### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεταίρω (transliterated as metaírō) is a compound word derived from the preposition μετά (`{{G3326}}`), meaning "with," "after," or indicating change, and the verb αἴρω (`{{G142}}`), meaning "to lift," "to take up," or "to remove." The core meaning of μεταίρω thus signifies a movement that involves changing one's location, specifically "to lift oneself away" or "to remove oneself" from one place to another. Its semantic range is primarily focused on physical relocation, implying a deliberate act of departure or shifting residence/position. The English translation "depart" accurately captures this sense of moving away from a previous location to a new one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μεταίρω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospel of Matthew, with a single occurrence in Mark. In every instance, the verb describes a physical, intentional movement, most frequently by Jesus himself:
* **[[Matthew 8:18]]**: "Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to *depart* to the other side." Here, Jesus commands a change of location across the Sea of Galilee, a purposeful move to escape the crowds and continue his ministry elsewhere.
* **[[Matthew 11:1]]**: "When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he *departed* from there to teach and preach in their cities." This verse marks a transition in Jesus' ministry, as he moves from instructing his disciples to actively engaging in public ministry in various towns. The departure is directly linked to his mission.
* **[[Matthew 12:9]]**: "He *departed* from there and went into their synagogue." This signifies a short, immediate relocation within a town or region, indicating a shift in the setting of his teaching or healing activity.
* **[[Matthew 15:29]]**: "Jesus *departed* from there and came near the Sea of Galilee." This describes a more substantial journey, indicating a change of geographical region as Jesus continues his work.
* **[[Matthew 19:1]]**: "When Jesus had finished these sayings, he *departed* from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan." This marks a significant and strategic geographical shift in Jesus' ministry, signaling his movement towards Jerusalem and the culmination of his earthly work.
* **[[Mark 1:29]]**: "And immediately he *departed* from the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John." Similar to Matthew 12:9, this describes an immediate, short-distance movement after a synagogue service, highlighting the continuity of his interactions and ministry.
In all these contexts, μεταίρω consistently denotes a purposeful and often strategic physical relocation. It is never used of aimless wandering but of deliberate movement in the pursuit of ministry, teaching, or responding to circumstances.
### Related Words & Concepts
μεταίρω shares semantic space with several other Greek verbs of motion, but each carries distinct nuances:
* ἀποχωρέω (`{{G672}}`): "to go away," "to depart," often implying a withdrawal or separation.
* ἀναχωρέω (`{{G402}}`): "to withdraw," "to retire," frequently used when Jesus withdraws for solitude, prayer, or to avoid conflict.
* ἔρχομαι (`{{G2064}}`): The most general verb for "to come" or "to go," lacking the specific nuance of "removing oneself."
* πορεύομαι (`{{G4198}}`): "to go," "to journey," often implying a longer or more purposeful journey, similar to μεταίρω but without the "lifting/removing" etymological sense.
* ἐκχωρέω (`{{G1633}}`): "to go out," "to depart," less common but similar in meaning to ἀποχωρέω.
While these words can all be translated as "depart" or "go," μεταίρω specifically emphasizes the act of "removing oneself" from one place to another, highlighting the change of location and the active decision to leave the previous one. It lacks the strong connotation of "withdrawal for safety" often found in ἀναχωρέω or the general "coming/going" of ἔρχομαι.
### Theological Significance
Though a seemingly simple verb of physical movement, the consistent application of μεταίρω to Jesus' actions carries significant theological weight, particularly in Matthew's Gospel:
* **Purposeful Ministry and Divine Itinerary:** The repeated use of μεταίρω underscores the intentionality and strategic nature of Jesus' earthly ministry. His "departures" are never random but are integral to his mission, guiding him to new regions, new audiences, and new phases of his redemptive work. This suggests a divinely orchestrated itinerary, where each movement serves a specific purpose in the unfolding of God's plan.
* **Accessibility and Engagement:** Jesus' frequent "departures" demonstrate his active engagement with various communities and his commitment to bringing the message of the Kingdom to diverse populations. He does not remain static but actively "betakes himself" to where people are, making himself accessible for teaching, healing, and demonstrating the power of God.
* **Transition and Progression:** In Matthew, μεταίρω often marks a transition after a significant discourse or event (e.g., after instructing the disciples in [[Matthew 11:1]], or after teaching on various topics in [[Matthew 19:1]]). This highlights the progressive nature of Jesus' ministry, constantly moving forward towards the cross and resurrection.
### Summary
μεταίρω (`{{G3332}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to depart," "to remove oneself," or "to betake oneself," emphasizing a deliberate physical relocation. Derived from μετά (change) and αἴρω (to lift/take up), it signifies a purposeful shift from one location to another. Predominantly found in the Gospel of Matthew, it consistently describes Jesus' intentional movements, which are never aimless but are strategically undertaken for the continuation and expansion of his ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing. The theological significance of μεταίρω lies in its portrayal of Jesus' purposeful and divinely guided itinerancy, highlighting his active engagement with humanity and the progressive nature of his mission to bring the Kingdom of God to all regions. It underscores the dynamic and mobile aspect of Christ's earthly journey, always progressing towards the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
TRV