The Greek word exaleíphō, represented by G1813, means to smear out or obliterate. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning encompasses both the literal act of wiping something away, such as tears, and the powerful figurative concept of pardoning or blotting out sin.
In scripture, G1813 is used to convey concepts of both divine comfort and judicial pardon. In the book of Revelation, it describes God's ultimate act of consolation, where He will wipe away all tears from the eyes of the faithful, signaling the end of all suffering (Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:4). Figuratively, it is used to describe the complete forgiveness of sin, as in Acts 3:19, where repentance leads to sins being blotted out. It also carries a legal meaning in Colossians 2:14, referring to the blotting out of the handwriting of ordinances that stood against believers. Finally, it is used in a conditional promise, where Christ assures those who overcome that He will not blot out their names from the book of life Revelation 3:5.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G1813 is used:
- G266 hamartía (a sin): This is what is "blotted out" upon repentance, signifying a spiritual cleansing and pardon Acts 3:19.
- G1994 epistréphō (to revert): This term for being "converted" or turning back to God is presented as the prerequisite for having one's sins blotted out Acts 3:19.
- G5498 cheirógraphon (something hand-written): This refers to a legal document or bond. In Colossians 2:14, it is this "handwriting" of ordinances against us that is blotted out and nailed to the cross.
- G1144 dákry (a tear): This is the object of the verb in Revelation, where God promises to "wipe away" all tears, representing the end of sorrow and pain Revelation 21:4.
The theological weight of G1813 is significant, highlighting several key doctrines:
- Soteriological Pardon: The blotting out of sin is central to salvation. The call to "repent...and be converted" is directly linked to the promise that sins will be "blotted out," resulting in "times of refreshing" from God Acts 3:19.
- Justification by Faith: In Colossians, the act of "blotting out the handwriting" is a finished work accomplished through the cross. This act took away the legal condemnation that was contrary to humanity, demonstrating a cancellation of debt not earned by works Colossians 2:14.
- Eternal Security: The promise in Revelation 3:5 that a believer's name will not be blotted out from the book of life provides assurance. This security is tied to "overcoming" G3528, and is accompanied by Christ's promise to "confess" G1843 their name before the Father.
- Eschatological Hope: The promise to wipe away every tear is a cornerstone of future hope. It signifies the complete eradication of the consequences of the fall, including death G2288, sorrow G3997, crying G2906, and pain G4192 in the new creation Revelation 21:4.
In summary, G1813 is a rich theological term that conveys the depth and breadth of God's redemptive work. It moves from the profound intimacy of wiping away a tear to the absolute legal finality of blotting out sin and a condemning decree. The word powerfully illustrates God's ability to completely remove both the pain of human experience and the guilt of human sin.
TRV