from ἀνά and (the active of) αἱρέομαι; to take up, i.e. adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e. abolish, murder:--put to death, kill, slay, take away, take up.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anairéō**, represented by `{{G337}}`, primarily means to take away violently, as in to abolish or murder. Derived from ἀνά and αἱρέομαι, its definition also includes the sense of to take up or adopt. It appears 24 times across 22 unique verses, illustrating its use in contexts of both fatal hostility and benevolent adoption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G337}}` is most frequently used to describe the act of killing or putting someone to death. This is seen in the slaying of the children in Bethlehem by Herod [[Matthew 2:16]] and the killing of James by the sword [[Acts 12:2]]. The term often highlights premeditated plots, as when the Jews "took counsel to kill" Saul [[Acts 9:23]]. The death of Jesus is described with this word, noting that wicked hands had "slain" him according to God's determinate counsel [[Acts 2:23]]. In a distinct and non-violent context, it is used to describe Pharaoh's daughter, who "took up" Moses and nourished him as her son [[Acts 7:21]]. The word is also used figuratively to mean abolish, as when Christ "taketh away" the first covenant to establish the second [[Hebrews 10:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the actions associated with `{{G337}}`:
* `{{G336}}` **anaíresis** (killing): This is the noun form, meaning "(the act of) killing." It is used in reference to the death of Stephen, where Saul was consenting unto his **death** [[Acts 22:20]].
* `{{G2288}}` **thánatos** (death): A broader term for death. In [[Acts 13:28]], although no cause of **death** was found in Jesus, they still desired that He should be slain `{{G337}}`.
* `{{G1011}}` **bouleúō** (to take counsel): This word signifies deliberation or resolve. It is used directly with `{{G337}}` when the council "took counsel to slay" the apostles [[Acts 5:33]], emphasizing the planned nature of the violence.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G337}}` is significant, highlighting themes of human rebellion, divine sovereignty, and abolition.
* **Premeditated Opposition:** The word is often linked with plots and counsel, demonstrating deliberate human antagonism toward God's plans and messengers. This is evident when the council "took counsel to slay" the apostles [[Acts 5:33]] and the Jews planned to kill Saul [[Acts 9:23]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The crucifixion of Jesus, while an act carried out by wicked hands [[Acts 2:23]], is framed as occurring within God's "determinate counsel and foreknowledge," showing that God's ultimate purpose is fulfilled even through hostile human actions.
* **Figurative Abolition:** Beyond physical violence, `{{G337}}` carries the theological meaning of abolishment. It is used to explain how Christ **taketh away** the first covenant to establish the second [[Hebrews 10:9]], marking a pivotal shift in salvation history.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G337}}` is a multifaceted word that primarily conveys the act of violent killing or putting to death. It is used to describe historical events like Herod's massacre [[Matthew 2:16]], the plots against the apostles [[Acts 9:24]], and the crucifixion of Jesus [[Acts 2:23]]. However, its meaning is broad enough to also encompass the act of adoption, as with Moses [[Acts 7:21]], and the theological concept of abolishing the old covenant [[Hebrews 10:9]], making it a word that illustrates both the depths of human sin and the execution of God's sovereign will.
TRV