### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb αἱρέομαι (hairéomai), transliterated as *hairéomai*, carries the core meaning of "to choose," "to prefer," or "to take for oneself." The provided etymology suggests a connection to αἴρω (airō), meaning "to lift," "to take up," or "to take away" (`{{G142}}`). The crucial distinction lies in the middle voice of αἱρέομαι, which transforms the simple act of "taking" into "taking for oneself" or "choosing for oneself." This grammatical nuance highlights the volitional aspect and the personal interest of the subject in the selection. The semantic range thus encompasses a deliberate, self-initiated act of selection from available options, implying a preference or a considered decision rather than a passive reception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word αἱρέομαι appears sparingly but significantly in the New Testament, each instance offering rich contextual insight:
* **[[Philippians 1:22]]**: The Apostle Paul, contemplating his future, states, "If I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to *choose*." Here, Paul faces a profound personal dilemma between remaining alive to serve the Philippian church and departing to be with Christ. His use of αἱρέομαι underscores his personal agency and the weight of the decision, even as he ultimately defers to God's will. It highlights a choice between two good, yet conflicting, desires.
* **[[2 Thessalonians 2:13]]**: This verse presents a pivotal theological statement: "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God *chose* you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth." In this context, God is the subject of the verb, and believers are the object of His choice. This is a foundational text for the doctrine of divine election, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative and eternal purpose in salvation. The choice is not based on human merit but on God's gracious will, occurring "from the beginning."
* **[[Hebrews 11:25]]**: Describing Moses' life of faith, the author states that he was "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin." Here, αἱρέομαι depicts Moses' deliberate and principled decision. It was a moral and spiritual choice to prioritize his identity with God's people and their suffering over the fleeting allure of worldly comfort and sin. This choice is presented as an act of profound faith, demonstrating a valuing of eternal realities over temporal gratifications.
Across these contexts, αἱρέομαι consistently denotes a conscious, intentional act of selection, whether by God in His sovereign plan or by humans in their moral and spiritual journeys.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words and theological concepts are closely related to αἱρέομαι, either through shared root meanings or thematic connections:
* **αἴρω (airō)** - `{{G142}}`: The root verb, meaning "to lift, take up, take away." While αἱρέομαι adds the nuance of "taking for oneself" or "choosing," the underlying idea of "taking" remains.
* **ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai)** - `{{G1586}}`: Meaning "to pick out, choose, select." This is perhaps the closest synonym, particularly in the context of divine election. ἐκλέγομαι often implies a selection *out of* a larger group or for a specific purpose, as seen in Christ's choosing of His disciples. While very similar, αἱρέομαι might emphasize the act of preference, whereas ἐκλέγομαι highlights the outcome of selection.
* **προορίζω (proorizō)** - `{{G4309}}`: Meaning "to predestine, determine beforehand." This word speaks to God's prior determination and purpose, which precedes and undergirds His "choosing" as described by αἱρέομαι in [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]].
* **βούλομαι (boulomai)** - `{{G1014}}` and **θέλω (thelō)** - `{{G2309}}`: Both mean "to will" or "to wish." While they express volition and desire, αἱρέομαι specifically denotes the act of making a choice from options, rather than just having a general will or desire.
* **Concepts:** Divine election, human volition, moral decision-making, preference, faith, and the cost of discipleship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of αἱρέομαι is profound, particularly due to its use in relation to God's actions:
* **Divine Election and Grace:** The usage in [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]] is paramount. It unequivocally states that God *chose* believers for salvation, and this choice was "from the beginning." This underscores the doctrine of divine election, emphasizing that salvation originates not in human merit or initiative, but in God's sovereign, eternal, and gracious will. It highlights the unmerited favor of God as the ultimate source of salvation, which unfolds "through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth." This choice is purposeful, leading to holiness and adherence to divine revelation.
* **Human Agency and Moral Responsibility:** While God's election is foundational, the instances involving human subjects (Paul in [[Philippians 1:22]], Moses in [[Hebrews 11:25]]) affirm the reality of human choice and moral responsibility. These passages demonstrate that individuals are faced with significant decisions that have spiritual and eternal implications. Their choices reflect their values, their faith, and their willingness to align with God's purposes, even when it involves personal cost or suffering.
* **The Nature of Faith:** Moses' choice in [[Hebrews 11:25]] exemplifies a faith that actively chooses God's way despite worldly allurements. It demonstrates that true faith is not passive but involves a deliberate preference for the things of God, even when they entail affliction, over the temporary pleasures of sin. This kind of choice is a testament to a deep trust in God's character and His promises.
* **God's Purposeful Sovereignty:** The word reinforces the idea of a God who actively chooses and acts according to His eternal purpose. His choices are not arbitrary but are part of a grand redemptive design, ensuring the ultimate salvation of His chosen people and the fulfillment of His will.
### Summary
The Greek word αἱρέομαι (hairéomai), meaning "to choose" or "to prefer," denotes a deliberate and volitional act of selection, emphasizing the agent's personal appropriation. Its occurrences in the New Testament are few but exceptionally weighty. In [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]], it serves as a cornerstone for the doctrine of divine election, affirming God's sovereign, eternal choice of believers for salvation, underscoring the gracious initiative of the triune God. Simultaneously, its use in [[Philippians 1:22]] and [[Hebrews 11:25]] powerfully illustrates human agency, depicting individuals like Paul and Moses making profound moral and spiritual choices that reflect their faith and commitment to God, often at significant personal cost. Thus, αἱρέομαι encapsulates both the divine prerogative in salvation and the human responsibility in responding to God's call, highlighting the active nature of both God's grace and human faith.
TRV