradicate
• To destroy completely

Similar Words:

• ἐξολεθρεύω (exolethréuō): This word means “to destroy utterly” or “to wipe out,” often used in the context of complete annihilation. While it shares the idea of eradication with ἐκριζόω, it is more focused on the result of destruction rather than the process of uprooting.
• ἀφανίζω (aphanízō): Meaning “to disappear” or “to make vanish,” this word also deals with removal but emphasizes the aspect of making something disappear entirely, whereas ἐκριζόω emphasizes the action of pulling out by the roots.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐκριζόω is a compound verb formed from ἐκ- and ῥίζα. The prefix ἐκ- intensifies the action, suggesting a thorough and complete removal. The verb is typically used in the present active indicative, indicating an ongoing action or a habitual practice of uprooting.
• Grammatical Features: The verb is conjugated in the active voice, emphasizing the subject’s active role in the action of uprooting. Below is the present tense conjugation in the indicative mood:

Lexicon Insights

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• BDAG: Defines ἐκριζόω as “to root out” or “to eradicate,” highlighting its metaphorical use in the New Testament to describe the removal of evil or unwanted elements, whether in a community or within an individual.
• Thayers: Emphasizes the physical and metaphorical applications of ἐκριζόω, noting its use in contexts where something is being removed entirely from its foundation.
• Vines: Focuses on the figurative use of ἐκριζόω in the New Testament, particularly in parables and teachings where it illustrates spiritual cleansing or the elimination of corrupt influences.
• LSJ: Provides classical references to ἐκριζόω, showing its use in various Greek texts to describe the process of uprooting plants or metaphorically removing individuals from positions of power or influence.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Notes the word’s literal meaning of uprooting and its figurative use in passages that deal with judgment or spiritual cleansing.

Scripture References

• Matthew 15:13 – “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up (ἐκριζόω).”
• Luke 17:6 – “And the Lord said, ‘If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted (ἐκριζόω) and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.’”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκριζόω (G1610: ekrizóō)

The Greek word ἐκριζόω (ekrizóō) vividly conveys the action of uprooting, whether in a literal sense of removing plants from the ground or in a metaphorical sense of eradicating evil or corruption. This verb is significant in New Testament interpretation, where it is often used in contexts of judgment, spiritual cleansing, and the removal of negative influences. Understanding ἐκριζόω enhances our comprehension of passages that deal with divine judgment or the transformative power of faith. Its usage in classical literature also underscores its importance in expressing complete and thorough removal, whether of physical objects or abstract concepts.

Did You Know?

The process of uprooting, as described by ἐκριζόω, was often seen in ancient Greek culture as not just a physical action but also a symbolic one, representing the removal of undesirable elements from a community or even one’s own character. This idea of purification and renewal through eradication is a theme that resonates throughout Greek literature and the New Testament.