of uncertain affinity; to let be, i.e. permit or leave alone:--commit, leave, let (alone), suffer. See also ἔα.
Transliteration:eáō
Pronunciation:eh-ah'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1439}}` (eáō) carries the primary meaning "to let be." Its semantic range extends into several closely related nuances:
1. **Permission or Allowance:** This is the most frequent sense, indicating a deliberate act of permitting, allowing, or suffering something to occur. It implies a choice not to hinder or prevent, granting leave for an action or state to continue. It is not merely passive inaction, but an active decision to permit.
2. **Non-Interference or Leaving Alone:** In this sense, `{{G1439}}` means to desist from action concerning someone or something, to leave them undisturbed or unmolested. This can be expressed as "let alone," "leave behind," or "forbear."
3. **Entrustment or Commitment:** While less direct, the nuance of "commit" or "entrust" arises in contexts where one "allows" or "leaves" something in another's care or charge. This is an extension of the "leaving alone" sense, but with the added implication of responsibility being transferred or accepted.
The word's "uncertain affinity" noted in its base definition suggests it is not clearly derived from a known root, emphasizing its distinct and fundamental meaning of non-prevention or permission.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1439}}` appears in various New Testament contexts, illuminating its core meanings:
* **Permission (Divine/Human):**
* In situations involving demonic activity, `{{G1439}}` is used to describe Jesus' authority in permitting or forbidding spirits. For example, when an unclean spirit cries out to Jesus, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" Jesus replies, "Be silent, and come out of him!" (implied: "do not allow yourself to remain"). Similarly, Jesus "allowed" (eáō) the demons to enter the herd of pigs in [[Matthew 8:32]], demonstrating His sovereign power even over evil forces.
* It can also describe human permission, such as when a person is "allowed" to pass or perform an action, as seen in [[Acts 27:32]] where the soldiers "let" (eáō) the sailors escape, or in [[Acts 27:40]] where Paul is "allowed" to go.
* **Non-Interference/Leaving Alone:**
* Often found in the imperative, `{{G1439}}` conveys a command to cease bothering or interfering. For instance, in [[Mark 1:24]] and [[Luke 4:34]], the demonic spirits cry out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? `{{G1439}}` (Let us alone)!" This is a plea for non-interference.
* Similarly, in [[John 12:7]], Jesus tells Judas, "`{{G1439}}` (Let her alone), so that she may keep it for the day of my burial," indicating a command to stop criticizing Mary's action.
* In [[Acts 23:32]], it describes the soldiers "leaving" (eáō) Paul to continue his journey with the horsemen, indicating they ceased their escort.
* **Entrustment/Commitment (Implied):**
* While not a direct translation, the sense of "committing" or "entrusting" can be inferred from contexts where something is "left" to someone's care or discretion. For example, in [[Acts 14:13]], the priest of Zeus "let" (eáō) the crowds bring oxen and garlands, implying he permitted or committed the act to them. This usage is less common and often overlaps with the broader sense of permission.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1439}}` interacts with several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Synonyms for Permission:**
* `{{G2010}}` (epitrepō): "to permit, allow, give leave." Often interchangeable with `{{G1439}}` in contexts of granting permission, though `{{G2010}}` can carry a stronger sense of formal authorization.
* `{{G1826}}` (exesti): "it is lawful, it is permitted." This term focuses more on the legality or moral permissibility of an action.
* **Synonyms for Leaving/Abandoning:**
* `{{G863}}` (aphiēmi): "to send away, let go, leave, forgive." While `{{G863}}` can mean "to leave," it often carries the connotation of abandoning, forsaking, or forgiving, which is distinct from the non-interference of `{{G1439}}`.
* `{{G2641}}` (katalipō): "to leave behind, abandon." This term typically refers to physical departure or leaving something in a state of abandonment.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:**
* `{{G2964}}` (kōlyō): "to hinder, prevent, forbid." This is the direct opposite of `{{G1439}}`, signifying an active effort to stop something.
* `{{G2722}}` (katechō): "to hold back, restrain, possess." This denotes active restraint or suppression.
* **Theological Concepts:** `{{G1439}}` is deeply connected to concepts of divine sovereignty, human free will, divine permission, and the nature of Christ's authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1439}}` is profound, particularly in its application to God's actions and Christ's ministry:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Permission:** When `{{G1439}}` describes God "allowing" or "permitting" certain events (e.g., the activity of evil spirits, human sin, or suffering), it underscores His ultimate sovereignty. This is not passive resignation but an active, deliberate choice to permit secondary causes or human choices to operate within His overarching plan. It highlights that even seemingly negative events are ultimately under His control, not outside of it. God's permission does not equate to His approval of evil, but rather His ability to incorporate even evil into His greater purposes.
* **Christ's Authority:** Jesus' use of `{{G1439}}` (e.g., "Let them alone," "Let her alone") powerfully demonstrates His inherent authority over all creation, including demonic forces and human actions. He does not merely react to circumstances but actively chooses to permit or restrain, revealing His divine prerogative. His command to "let alone" is a powerful assertion of His will and a declaration of His power to intervene or to refrain from intervention as He sees fit.
* **Human Responsibility and Non-Interference:** For humanity, `{{G1439}}` can signify a call to non-interference, particularly in matters where God is at work. It can also imply a degree of human responsibility in choosing to permit or prevent actions within their sphere of influence.
* **Patience and Forbearance:** The concept of "suffering" or "allowing" can also reflect God's divine patience and forbearance with humanity, allowing them space for repentance and growth.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1439}}` (eáō) is a crucial term signifying "to let be," encompassing the nuanced meanings of permission, non-interference, and, less directly, entrustment. Its usage in the New Testament illuminates the active choice to allow something to occur, rather than merely passive inaction. Theologically, `{{G1439}}` powerfully underscores divine sovereignty, demonstrating God's ultimate control and Christ's unparalleled authority, even when He chooses to permit human or spiritual agents to act. It also highlights the call for human non-interference when God's will is at work, and points to God's profound patience and forbearance. Understanding `{{G1439}}` enriches our comprehension of God's active governance over all creation and His deliberate engagement with human freedom and the presence of evil.
TRV