middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure (literally or figuratively):--heal, make whole.
Transliteration:iáomai
Pronunciation:ee-ah'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἰάομαι (iáomai, `{{G2390}}`) is a primary verb, typically appearing in the middle voice, signifying the action of "to cure," "to heal," or "to make whole." Its semantic range extends across both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it denotes the restoration of physical health, the removal of disease, infirmity, or injury. This is its most common usage in the Gospels and Acts, describing the miraculous physical cures performed by Jesus and His apostles. Figuratively, ἰάομαι refers to spiritual healing, the restoration from the sickness of sin, moral corruption, spiritual blindness, or a broken relationship with God. This figurative sense is profoundly significant, particularly in prophetic passages quoted in the New Testament and in the epistles, where the ultimate human malady is spiritual alienation from God. Unlike some related terms, ἰάομαι emphasizes the complete and effective removal of an ailment, resulting in a state of wholeness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἰάομαι appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, where it describes the healing ministry of Jesus and the early church.
In the Synoptic Gospels, it often highlights Jesus' power over physical ailments:
* [[Matthew 8:8]]: The centurion's faith in Jesus' word to "heal" his servant.
* [[Luke 6:19]]: The crowds seeking to touch Jesus, "for power was coming forth from Him and healing them all."
* [[Luke 9:11]]: Jesus welcoming the crowds and "healing those who had need of healing."
* [[Luke 22:51]]: Jesus' compassionate act of "healing" the ear of the high priest's servant.
Beyond physical healing, ἰάομαι is used metaphorically for spiritual healing, particularly when quoting Old Testament prophecies:
* [[Matthew 13:15]] and [[Acts 28:27]]: Both passages quote [[Isaiah 6:10]] (LXX), speaking of people's spiritual blindness and deafness, stating they would not "understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them." Here, ἰάομαι refers to spiritual restoration from hardened hearts and spiritual insensitivity.
* [[Hebrews 12:13]]: Encourages making straight paths for one's feet, "so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed," implying spiritual or moral restoration.
* [[1 Peter 2:24]]: "by His wounds you were healed." This profound statement links Christ's atoning suffering directly to the spiritual healing from sin, which is the ultimate and most necessary healing for humanity.
* [[James 5:16]]: "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed." This context suggests both physical healing in response to prayer and confession, and the spiritual healing that accompanies forgiveness and reconciliation.
In the Septuagint (LXX), ἰάομαι frequently translates the Hebrew verb רָפָא (rapha, `{{H7495}}`), which also carries both literal and figurative meanings of healing. This background enriches the New Testament usage, demonstrating a consistent biblical understanding of God as the ultimate Healer of both body and soul.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἰάομαι (iáomai, `{{G2390}}`) shares semantic space with several other Greek terms related to healing and restoration, yet maintains its distinct emphasis on the *cure* or *making whole*:
* θεραπεύω (therapeuō, `{{G2323}}`): Often translated as "to heal," this verb can also mean "to serve," "to attend to," or "to care for." While frequently used interchangeably with ἰάομαι in healing narratives, θεραπεύω can imply a broader sense of ministering to the sick, whereas ἰάομαι specifically denotes the successful act of curing the ailment.
* σῴζω (sōzō, `{{G4982}}`): Meaning "to save," "to deliver," or "to preserve," σῴζω is often used in contexts of spiritual salvation but can also refer to physical healing, particularly when emphasizing deliverance from a life-threatening condition (e.g., "your faith has made you well"). While healing is a form of salvation, ἰάομαι focuses more on the *process* of curing the disease itself.
* ὑγιής (hygiēs, `{{G5198}}`): An adjective meaning "healthy" or "sound," describing the state of being after healing has occurred.
* ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`): The opposite concept, meaning "weakness," "sickness," or "infirmity," from which one needs to be healed.
The concept of healing in the New Testament is also closely tied to divine power, compassion, faith, and the demonstration of God's Kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἰάομαι is profound, underscoring several core doctrines:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The ability to ἰάομαι (heal) is ultimately attributed to God. In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself as "the LORD who heals you" ([[Exodus 15:26]] - LXX uses ἰάομαι). In the New Testament, Jesus' numerous acts of healing demonstrate His divine authority and power over sickness, disease, and death, affirming His identity as the Messiah. These miracles were not merely acts of benevolence but signs of the inbreaking of God's Kingdom.
2. **Compassion and Grace:** Jesus' healing ministry was consistently motivated by deep compassion for suffering humanity ([[Matthew 14:14]], [[Mark 1:41]]). The act of healing reveals God's gracious disposition towards His creation, desiring their well-being and freedom from suffering.
3. **Holistic Redemption:** The dual literal and figurative use of ἰάομαι highlights God's concern for the *whole* person – body, soul, and spirit. While physical healing is a tangible expression of God's goodness, the ultimate and most critical healing is spiritual, the restoration of humanity from the pervasive sickness of sin.
4. **Atonement and Spiritual Healing:** The profound statement in [[1 Peter 2:24]], "by His wounds you were healed," directly links Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross to the spiritual healing from sin. His suffering was not merely for forgiveness but for the restoration of a broken relationship with God, making us whole. This is the ultimate fulfillment of the prophetic expectation of a suffering servant who would bear our infirmities and heal our spiritual maladies ([[Isaiah 53:5]]).
5. **The Kingdom of God:** Healing miracles served as powerful demonstrations of the presence and power of the Kingdom of God. In God's perfect Kingdom, there will be no sickness, suffering, or sin. Every act of healing, therefore, is a foretaste of the complete restoration that awaits in the eschatological reality of God's reign.
6. **Ministry of the Church:** The command to heal and the practice of anointing the sick in [[James 5:16]] demonstrate that the ministry of ἰάομαι continues within the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as a sign of God's ongoing work in the world.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἰάομαι (iáomai, `{{G2390}}`) fundamentally means "to heal" or "to make whole," encompassing both literal physical restoration and profound spiritual renewal. Its consistent use in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, underscores Jesus' divine authority and compassionate power over all forms of human brokenness. Crucially, ἰάομαι extends beyond the physical to signify the spiritual cure from sin and its effects, a healing made possible through the atoning work of Christ. It highlights God's holistic concern for humanity, His desire to restore individuals to complete soundness—body, soul, and spirit. As a powerful expression of God's redemptive activity, ἰάομαι serves as a tangible sign of the inbreaking Kingdom of God and continues to be a vital aspect of the Church's ministry.
TRV