αἱρετίζω

I choose

Definition

αἱρετίζω means 'to choose' or 'to select,' specifically conveying a deliberate act of choice, often implying a preference or a decision made after consideration. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it describes God's sovereign choice of His servant, Jesus Christ, in Matthew 12:18, quoting Isaiah 42:1. This choice is not random but is purposeful and based on divine will, highlighting a special selection for a specific role or mission. The word carries a sense of being set apart or appointed, distinct from more general terms for selection.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 12:18, where it appears in a quotation from the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) of Isaiah 42:1. The context is Matthew's citation of prophecy to explain Jesus' actions, stating, 'Behold, my servant whom I have chosen (αἱρετίζω), my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.' Here, it is used in a theological context of divine election, specifically God's choice of His Messiah for His redemptive mission.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek adjective αἱρετός (hairetos), meaning 'chosen' or 'choice,' which itself comes from the verb αἱρέομαι (haireomai, G138), meaning 'to take' or 'to choose.' The -ίζω suffix often forms verbs indicating causation or action, so αἱρετίζω essentially means 'to make chosen' or 'to choose.' It is a less common, intensified form emphasizing the act of choosing, related to the noun αἵρεσις (hairesis, G139), originally meaning 'choice' or 'sect.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the doctrine of divine election. In Matthew 12:18, it highlights God's active, sovereign choice in appointing Jesus as His Servant for salvation. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by emphasizing that Jesus' mission was not accidental but a deliberate fulfillment of God's plan, connecting Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 42:1) with New Testament fulfillment. It points to God's purposeful selection in redemption.

In ancient Greek culture, choice (αἵρεσις) often involved personal preference or philosophical selection, but in the Septuagint and New Testament, it takes on a stronger theological dimension of divine appointment. The use in Matthew 12:18 reflects a Jewish context where God's choice of individuals (like kings or prophets) for specific roles was a key concept, differing from modern individualistic notions of choice by emphasizing God's initiative and authority.

ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai, G1586) — more common for 'choose,' often with a sense of selecting out from a group, used for God's election of people. αἱρέομαι (haireomai, G138) — the root verb, meaning 'to take' or 'choose,' generally less intense. προχειρίζομαι (procheirizomai, G4400) — 'to appoint' or 'choose beforehand,' emphasizing prior designation.

Word Details

Scripture References