perhaps from the alternate form of αἱρέομαι; cheerful (as attractive), i.e. propitious; adverbially (by Hebraism) God be gracious!, i.e. (in averting some calamity) far be it:--be it far, merciful.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **híleōs**, represented by `{{G2436}}`, conveys the concept of being **merciful** or propitious. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**. Its definition includes meanings like "cheerful" and "propitious," but it is used adverbially in a Hebraic sense to mean "God be gracious!" or, in averting a calamity, "**far be it**."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{G2436}}` highlight its distinct applications. In [[Hebrews 8:12]], it describes God's divine nature, stating, "I will be **merciful** to their unrighteousness." This usage points to propitious forgiveness. In contrast, Peter uses the term in [[Matthew 16:22]] to express a strong desire to avert a negative event, exclaiming, "**Be it far** from thee, Lord," after Jesus speaks of his coming suffering. In this context, Peter is rebuking Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which `{{G2436}}` appears:
* `{{G2008}}` **epitimáō** (rebuke): This word is used to describe Peter's action immediately before he says, "Be it far from thee" [[Matthew 16:22]]. It means to censure or admonish.
* `{{G93}}` **adikía** (unrighteousness): In [[Hebrews 8:12]], God promises to be merciful to this. It is defined as legal injustice or moral wrongfulness.
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (sin): God also promises mercy for this, which is defined as an offense or sin [[Hebrews 8:12]].
* `{{G458}}` **anomía** (iniquity): This is the third object of God's mercy in [[Hebrews 8:12]], meaning violation of law or wickedness.
* `{{G3415}}` **mnáomai** (remember): God's mercy in [[Hebrews 8:12]] is demonstrated by the promise that he will "**remember** no more" their sins and iniquities. It means to bear in mind or recollect.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2436}}` is significant despite its infrequent use.
* **Divine Mercy:** The word is central to the promise of forgiveness in [[Hebrews 8:12]]. God declares he will be **merciful** `(híleōs)` toward unrighteousness `{{G93}}`, sins `{{G266}}`, and iniquities `{{G458}}`, and will not **remember** `{{G3415}}` them. This demonstrates that God's propitious nature is the basis for blotting out transgressions.
* **Human Opposition to Suffering:** In [[Matthew 16:22]], Peter's use of "**Be it far**" is an emotional plea to avert suffering from the Lord. It is spoken in the context of a **rebuke** `{{G2008}}`, illustrating a human perspective that stands in opposition to the necessity of Christ's passion.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2436}}` encapsulates two powerful ideas. On one hand, it represents the ultimate act of divine mercy, where God chooses to be propitious toward human unrighteousness and sin [[Hebrews 8:12]]. On the other hand, it is used as a human expression to ward off an undesirable fate, as when Peter rebukes Jesus [[Matthew 16:22]]. The word thus bridges the concepts of divine forgiveness and human emotional response to divine plans.
TRV