### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **edaphízō**, represented by `{{G1474}}`, means **to raze** or **lay even with the ground**. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its meaning conveys a sense of complete and total destruction, leveling a structure to its very foundation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole scriptural appearance, `{{G1474}}` is used to deliver a prophecy of judgment against Jerusalem. In [[Luke 19:44]], Jesus foretells the city's fate: "And shall **lay** thee **even with the ground**, and thy children within thee." The term's intensity is emphasized by the subsequent phrase that the attackers "shall not **leave** `{{G863}}` in thee one **stone** `{{G3037}}` **upon** `{{G1909}}` another." This destruction is presented as the direct consequence for the city because it did not know "the time of thy visitation" [[Luke 19:44]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the nature of this destruction:
* `{{G863}}` **aphíēmi** (to...leave): This word, which means to **leave**, forsake, or forgive, complements `{{G1474}}` by describing the result of the razing: not a single stone will be **left** in place [[Luke 19:44]]. The same word is used elsewhere to speak of forsaking houses for Christ's name [[Matthew 19:29]] and to **forgive** sins [[1 John 1:9]].
* `{{G3037}}` **líthos** (a stone): This word provides the physical object of the destruction. The razing described by `{{G1474}}` is visualized as the dismantling of the city's very **stones** [[Luke 19:44]]. This stands in contrast to its figurative use where believers are called "lively **stones**" [[1 Peter 2:5]] and Christ is the **stone** rejected by the builders [[Matthew 21:42]].
* `{{G1909}}` **epí** (upon): Defined as a preposition of "superimposition...**upon**," this word describes the stacked structure of the city that will be undone. The state of one stone being **upon** another will be completely demolished [[Luke 19:44]]. It is also used to describe the Holy Ghost coming **upon** people [[Acts 1:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1474}}` is significant despite its rarity.
* **Prophetic Judgment:** The use of `{{G1474}}` is a powerful declaration of divine judgment. The razing of Jerusalem is explicitly tied to a specific failure: "because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation" [[Luke 19:44]].
* **Irreversible Destruction:** The phrase "lay even with the ground" conveys a sense of finality. The image of not one **stone** `{{G3037}}` being left **upon** `{{G1909}}` another signifies that the city's physical and symbolic structures are to be completely and irreversibly erased.
* **Consequence of Spiritual Blindness:** The physical action of being razed is linked directly to a spiritual condition. The destruction of the city built with physical **stones** `{{G3037}}` points to the consequence of rejecting the "chief corner **stone**" mentioned in other scripture [[1 Peter 2:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1474}}` **edaphízō** is a potent term for total annihilation. While it appears in only one verse, its context in [[Luke 19:44]] gives it immense weight as a prophecy of final judgment. It graphically illustrates the severe consequences of missing a divine "visitation," linking the physical act of being laid even with the ground to a profound spiritual failure. The rarity of `{{G1474}}` makes its single use a stark and memorable image of absolute demolition.
TRV