The Greek word eáō, represented by G1439, means to let be, i.e. permit or leave alone. It appears 15 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage conveys concepts of suffering (permitting), leaving, committing, or letting something alone.
In the biblical narrative, G1439 is used in several key contexts. It is used to express permission or allowance, as when Paul's disciples suffered him not to enter in unto the people Acts 19:30. It can mean to leave something behind, such as when soldiers on the morrow left the horsemen to go with Paul Acts 23:32. The word also describes God's divine allowance, as He suffered all nations to walk in their own ways in times past Acts 14:16. Another instance shows it being used to mean let alone, as in the advice to let the men alone, for if their work is of men, it will come to nought Acts 5:38.
Several related words clarify the concept of permitting or refraining:
- G1410 dýnamai (to be able or possible): This word is often paired with G1439 to define the limits of what is permitted. For example, God will not suffer believers to be tempted beyond what they are able to bear 1 Corinthians 10:13.
- G868 aphístēmi (to remove... refrain, withdraw self): This term often precedes the action of G1439. In Acts, the counsel is to first refrain from the men and then to let them alone Acts 5:38.
- G2008 epitimáō (censure or admonish; by implication, forbid): This word acts as an opposite to G1439. Jesus did not suffer the devils to speak, but instead was rebuking them Luke 4:41, showing a direct refusal of permission.
The theological weight of G1439 is significant, highlighting the interplay between divine permission and human responsibility.
- Divine Sovereignty: The word is used to describe God's sovereign allowance. He suffered all nations to follow their own paths Acts 14:16 and suffers believers to be tempted, but provides a way of escape, showing that His permission is tied to His provision 1 Corinthians 10:13.
- Spiritual Discernment: The failure to exercise authority is shown through this word. The church in Revelation is condemned because "thou sufferest that woman Jezebel... to teach" Revelation 2:20. Conversely, Jesus demonstrates authority by not suffering demons to speak Luke 4:41.
- Human Agency: The term is used to show human decision-making and its consequences. A homeowner, if he had known, would not have suffered his house to be broken up Matthew 24:43. In another case, soldiers let a boat fall off into the sea, an act of deliberate choice Acts 27:32.
In summary, G1439 is a versatile word that signifies more than simple permission. It encompasses divine allowance, human inaction or deliberate choice, and the exercise of spiritual authority. From God not suffering believers to be tempted beyond their ability 1 Corinthians 10:13 to a call to let others alone Acts 5:38, the word illustrates how the act of permitting or leaving be is a critical element in biblical narratives and theological understanding.
TRV