middle voice from ἐκ and αἰτέω; to demand (for trial):--desire.
Transliteration:exaitéomai
Pronunciation:ex-ahee-teh'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb exaitéomai (`{{G1809}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ek (ἐκ), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb aitéō (αἰτέω, `{{G154}}`), meaning "to ask" or "to request." The middle voice form, exaitéomai, implies an asking *for oneself* or *on one's own behalf*, often with a strong sense of demanding or requesting with a specific, often determined, purpose. The core meaning extends beyond a simple request, carrying the nuance of a forceful demand, particularly one made with the intent of subjecting someone to a trial or severe test. The underlying concept is that of "demanding out" or "demanding for a specific purpose," often with a view to exposing or proving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word exaitéomai (`{{G1809}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[Luke 22:31]]**: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat."
* In this solemn warning to Peter (and by extension, the other disciples, as the pronoun "you" is plural), Jesus reveals Satan's specific and malicious intent. The phrase "Satan demanded to have you" (ἐξῃτήσατο ὑμᾶς ὁ Σατανᾶς) employs exaitéomai, indicating that Satan did not merely wish or hope, but made a forceful, almost legalistic, request or demand to God for permission to act upon the disciples.
* The purpose of this demand is explicitly stated: "that he might sift you like wheat" (ἵνα σινιάσαι ὑμᾶς ὡς τὸν σῖτον). The verb "to sift" (σινιάζω, `{{G4617}}`) evokes the violent and thorough process of separating grain from chaff, implying a period of intense testing, tribulation, and exposure of weaknesses. Satan's aim is destructive, seeking to cause the disciples' faith to fail.
* The context immediately preceding this verse involves the disciples' dispute over who was the greatest [[Luke 22:24]], highlighting their spiritual vulnerability and pride, which Satan seeks to exploit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **aitéō (αἰτέω, `{{G154}}`):** The base verb "to ask," from which exaitéomai is derived. The prefix ek intensifies the request into a demand.
* **ek (ἐκ, `{{G1537}}`):** The preposition "out of, from," which, when compounded, can signify thoroughness or the extraction of something. Here, it conveys the idea of demanding *out* for a specific purpose.
* **siniazō (σινιάζω, `{{G4617}}`):** "To sift." Directly linked to exaitéomai in [[Luke 22:31]], this word describes the *purpose* of Satan's demand, clarifying the nature of the trial as a severe, separating process.
* **peirasmos (πειρασμός, `{{G3986}}`):** "Temptation, trial, testing." While peirasmos is a more general term for testing, exaitéomai describes the specific, forceful request for permission to *initiate* such a trial, particularly one orchestrated by an adversary.
* **diabolos (διάβολος, `{{G1228}}`):** "Devil, slanderer." The agent making the demand, emphasizing the adversarial and accusatory nature of the request.
* **Divine Permission:** The use of exaitéomai implies that Satan cannot simply act but must "demand" or request permission, highlighting the overarching sovereignty of God, even over the actions of evil. This echoes the narrative in the book of Job, where Satan must obtain divine permission to test Job [[Job 1:11-12]], [[Job 2:4-6]].
### Theological Significance
The single use of exaitéomai in the New Testament carries profound theological weight:
* **Satan's Malicious Intent and Active Role:** The word reveals Satan as an active, malevolent adversary who aggressively seeks to undermine and destroy the faith of believers. His "demand" is not passive but an authoritative, determined petition to inflict harm.
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Evil:** The fact that Satan "demanded" (implying a request that was granted) underscores the truth of God's ultimate sovereignty. Even the forces of evil operate within the boundaries of God's permissive will. God does not instigate evil, but He can allow it to occur for His greater, often redemptive, purposes.
* **The Nature of Spiritual Warfare:** This passage vividly portrays the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers are subjects of intense spiritual attack, designed to expose weaknesses and cause spiritual failure. The "sifting" process is painful and challenging.
* **Christ's Intercession and Pastoral Care:** Crucially, Jesus follows His warning with the comforting assurance: "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail" [[Luke 22:32]]. This demonstrates Christ's active and constant intercession for His disciples, serving as the divine counter-force to Satan's destructive demands. It highlights His profound love, foresight, and commitment to preserving His people through trial.
* **Refining Through Trial:** While Satan's intent is to destroy, God's purpose in permitting such "sifting" is often to refine and purify. Just as wheat is separated from chaff to yield pure grain, so believers are tested to strengthen their faith and remove impurities, leading to spiritual maturity and resilience [[James 1:2-4]], [[1 Peter 1:6-7]].
### Summary
The Greek verb exaitéomai (`{{G1809}}`), meaning "to demand (for trial)," is a powerful term found uniquely in [[Luke 22:31]]. It describes Satan's forceful and malicious request to God for permission to "sift" the disciples, subjecting them to severe testing and tribulation. This single occurrence illuminates several critical theological truths: Satan's active and destructive intent against believers, the overarching sovereignty of God who permits evil only within His divine plan, and the reality of intense spiritual warfare. Most significantly, exaitéomai is set against the backdrop of Christ's immediate and powerful intercession, demonstrating His unwavering pastoral care and His role as the ultimate protector of His people, transforming trials intended for destruction into opportunities for refining faith and spiritual growth.
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