### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G140 (αἱρετίζω), transliterated as *hairetízō*, is derived from a form of `{{G138}}` (αἱρέομαι), which fundamentally means "to take for oneself," "to grasp," or "to prefer." Consequently, αἱρετίζω carries the specific meaning "to make a choice" or "to choose." It denotes a deliberate act of selection, implying a considered decision among various options. While its core semantic range is straightforward—the act of choosing—its theological weight is profoundly shaped by the subject and object of that choice within its biblical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G140 (αἱρετίζω) appears only once in the New Testament, but this singular occurrence is pregnant with theological significance.
* [[Matthew 12:18]]: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen (αἱρετίζω), my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased; I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles."
This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Isaiah 42:1]], which introduces the first of the "Servant Songs." In Matthew's Gospel, this quotation is placed immediately after Jesus withdraws from the Pharisees, who had conspired against him, and continues his ministry of healing and teaching. The use of αἱρετίζω here is crucial: it is the Father's voice, declaring His sovereign and deliberate choice of Jesus as His Servant. This is not a choice made by human preference or democratic process, but an eternal, divine election. The context in Matthew emphasizes Jesus' gentle and humble approach to ministry, fulfilling the prophetic description of the Servant who "will not quarrel or cry aloud" ([[Matthew 12:19]]). The divine choice affirms Jesus' identity and validates His mission to bring justice to all nations, including the Gentiles.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G140 (αἱρετίζω) is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* **`{{G138}}` (αἱρέομαι):** The root verb from which αἱρετίζω is derived. It means "to take for oneself, to choose, to prefer." It appears in passages like [[Philippians 1:22]], where Paul expresses his desire to "choose" to depart and be with Christ, and [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]], where God is said to have "chosen" believers for salvation.
* **`{{G1586}}` (ἐκλέγομαι):** A much more common and broadly used verb for "to choose" in the New Testament. It means "to pick out, select, choose." This word is frequently employed in contexts of divine election, such as God choosing believers for salvation ([[Ephesians 1:4]]) or Jesus choosing His disciples ([[John 15:16]]). While both αἱρετίζω and ἐκλέγομαι denote choosing, the former's singular, prophetic use in Matthew gives it a unique emphasis on the Father's specific selection of the Messiah.
* **`{{H977}}` (בָּחַר, bachar):** The primary Hebrew word for "to choose" in the Old Testament, often used of God's choice of Israel, individuals, or places (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:6]], [[1 Samuel 16:7]]). The LXX often translates bachar with αἱρέομαι or ἐκλέγομαι, and in [[Isaiah 42:1]], it is rendered by αἱρετίζω.
* **Divine Election/Predestination:** The concept of God's sovereign choice is a foundational theological theme across the biblical narrative. αἱρετίζω in [[Matthew 12:18]] powerfully articulates this divine prerogative concerning the person of Jesus Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament occurrence of G140 (αἱρετίζω) in [[Matthew 12:18]] carries profound theological weight. It is the voice of God the Father, quoting from the prophetic book of Isaiah, declaring His unique and deliberate choice of Jesus as His Servant and Beloved Son.
1. **Divine Affirmation of Christ's Identity:** This verse unequivocally establishes Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the chosen Servant of Yahweh, directly linking Him to the prophetic tradition of Isaiah. It underscores that Jesus' mission is not self-initiated but divinely appointed and sanctioned.
2. **Sovereignty of God:** The use of αἱρετίζω highlights God's absolute sovereignty in salvation history. The choice of the Messiah is not contingent upon human will or merit, but flows from the unchangeable purpose and pleasure of God.
3. **Father's Love and Pleasure:** The phrase "my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased" immediately following "whom I have chosen" reveals the intimate and affectionate relationship between the Father and the Son. The Father's choice is rooted in His perfect love and approval of Jesus.
4. **Foundation for Christ's Ministry:** The divine choice provides the ultimate authority and power for Jesus' redemptive work. It is upon this foundation that the Spirit is placed upon Him, enabling Him to bring justice to the Gentiles.
### Summary
The Greek word G140 (αἱρετίζω), *hairetízō*, signifies "to make a choice" or "to choose." Though it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Matthew 12:18]], its impact is immense. In this pivotal passage, which quotes [[Isaiah 42:1]] (LXX), God the Father declares, "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen." This divine utterance profoundly establishes Jesus' identity as the divinely appointed and eternally beloved Messiah. The singular use of αἱρετίζω emphasizes the sovereign, deliberate, and affectionate choice of God the Father in commissioning Jesus for His redemptive mission. It underscores that Christ's role is not accidental or humanly determined, but the result of God's perfect will and pleasure, thereby forming a foundational truth concerning the person and work of Jesus in salvation history.
TRV