from a derivative of ῥίπτω; to toss up:--cast off.
Transliteration:rhiptéō
Pronunciation:hrip-teh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma G4495 (ῥιπτέω, rhiptéō) is defined as "to toss up" or "cast off." It is understood as a derivative of the more common verb `{{G4496}}` (ῥίπτω, rhiptō), which broadly means "to throw, cast, or hurl." While `{{G4496}}` encompasses a wide range of throwing actions, often implying force or decisive action (e.g., casting a net, throwing stones, casting out demons), G4495 suggests a more specific nuance. The "toss up" aspect might imply a lighter, less forceful, or upward trajectory of throwing, perhaps even a casual or indifferent act of discarding. The meaning "cast off" emphasizes removal, abandonment, or rejection. Thus, the semantic range of G4495 points towards the act of getting rid of something, either by a light upward toss or a definitive act of discarding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the lemma G4495 (ῥιπτέω) does not appear in the standard critical editions of the Greek New Testament. The verb consistently found in the New Testament manuscripts is its root, `{{G4496}}` (ῥίπτω). Therefore, there are no direct biblical occurrences of G4495 to analyze contextually.
However, the *concept* conveyed by G4495—that of "tossing up" or "casting off"—is profoundly present in the biblical narrative, often expressed through `{{G4496}}` or other related verbs. For instance, the act of "casting off" burdens or anxieties is a significant theme. In [[1 Peter 5:7]], believers are exhorted to "cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." While the verb used here is `{{G4496}}` (ἐπιρίπτω, epirhiptō, a compound of `{{G4496}}`), the underlying theological principle of divesting oneself of burdens aligns perfectly with the "cast off" aspect of G4495. Similarly, the call to "cast off the works of darkness" in [[Romans 13:12]] uses `{{G659}}` (apotithēmi), another verb meaning to "put off" or "lay aside," conceptually echoing the "cast off" meaning of G4495. While G4495 itself is not attested, its definitional nuances contribute to a richer understanding of the broader semantic field of "throwing" or "discarding" in the New Testament.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its root, `{{G4496}}` (ῥίπτω, rhiptō), meaning "to throw, cast, hurl." Other verbs that share a semantic field related to throwing or casting include:
* `{{G906}}` (βάλλω, ballō): A very common verb meaning "to throw, cast," often used for general throwing actions (e.g., casting nets, throwing into fire).
* `{{G1544}}` (ἐκβάλλω, ekballō): A compound verb meaning "to cast out, drive out," often with an emphasis on expulsion (e.g., casting out demons, casting out from a place).
* `{{G659}}` (ἀποτίθημι, apotithēmi): Meaning "to put off, lay aside," frequently used metaphorically for casting off sins or old ways of life (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:22]], [[Colossians 3:8]]).
Concepts related to G4495 include:
* **Discarding/Abandonment:** The act of getting rid of something no longer desired or needed.
* **Rejection:** The act of refusing to accept something or someone.
* **Liberation/Relief:** The act of being freed from a burden or encumbrance.
* **Surrender:** In the sense of "tossing up" or yielding something to another.
### Theological Significance
Although G4495 does not appear textually, its defined meaning of "to toss up" or "cast off" carries significant theological weight when considered in the broader biblical context. The concept of "casting off" is central to the Christian life, embodying themes of repentance, sanctification, and reliance upon God. Believers are called to "cast off" the old self, its sinful desires, and the burdens of the world. This act of spiritual discarding is not merely an emptying, but a making room for the new life in Christ. It signifies a decisive break with past sin and an embrace of God's transformative power.
The idea of "tossing up" can also imply an act of surrender or offering. In a spiritual sense, it speaks to the believer's trust in God's sovereignty and care, surrendering anxieties and cares into His hands. This act of casting off burdens onto the Lord (`{{G4496}}` in [[1 Peter 5:7]]) is a profound expression of faith, acknowledging divine provision and the inability of human effort to bear all weight. The theological significance of G4495 thus lies in its conceptual contribution to understanding the believer's call to divest themselves of all that hinders their walk with God, entrusting their lives fully to Him.
### Summary
G4495 (ῥιπτέω, rhiptéō) is a Greek lemma defined as "to toss up" or "cast off," serving as a derivative of `{{G4496}}` (ῥίπτω, rhiptō). While G4495 itself is not found in the standard Greek New Testament texts, its meaning enriches our understanding of the broader biblical vocabulary of "throwing" or "discarding." The concept of "casting off" is a vital theological theme, particularly in exhortations to shed sinful practices and to entrust burdens to God. Despite its textual absence, G4495 conceptually contributes to the biblical emphasis on spiritual liberation through surrender and the active rejection of that which separates us from God, thereby highlighting themes of faith, divine care, and the transformative journey of sanctification.
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