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.
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.
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.
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.
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