from ἐκ and ἀλείφω; to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin):--blot out, wipe away.
Transliteration:exaleíphō
Pronunciation:ex-al-i'-fo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb exaleíphō (`{{G1813}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb aleíphō (`{{G218}}`), which means "to anoint," "to smear," or "to wipe." The combination of these elements yields a core meaning of "to smear out," "to wipe off completely," or "to obliterate."
This literal sense extends to a rich semantic range:
* **Physical Obliteration:** To wipe away a mark, inscription, or substance so thoroughly that no trace remains. Imagine wiping ink from a tablet or a stain from a surface.
* **Cancellation/Annulment:** Figuratively, it denotes the complete cancellation or abolition of something, such as a debt, a record, or a legal document, rendering it void.
* **Pardon/Forgetting:** In a theological context, it signifies the complete removal or "blotting out" of sins, implying not just forgiveness but their utter erasure from divine remembrance or record.
* **Cessation of Suffering:** It is also used to describe the "wiping away" of tears, symbolizing the complete cessation of sorrow, pain, and suffering.
The emphasis of exaleíphō is on the finality and completeness of the removal, leaving nothing behind.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term exaleíphō (`{{G1813}}`) appears in the New Testament with significant theological implications, primarily concerning the removal of sin, debt, and suffering.
* **Acts 3:19 (Pardon of Sins):** "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be *blotted out* (ἐξαλειφθῆναι), that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Here, exaleíphō describes the divine act of completely erasing sins. This is not merely a covering but a thorough removal, enabling a fresh start and the experience of God's restorative presence ("times of refreshing"). It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's forgiveness through repentance.
* **Colossians 2:14 (Cancellation of Debt):** "by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he *set aside* (ἐξαλείψας), nailing it to the cross." In this powerful image, exaleíphō refers to Christ's act of completely nullifying the "certificate of debt" (χειρόγραφον) that represented humanity's sin and the condemnation of the Mosaic Law. The vivid picture is of a written bond being wiped clean or crossed out, thereby abolishing its power over believers. This highlights the complete freedom and liberation secured by Christ's atoning work.
* **Revelation 3:5 (Book of Life):** "The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never *blot out* (ἐξαλείψω) his name from the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels." This verse uses exaleíphō in a negative promise, assuring the faithful that their names will *not* be erased from the "book of life." It emphasizes the security of the believer who perseveres, guaranteeing their eternal inheritance and recognition before God, in contrast to the dire consequence of being "blotted out" for those who do not overcome.
* **Revelation 7:17 & 21:4 (Wiping Away Tears):**
* "For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will *wipe away* (ἐξαλείψει) every tear from their eyes." [[Revelation 7:17]]
* "He will *wipe away* (ἐξαλείψει) every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." [[Revelation 21:4]]
These two occurrences depict the ultimate eschatological comfort and restoration. God's act of "wiping away every tear" signifies the complete and final cessation of all suffering, sorrow, and pain in the new heavens and new earth. It is a promise of perfect peace and joy, where the very memory and effects of past suffering are eradicated, ushering in an era of unblemished bliss in God's presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of exaleíphō (`{{G1813}}`) resonates with several interconnected biblical themes and terms:
* **Forgiveness and Atonement:**
* aphiēmi (`{{G863}}`): "to send away," "to forgive." While aphiēmi denotes the act of forgiving, exaleíphō emphasizes the *completeness* of the removal of sin's record.
* hilaskomai (`{{G2433}}`): "to propitiate," "to make atonement." This focuses on the means of reconciliation, whereas exaleíphō describes the *result* of that atonement—the obliteration of sin's guilt.
* Old Testament parallels: The Hebrew verb machah (`{{H4229}}`), "to wipe," "to blot out," is frequently used in the Old Testament for blotting out sins (e.g., Psalm 51:1, 9), names (e.g., Exodus 32:32-33), or even people (e.g., Genesis 7:23), carrying a similar sense of complete eradication. The concept of kaphar (`{{H3722}}`), "to cover," "to atone," also relates to the removal of sin's consequences.
* **Redemption and Liberation:**
* apolytrōsis (`{{G629}}`): "redemption," "release by payment of a ransom." Exaleíphō in Colossians 2:14 illustrates *how* that redemption is achieved—by completely nullifying the legal claim against humanity.
* **New Creation and Eschatological Hope:**
* The "wiping away of tears" in Revelation aligns with the broader theme of kainos (`{{G2537}}`), "new," as God makes all things new, eradicating the old order of sin and suffering.
* The promise of a "new covenant" (Jeremiah 31:34), where God declares, "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more," closely parallels the concept of sins being "blotted out" by God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of exaleíphō (`{{G1813}}`) is profound, touching upon core doctrines of Christian faith:
* **The Absolute Efficacy of Christ's Atonement:** The use of exaleíphō in Colossians 2:14 powerfully underscores the completeness and finality of Christ's work on the cross. He did not merely mitigate sin or offer a temporary reprieve; He utterly *obliterated* the legal record of humanity's debt. This provides the basis for absolute assurance of forgiveness and freedom from condemnation for those in Christ, declaring a decisive victory over sin's power and its legal claims.
* **The Nature of Divine Forgiveness:** When God "blots out" sins (Acts 3:19), it signifies a forgiveness that is total and absolute. It is not a mere overlooking or a temporary pardon, but a complete removal of the stain and record of sin. This speaks to God's immense grace and His desire for full restoration and reconciliation with humanity. It implies that once forgiven, sins are no longer held against the believer; they are, in a sense, forgotten by God, as if they never occurred in terms of their condemnatory power.
* **The Certainty of Eternal Life and Comfort:** The promise that names will not be "blotted out" from the book of life (Revelation 3:5) offers immense comfort and assurance to the faithful. It highlights the divine commitment to preserving those who endure in faith, guaranteeing their eternal security. Furthermore, the repeated promise that God will "wipe away every tear" (Revelation 7:17; 21:4) reveals the ultimate end of all suffering and sorrow in the eschatological future. This speaks to God's compassionate character and His ultimate plan for a world free from pain, a world where the effects of the Fall are completely eradicated, ushering in an era of perfect peace and joy in His presence.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Restoration:** The act of blotting out, whether of sins, debts, or tears, is always attributed to God or Christ. This emphasizes divine sovereignty in salvation and restoration. God is the one who initiates, accomplishes, and completes this work of obliteration, bringing about a new reality free from the burdens of the past.
### Summary
The Greek verb exaleíphō (`{{G1813}}`) signifies a complete and decisive act of "smearing out" or "wiping away," leaving no trace. Its etymological roots convey an action of thorough obliteration. Biblically, this word is applied with profound theological significance: sins are completely *blotted out* through repentance and faith in Christ ([[Acts 3:19]]); the legal debt of humanity is entirely *canceled* by Christ's crucifixion ([[Colossians 2:14]]); the names of the faithful are securely *preserved* in the book of life ([[Revelation 3:5]]); and all suffering and sorrow will be eternally *wiped away* by God in the new heavens and new earth ([[Revelation 7:17]], [[Revelation 21:4]]). In essence, exaleíphō underscores the absolute efficacy of God's redemptive work, ensuring a comprehensive removal of sin's condemnation, the annulment of legal claims against us, and the ultimate eradication of all pain and sorrow in the glorious future. It speaks to the complete and triumphant nature of God's grace and His final victory over all that opposes His perfect will.
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