### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐξολοθρεύω (`{{G1842}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb ὀλοθρεύω (`{{G3639}}`), which signifies "to destroy," "to ruin," or "to slaughter." The prefix ἐκ serves to intensify the action of the base verb, conveying a sense of thoroughness, completeness, or finality. Thus, ἐξολοθρεύω denotes a complete and utter destruction, an eradication, or an extirpation. It implies not merely damage or partial ruin, but a total removal, a wiping out from existence or from a particular group. The semantic range extends to concepts of annihilation, extermination, and being utterly cut off or rooted out. This strong sense of finality is crucial for understanding its theological implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, ἐξολοθρεύω (`{{G1842}}`) appears notably in [[Acts 3:23]]. In this passage, Peter, preaching to the people in Solomon's Portico, quotes from [[Deuteronomy 18:19]] concerning the prophet like Moses: "And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from the people." Here, the term signifies a severe and absolute judgment. The "destruction" or "utter cutting off" implies a removal not merely from physical life, but from the covenant community and its blessings. It is a judgment of excision, separating the individual from God's chosen people, with profound spiritual implications.
The background of this word is richly illuminated by its frequent use in the Septuagint (LXX), where ἐξολοθρεύω (`{{G1842}}`) often translates Hebrew verbs such as כָּרַת (karat, `{{H3772}}`, "to cut off"), שָׁמַד (shamad, `{{H8045}}`, "to destroy, exterminate"), and אָבַד (abad, `{{H6}}`, "to perish, destroy"). These Hebrew terms, particularly כָּרַת, are commonly used in the Old Testament to describe the divine judgment of being "cut off" from the people of Israel for various transgressions, such as breaking the covenant, profaning the Sabbath, or illicit sexual relations (e.g., [[Leviticus 23:29]], [[Numbers 15:30]]). This "cutting off" was a severe penalty, often involving both physical death and exclusion from the religious and social life of the community, thereby forfeiting one's share in the covenant promises. The use of ἐξολοθρεύω in [[Acts 3:23]] thus carries the full weight of this Old Testament concept of divine, irreversible judgment upon those who reject God's appointed messenger.
### Related Words & Concepts
The base verb ὀλοθρεύω (`{{G3639}}`) means "to destroy" or "to ruin," and its related noun ὀλοθρευτής (`{{G3640}}`) means "destroyer" (e.g., [[Hebrews 11:28]]). These terms share the core idea of bringing something to an end. Other Greek words for destruction or perishing, while sometimes overlapping, often carry different nuances:
* ἀπόλλυμι (`{{G622}}`): To destroy, perish, or lose. Can refer to loss of life or ruin, but not always with the same sense of complete eradication as ἐξολοθρεύω.
* καταργέω (`{{G2673}}`): To render inoperative, abolish, or bring to nothing. Focuses on nullifying power or effect.
* ἀφανίζω (`{{G853}}`): To make unseen, to cause to vanish, or to destroy. Implies disappearance or fading.
* διαφθείρω (`{{G1311}}`): To corrupt, spoil, or destroy, often implying decay or moral ruin.
The Hebrew equivalents in the Septuagint, כָּרַת (`{{H3772}}`), שָׁמַד (`{{H8045}}`), and אָבַד (`{{H6}}`), are crucial for understanding the Old Testament background. These words consistently convey a sense of complete destruction, extermination, or being irrevocably cut off, often in the context of divine judgment against sin and disobedience. Concepts closely related to ἐξολοθρεύω include divine judgment, covenant curses, excision from the community, ultimate consequences, and the finality of God's righteous wrath against rebellion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐξολοθρεύω (`{{G1842}}`) lies in its emphasis on the severity and finality of divine judgment. When applied to individuals, as in [[Acts 3:23]], it signifies an ultimate cutting off from God's people and, by extension, from the blessings of the covenant and the presence of God. This is not merely physical death, but a profound and eternal separation, a forfeiture of one's place within the elect community.
The use of this term in Peter's sermon underscores the gravity of rejecting Jesus Christ, the Prophet foretold by Moses. To refuse to listen to Him is to invite the most severe divine judgment, mirroring the Old Testament penalties for covenant infidelity. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering justice in dealing with sin and rebellion. The warning embedded in ἐξολοθρεύω serves as a powerful call to repentance and faith, emphasizing that the consequences of unbelief are not temporary or reparable, but ultimately destructive and irreversible. It speaks to the seriousness of humanity's responsibility before God and the dire eternal implications of choosing to disobey His revealed will through His Son.
### Summary
ἐξολοθρεύω (`{{G1842}}`) is a potent Greek verb signifying complete and utter destruction, eradication, or extirpation. Rooted in the concept of being "cut off" from the people of God in the Old Testament, its usage in [[Acts 3:23]] underscores the severe and final judgment awaiting those who refuse to heed Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet. This "destruction" implies an irreversible separation from the covenant community and its divine blessings. The word powerfully conveys the finality of God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion, serving as a stark warning and a call to faith and obedience.
TRV