apparent imperative of ἐάω; properly, let it be, i.e. (as interjection) aha!:--let alone.
Transliteration:éa
Pronunciation:eh'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἔα (éa), Strong's number `{{G1436}}`, is an interjection. It is understood to be an apparent imperative form of the verb ἐάω (eaō), `{{G1439}}`, which means "to permit, allow, let go, leave alone." As an interjection, ἔα carries a primary sense of "let it be" or "leave alone." However, in its New Testament usage, it conveys a more urgent and emphatic meaning, often translated as "aha!" or "what!" It functions as a sharp exclamation of sudden surprise, alarm, or even indignation, signaling a strong, often involuntary, reaction to a perceived intrusion or challenge. It can imply a demand for non-interference or an expression of startled recognition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The interjection ἔα (éa) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring in the Synoptic Gospels and in contexts involving demonic encounters with Jesus.
* **[[Mark 1:24]]**: In the synagogue at Capernaum, an unclean spirit cries out, "[[Mark 1:24]] Saying, ἔα! What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God." Here, ἔα functions as an exclamation of sudden alarm and immediate recognition. The demon, confronted by Jesus' presence and authority, expresses a startled awareness and a defensive challenge, recognizing Jesus' divine identity and fearing His power to destroy them.
* **[[Luke 4:34]]**: This passage provides a parallel account to Mark's, with an almost identical utterance from the demonic entity: "[[Luke 4:34]] Saying, ἔα! What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God." In both instances, the interjection underscores the immediate, visceral, and involuntary confession and fearful reaction of the demonic forces to the manifest presence of the Son of God. It highlights their preternatural knowledge of Jesus' identity and their apprehension concerning His mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐάω (eaō) `{{G1439}}`**: The verb from which ἔα (éa) is derived, meaning "to permit, allow, let go, leave alone." The interjection's core sense of "leave alone" or "let it be" is directly linked to this root. The demonic cry "What have we to do with thee?" (τί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί;) coupled with ἔα effectively expresses a desperate plea for Jesus to "leave us alone."
* **τί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί;**: This idiomatic phrase, meaning "What have we to do with you?" or "What concern is it to us and to you?", frequently accompanies ἔα in the biblical texts. It signifies a desire for separation, non-interference, or a rejection of common ground, underscoring the inherent antagonism between the demonic realm and Christ.
* **Exclamations of Awe or Fear**: While not direct cognates, the use of ἔα (éa) by demonic entities can be conceptually linked to other New Testament expressions of sudden realization, awe, or terror in the presence of divine power, demonstrating the immediate and profound impact of God's presence on spiritual beings.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but potent use of ἔα (éa) by demonic entities in the Gospels carries profound theological significance.
* **Involuntary Confession of Christ's Authority**: The demonic cry of ἔα is not a human exclamation but a supernatural one, revealing the immediate and overwhelming impact of Christ's presence on the spiritual realm. It signifies the involuntary confession of the demons, who, despite their malevolent nature, are compelled to acknowledge Jesus' divine identity and His absolute authority. The "aha!" or "what!" is a cry of being caught off guard, exposed, and utterly powerless before Him.
* **The Inherent Conflict between Kingdoms**: The accompanying phrase "What have we to do with thee?" underscores the absolute separation and irreconcilable conflict between the Kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus, and the kingdom of darkness. There is no common ground, only opposition leading to the ultimate subjugation of the latter.
* **Christ's Divine Identity and Power**: The demons' immediate recognition of Jesus as "the Holy One of God" highlights His unique divine nature and supreme authority, even over spiritual adversaries who possess preternatural knowledge. Their fearful cry is a testament to His power to confront, expose, and ultimately cast out evil.
* **Anticipation of Judgment**: The question "art thou come to destroy us?" reveals the demons' awareness of their impending doom and the eschatological victory of Christ over all evil forces. The interjection ἔα thus serves as a powerful, albeit brief, linguistic marker of Christ's uncontestable power and the immediate, fearful response it evokes in the forces of evil, anticipating their final defeat.
### Summary
The Greek interjection ἔα (éa), Strong's number `{{G1436}}`, derived from the verb ἐάω (eaō) `{{G1439}}`, functions as a sharp exclamation of surprise, alarm, or a demand to be left alone. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, specifically in [[Mark 1:24]] and [[Luke 4:34]], its usage is deeply significant. In both instances, it is uttered by demonic spirits who, upon encountering Jesus, cry out ἔα! followed by the question, "What have we to do with thee?" This interjection reveals their immediate, fearful recognition of Christ's divine identity and overwhelming authority. It signifies their involuntary confession of His power and holiness, underscoring the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. The cry of ἔα encapsulates the profound impact of Jesus' presence on the spiritual realm, demonstrating His absolute power to expose, confront, and ultimately overcome all spiritual adversaries, compelling even them to acknowledge His sovereignty and their own impending destruction.
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