ῥίπτω

I throw, cast, toss

Definition

The Greek verb ῥίπτω primarily means 'to throw, cast, or hurl,' often with a sense of force or sudden action. In a literal sense, it describes physically throwing objects, such as the silver pieces Judas threw down in the temple (Matthew 27:5) or the cargo jettisoned from a ship (Acts 27:19). Figuratively, it can mean to cast down or prostrate, as when Jesus casts out a demon (Luke 4:35) or when the sick are laid at his feet (Matthew 15:30). In the passive voice, it conveys being thrown or scattered, reflecting a state of being cast aside or dispersed.

Biblical Usage

ῥίπτω is used seven times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels and Acts. Its usage spans both literal, physical actions—like discarding objects (Matthew 27:5) or emergency measures at sea (Acts 27:19, 27:29)—and more figurative or medical contexts, such as laying the sick before Jesus (Matthew 15:30) or the violent casting out of a demon (Luke 4:35). It also appears in Jesus' metaphorical warning about causing a 'little one' to stumble, where it implies being thrown into the sea (Luke 17:2). The word consistently conveys a deliberate, often forceful, act of throwing or placing.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek root ῥιπ-, meaning 'to throw, cast, or hurl,' ῥίπτω is a primary verb. It is related to words like ῥιπή (a throw or swing) and shares a common Indo-European root with verbs implying a swift, tossing motion. Its meaning has remained relatively stable, centered on the core idea of throwing with intent or force.

Semantic Range

While ῥίπτω itself is not a theologically loaded term, its usage in key passages enriches understanding of Jesus' authority and human desperation. In Matthew 15:30, the sick being 'thrown' at Jesus' feet highlights the crowds' urgent, almost forceful faith in his healing power. In Luke 4:35, Jesus 'throws' out a demon, vividly illustrating his command over the spiritual realm. The word's forcefulness in these contexts underscores the dramatic nature of divine intervention and human reliance on Christ.

In the Greco-Roman world, ῥίπτω could describe actions from discarding worthless items (like Judas' silver) to emergency maritime practices (jettisoning cargo to save a ship, Acts 27:19). The act of 'throwing' the sick before Jesus (Matthew 15:30) may reflect a cultural posture of desperation and submission, where sufferers were literally laid at the feet of a healer or authority figure, signifying total dependence.

βάλλω (ballō, G906) — a more general verb for 'to throw' or 'to put,' often less forceful or sudden than ῥίπτω. ἐκβάλλω (ekballō, G1544) — means 'to cast out,' frequently used for exorcisms or expulsions, emphasizing removal from a place.

Word Details

Scripture References