### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb exaírō (`{{G1808}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb aírō (`{{G142}}`), meaning "to lift," "to take up," or "to take away." The combination inherently conveys the sense of "to take out," "to remove from," or "to put away." The prefix ek- intensifies or specifies the direction of the action, emphasizing a definitive separation or extraction *from* a particular context, group, or place. Its semantic range is narrow yet potent, focusing on the act of complete removal, whether physically or, more significantly in its biblical usage, morally or socially.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word exaírō (`{{G1808}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, specifically in the context of addressing severe sexual immorality within the church.
1. **[[1 Corinthians 5:2]]**: "And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you." (KJV)
* Here, exaírō refers to the removal or expulsion of the unrepentant individual from the fellowship of the church. The context is one of a grave moral offense that is bringing shame upon the community. Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their complacency rather than sorrow and decisive action. The passive voice ("might be taken away") implies that this removal is an action to be undertaken by the community, or at least assented to by them, reflecting God's will.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 5:13]]**: "But those outside God judges. Remove the evil person from among you." (ESV)
* This verse provides a direct, imperative command to the Corinthian believers: "Remove" (ἀρεῖτε, a future indicative used as an imperative, or an imperative form depending on textual variant) the "evil person" (τὸν πονηρὸν, the wicked one) from their midst. This is a clear call for decisive church discipline, to actively separate the unrepentant sinner from the believing community. It underscores the church's responsibility to maintain its moral purity and integrity in the face of flagrant sin.
In both instances, exaírō signifies a definitive act of separation or expulsion, undertaken by the church for the purpose of maintaining holiness and addressing unrepentant sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap or conceptual connections with exaírō (`{{G1808}}`), particularly those involving removal or separation:
* **aírō (`{{G142}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to lift," "to take up," or "to take away." exaírō specifies the direction and nature of this taking away as *out from* something.
* **ekkathairō (`{{G1677}}`)**: Meaning "to cleanse out" or "to purge out." This word is found in [[1 Corinthians 5:7]], where Paul commands, "Purge out therefore the old leaven." While not the same lemma as exaírō, it shares the ek- prefix and a similar *purpose* of removal for the sake of purity. ekkathairō emphasizes the *cleansing* aspect, whereas exaírō emphasizes the *expulsion* or *taking out* of an offending element.
* **aphairéō (`{{G851}}`)**: "To take away from," "to remove." Similar in meaning, but exaírō often implies a more forceful or definitive removal *out of* a group or situation.
* **ekballō (`{{G1544}}`)**: "To cast out," "to drive out," "to expel." This verb is frequently used for expelling demons or people from a place. It shares the "out" prefix and the strong sense of expulsion, conceptually aligning with exaírō in the context of church discipline.
* **Concepts**: Church discipline, excommunication, separation from evil, communal purity, holiness, and the integrity of the body of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of exaírō (`{{G1808}}`) is profound, primarily due to its pivotal role in the New Testament's teaching on church discipline.
1. **Holiness of the Community**: The command to "remove the evil person" underscores the imperative for the Christian community to maintain its holiness. Just as "a little leaven leavens the whole lump" ([[1 Corinthians 5:6]]), unrepentant sin, if left unaddressed, can corrupt the entire body of believers. This act of removal is essential for preserving the church's witness and its identity as a holy people set apart for God.
2. **Divine Judgment and Authority**: The church's act of exaírō reflects God's own judgment against sin. Paul distinguishes between "those outside" (whom God judges) and "those inside" (whom the church is responsible to judge in this context, [[1 Corinthians 5:12-13]]). This demonstrates the delegated authority given to the church to uphold God's standards within its own fellowship.
3. **Restorative Purpose**: While seemingly harsh, the ultimate aim of such discipline is redemptive. The removal is intended to awaken the unrepentant sinner to the gravity of their sin, leading to repentance and eventual restoration to fellowship (cf. [[2 Corinthians 2:5-11]]). It is an act of love for both the individual and the community.
4. **Protection of the Flock**: Removing the unrepentant sinner protects the rest of the congregation from the corrupting influence of sin and safeguards them from condoning behavior that dishonors Christ. It also serves as a stark warning to others regarding the seriousness of sin.
5. **Distinction between Church and World**: The use of exaírō in this context highlights the distinct nature of the church as a community called out of the world. It must not tolerate within its ranks the very sins it condemns in the world, lest its witness be compromised.
### Summary
The Greek verb exaírō (`{{G1808}}`), meaning "to take out" or "to remove," is a crucial term in the New Testament's teaching on church discipline. Appearing exclusively in [[1 Corinthians 5:2]] and [[1 Corinthians 5:13]], it conveys the imperative for the Christian community to decisively "remove" or "expel" an unrepentant, immoral individual from its fellowship. This act is not merely punitive but serves several vital theological purposes: to safeguard the holiness and purity of the church, to reflect God's righteous judgment against sin, to protect the integrity of the Christian witness, and ultimately, to call the offender to repentance. Exaírō underscores the grave responsibility of the church to maintain its distinct identity as a holy people, set apart from the world's corruption, and to exercise its God-given authority in upholding divine standards within its midst.
TRV