### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **exorkízō**, represented by `{{G1844}}`, means to **adjure** or to exact an oath. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its base definition is to conjure or bind someone by an oath, stemming from the words ἐκ (from) and ὁρκίζω (to cause to swear).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G1844}}` is used in a moment of high legal and religious drama. The high priest, questioning a silent Jesus, formally commands him to speak under a sacred oath. He says, "I **adjure** thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God" [[Matthew 26:63]]. This act places Jesus under a divine obligation to answer, moving the trial to its critical point.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the scene in which `{{G1844}}` appears:
* `{{G749}}` **archiereús** (chief (high) priest, chief of the priests): This term identifies the individual who administers the oath in [[Matthew 26:63]]. While it refers to the Jewish high priest in that context, the title is also applied to Christ himself [[Hebrews 3:1]].
* `{{G611}}` **apokrínomai** (answer): This verb means to respond or to begin to speak where an address is expected. It is used immediately before the act of adjuring, as the high priest **answered** and initiated his demand of Jesus [[Matthew 26:63]].
* `{{G2036}}` **épō** (to speak or say): This word is central to the command issued under oath. The high priest adjures Jesus specifically "that thou **tell** us" the truth of his identity [[Matthew 26:63]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1844}}` is centered on its single, powerful use.
* **Invocation of Divine Authority:** The use of `{{G1844}}` is a legal and religious maneuver to compel a response by invoking the highest possible authority: the "living God" [[Matthew 26:63]]. This act forces the confrontation to its climax, leaving no room for silence.
* **Forcing a Confession:** The adjuration is specifically aimed at forcing Jesus to declare his identity as "the Christ, the Son of God" [[Matthew 26:63]]. The high priest uses this solemn oath to demand a binding testimony.
* **Contrast of Priesthood:** The word is spoken by the Jewish **high priest** `{{G749}}` to Jesus, who is elsewhere identified as the ultimate **High Priest** [[Hebrews 4:14]]. This creates a powerful theological contrast between the earthly priesthood putting the heavenly one on trial.
### Summary
In summary, though **exorkízō** `{{G1844}}` appears only once, its placement is of immense significance. It marks the critical turning point in Jesus's trial, where a solemn oath is used to demand a self-incriminating confession. The word powerfully illustrates the theme of authority—the high priest's attempt to wield it, and Jesus's ultimate claim to it as the Son of God.
TRV