### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **methístēmi**, represented by `{{G3179}}`, means **to transfer, i.e. carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce**. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**. This term describes a definitive change of position, authority, or allegiance, ranging from the removal of a king to the spiritual transfer of a believer into God's kingdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3179}}` conveys a powerful sense of displacement or transition. It is used to describe God's sovereignty in deposing a leader, as when He **removed** Saul to install David as king [[Acts 13:22]]. It also refers to being dismissed from a position of responsibility, such as the unjust steward who faced being **put out** of his stewardship [[Luke 16:4]]. Figuratively, it illustrates the power of faith to **remove** mountains [[1 Corinthians 13:2]] and the effect of the gospel to have **turned away** people from the worship of man-made gods [[Acts 19:26]]. Most significantly, it describes the believer's redemption as being **translated** from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God's Son [[Colossians 1:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of the action described by `{{G3179}}`:
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken... rouse... raise): This word is used in direct contrast to `{{G3179}}` in [[Acts 13:22]]. After God **removed** Saul, He **raised up** David, showing a divine exchange of leadership where one is deposed and another is installed.
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (privilege... mastery... authority): Believers are **translated** `{{G3179}}` from the **power** of darkness [[Colossians 1:13]]. This highlights that the transfer is from one realm of authority and control to another.
* `{{G3982}}` **peíthō** (to convince... persuade... trust): In [[Acts 19:26]], Paul **persuaded** and **turned away** many people. This shows that `{{G3179}}` can be the result of successful persuasion, leading to a fundamental shift in allegiance.
* `{{G1209}}` **déchomai** (to receive... accept, take): The steward in [[Luke 16:4]], knowing he would be **put out**, acted so that others would **receive** him. This demonstrates the consequence of being removed from one position is the need to be accepted into a new one.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3179}}` is significant, particularly in how it frames divine action and human response.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The removal of Saul shows that God holds the ultimate authority to depose and establish earthly leaders according to His will and purpose [[Acts 13:22]].
* **Redemptive Transfer:** Its use in [[Colossians 1:13]] is central to the doctrine of salvation. Believers undergo a fundamental change of citizenship, being rescued from the domain of darkness and **translated** into the kingdom of light and life.
* **Change of Allegiance:** The word describes the effect of evangelism as turning people away from idols. This is not merely an intellectual change but a complete transfer of worship and trust from the false to the true God [[Acts 19:26]].
* **The Nature of Faith:** The hyperbolic example of faith that can **remove** mountains emphasizes the transformative power that faith possesses, capable of altering the very fabric of one's reality [[1 Corinthians 13:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3179}}` is a dynamic word signifying a definitive and total transfer. Whether it is a king being deposed from a throne, a believer being moved from darkness to light, or a crowd being turned from idolatry, **methístēmi** consistently points to a complete change of state, position, or loyalty. It powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ability to reorder authority and the profound reorientation that defines the Christian life.
TRV