Brief Overview of ἐρέω (Strong’s G2046: ereō)

Introduction

Understanding the Greek word ἐρέω (ereō) is crucial for those studying the New Testament and ancient Greek literature. This verb, meaning “to say” or “to speak,” is foundational in biblical texts, often used in contexts where an authoritative statement or declaration is made. Grasping the nuances of ἐρέω helps readers better appreciate its significance in conveying direct speech, divine commands, or important pronouncements in both Scripture and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἐρέω (ereō) [eh-REH-oh]
Etymology: Derived from the Greek root εἴρω (eirō), meaning “to speak” or “to say.” This root connects to various forms of expressing speech or communication in Greek.
Part of Speech: Verb; it primarily appears in the future tense and is often used in biblical prophecy or direct statements.
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Primary Meanings

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To say or speak: Commonly used to express a spoken statement or communication.
To declare or proclaim: Used in contexts involving formal announcements or declarations.
To promise or predict: Can be used to foretell events or make commitments in both prophetic and secular contexts.

Similar Words: λέγω (legō) [LEH-go], meaning “to say” or “to speak,” is a more general term for saying or stating, while ἐρέω tends to imply a future action or more formal declaration. φημί (phēmí) [fay-MEE], another synonym, carries a similar meaning but is often used in more casual or narrative contexts compared to the declarative use of ἐρέω.

Further Insights: ἐρέω is often seen in the future tense, particularly in direct quotations or prophecies. It does not have a present tense form and is frequently found in literary texts to indicate a future speech or declaration. Below is the conjugation chart for ἐρέω in the future tense:

Tense	Singular	Plural
1st Person	ἐρέω (ereō)	ἐροῦμεν (eroūmen)
2nd Person	ἐρεῖς (ereis)	ἐρεῖτε (ereite)
3rd Person	ἐρεῖ (erei)	ἐροῦσι(ν) (eroūsi(n))

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
Defines ἐρέω as “to speak, to say, to declare,” noting its frequent use in the future tense to predict or promise something. It is particularly significant in contexts where divine or authoritative speech is recorded.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Highlights ἐρέω as a verb used for “to say” or “to declare,” emphasizing its use in prophecy or foretelling, often associated with divine utterances or significant statements.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Identifies ἐρέω as expressing a more definitive or formal speech act, used in contexts where an authoritative statement is being made, such as divine pronouncements or prophetic utterances.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Lists ἐρέω as “to speak or to say,” with a focus on future actions or formal declarations. It is common in Homeric and Classical Greek to indicate a solemn or important statement.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Describes ἐρέω as “to say or speak,” specifically highlighting its usage in the future tense in both the New Testament and the Septuagint. It is used to convey direct speech or declarations.

Related Scripture References

Matthew 7:23: “And then I will declare [ἐρῶ] to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
Here, ἐρῶ indicates a future declaration of judgment.
Romans 9:15: “For He says [ἐρεῖ] to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’”
In this verse, ἐρεῖ is used to signify a direct statement of divine intent.
Hebrews 8:8: “For finding fault with them, He says [ἐρέω], ‘Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.’”
Here, ἐρέω is used to introduce a prophetic statement regarding a future covenant.

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Homer	Iliad	“And Zeus shall say [ἐρέω] to the gods, ‘This is the fate of men.’”
Herodotus	Histories	“I will say [ἐρέω] no more about this matter, for the facts speak for themselves.”
Sophocles	Oedipus Rex	“I shall say [ἐρέω] what I know to be true, without fear of the consequence.”
Septuagint	Exodus 4:12	“Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say [ἐρέῃς].”
Septuagint	Isaiah 7:14	“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call [ἐρεῖς] His name Immanuel.”
Septuagint	Jeremiah 1:7	“But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say [ἐρεῖς], “I am a youth,” because everywhere I send you, you shall go.’”

Summary of ἐρέω (G2046: ereō)

The Greek verb ἐρέω (ereō) is primarily used to express speech, specifically in contexts where something is being declared, promised, or prophesied. The verb’s focus on future action or formal statements makes it integral to understanding New Testament narratives, where direct speech or divine pronouncements are involved. In classical Greek literature, ἐρέω also carries a sense of authority or solemnity, often appearing in formal discourse or dialogue. Recognizing its use helps to understand the gravity of statements made in both scripture and ancient Greek texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Greek word ἐρέω (ereō) is often used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) to convey God’s future promises or commands to His people? This verb’s unique emphasis on future action or authoritative speech aligns well with divine declarations, reflecting the certainty and power behind prophetic words.