ἀφαιρέω

I take away, smite off

Definition

The verb ἀφαιρέω primarily means 'to take away, remove, or cut off.' It often describes a forceful or decisive removal, such as cutting off a body part (Matthew 26:51, Mark 14:47, Luke 22:50) or taking away someone's job or stewardship (Luke 16:3). In a more abstract, spiritual sense, it refers to God removing sin, guilt, or a burden, as seen in Romans 11:27 (quoting Isaiah) regarding the removal of ungodliness and in Hebrews 10:4 regarding the insufficiency of sacrifices to take away sins. In Luke 10:42, it describes taking away a person's chosen activity or portion.

Biblical Usage

ἀφαιρέω is used in both literal, physical contexts and figurative, spiritual ones. Literally, it appears in narratives of violence (cutting off an ear in the Gospels) and management (removing a manager in Luke 16:3). Figuratively, it is used in theological discussions in Romans and Hebrews about the removal of sin. It occurs in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), the Pauline epistles (Romans), and Hebrews.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'away from') and the verb αἱρέω (haireō, meaning 'to take, choose'). The compound thus carries the sense of 'to take away from.' The root idea is of separation or removal.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is used to describe God's action in dealing with human sin. In Romans 11:27, it points to God's covenantal promise to remove ungodliness. Most crucially, in Hebrews 10:4, it highlights the central problem of the Old Testament sacrificial system—that the blood of animals could not 'take away' sins—thereby setting the stage for the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, which does effectively remove sin (cf. Hebrews 10:11). Understanding this Greek term enriches the contrast between the old and new covenants.

In the physical sense of 'cutting off,' the action (like cutting off an ear) was a severe act of violence or punishment, reflecting a culture where such disfigurement had significant social and symbolic consequences. In the context of stewardship (Luke 16:3), removal from a position meant a complete loss of livelihood and social standing.

αἴρω (airō, G142) — a more general term for 'to lift up, take up, or remove,' without the inherent force or separation implied by ἀφαιρέω. περιαιρέω (periaireō, G4014) — means 'to take away that which is around,' often used for removing a veil or, figuratively, taking away sins (Acts 27:20, 2 Corinthians 3:16).

Word Details

Scripture References