ἐξαλείφω

I wipe away, obliterate

Definition

The verb ἐξαλείφω primarily means 'to wipe away, wipe out, or obliterate.' In the New Testament, it carries the sense of completely removing something, often with a sense of finality. In Acts 3:19, it describes the wiping away of sins, implying their total forgiveness and removal. In Colossians 2:14, it refers to the obliteration of the legal record of our debts, picturing it being blotted out or erased. In Revelation 3:5, 7:17, and 21:4, it describes God's ultimate action of wiping away every tear, signifying the complete removal of sorrow and suffering in the new creation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative (Acts), epistolary (Colossians), and apocalyptic (Revelation) contexts. Its usage consistently conveys a powerful, decisive act of removal. In Acts 3:19 and Colossians 2:14, it is used metaphorically for the removal of sin and legal condemnation. In Revelation (3:5, 7:17, 21:4), it is used both for the removal of a name from a book and, most poignantly, for God personally wiping away all tears, emphasizing comfort and final restoration.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐξ (ex, meaning 'out of' or 'completely') and the verb ἀλείφω (aleiphō, meaning 'to anoint' or 'to rub,' often with oil or ointment). The compound form intensifies the base meaning to 'rub out' or 'wipe away completely.' It was used in secular Greek for erasing writing from a wax tablet or wiping a dish clean.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it powerfully illustrates the completeness of God's redemptive work. It shows that forgiveness in Christ is not merely a covering but a total obliteration of sin's record (Colossians 2:14). In eschatology, it promises the absolute and final end of all grief and pain, portraying an intimate, personal act of God bringing ultimate comfort (Revelation 21:4). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing the thoroughness and permanence of God's saving and restorative actions.

In the ancient world, writing was often done on papyrus with ink that could be washed off or on wax tablets where the text could be smoothed away. The image of 'blotting out' a written record (Colossians 2:14) would have been a vivid, concrete picture of permanent cancellation for the original readers, much more tangible than the modern concept of deleting digital data.

ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, G863) — emphasizes 'sending away' or 'releasing' from obligation, often translated 'forgive.' ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis, G629) — focuses on the concept of 'redemption' or 'release' through payment, a broader soteriological term.

Word Details

Scripture References