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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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