### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb τίλλω (tíllō), Strong's `{{G5089}}`, carries the primary meaning "to pluck," "to pull off," or "to tear off." Its etymological suggestion of kinship with αἱρέομαι (haireomai, `{{G138}}`), meaning "to take" or "to choose," and σύρω (syrō, `{{G4951}}`), meaning "to drag," points to an action involving separation or removal by force or deliberate pulling. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing on a physical act of detaching something from its source, often with a degree of effort or decisiveness. It implies a direct, hands-on action rather than a gentle removal or a systematic harvest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of τίλλω in the New Testament are notably concentrated in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within the accounts of Jesus' disciples plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath.
1. **[[Matthew 12:1]]**: "At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat."
2. **[[Mark 2:23]]**: "And it happened that He was passing through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples began to make their way through while plucking the heads of grain."
3. **[[Luke 6:1]]**: "Now it happened that on a Sabbath He was passing through the grainfields; and His disciples were plucking the heads of grain and eating them, rubbing them in their hands."
In all three instances, τίλλω describes the specific action of the disciples. The Pharisees' objection to this act highlights their interpretation of the Sabbath law, which prohibited certain forms of labor, including harvesting. While the disciples were merely satisfying their hunger by plucking a few heads of grain—an act permitted by Old Testament law for the hungry passing through a neighbor's field ([[Deuteronomy 23:25]])—the Pharisees viewed this specific action as a form of "reaping" or "threshing," thus violating the Sabbath. Jesus' defense of His disciples, citing the actions of David ([[1 Samuel 21:1-6]]) and the priests in the temple, and declaring Himself "Lord of the Sabbath," underscores the authority of divine compassion and the true intent of the law over rigid, legalistic interpretations. The act of τίλλω itself, a simple plucking, becomes the focal point of a major theological and ethical debate.
### Related Words & Concepts
The suggested etymological links to αἱρέομαι (`{{G138}}`, to take, choose) and σύρω (`{{G4951}}`, to drag) are insightful. While τίλλω specifically denotes "pulling off," αἱρέομαι encompasses a broader range of "taking" or "choosing," which could include the act of removing something. σύρω, "to drag," implies a more forceful or extensive movement, but shares the commonality of applying force to move or separate an object.
Other related concepts in the biblical context include:
* **Harvesting/Reaping:** While τίλλω is a small-scale act, it was interpreted by the Pharisees as akin to θερίζω (therizō, `{{G2325}}`, to reap), which refers to a full-scale harvest. The distinction between a minor act for sustenance and agricultural labor is crucial to the Sabbath debate.
* **Gathering:** Words like συνάγω (synagō, `{{G4863}}`, to gather together) or συλλέγω (syllegō, `{{G4816}}`, to collect) denote the accumulation of items, whereas τίλλω focuses on the initial act of detachment.
* **Taking/Receiving:** Verbs like λαμβάνω (lambanō, `{{G2983}}`, to take, receive) are general terms for acquiring something, but lack the specific nuance of "pulling off" inherent in τίλλω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τίλλω is almost entirely bound up in the Sabbath controversies of the Gospels. The seemingly mundane act of "plucking" becomes a catalyst for Jesus' profound teaching on the nature of the Sabbath and His own authority.
1. **Sabbath Interpretation:** The Pharisees' condemnation of τίλλω as "work" revealed a legalistic and burdensome interpretation of the Sabbath law, which had lost sight of its original purpose: to be a day of rest, refreshment, and worship for humanity's benefit, not a day for oppressive restrictions.
2. **Human Need vs. Ritual Law:** Jesus' defense prioritizes human need (hunger) over rigid adherence to ritualistic interpretations of the law. He argues that acts of necessity and mercy are permissible, even commendable, on the Sabbath.
3. **Lordship Over the Sabbath:** Most importantly, Jesus' declaration, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" ([[Matthew 12:8]], [[Mark 2:28]], [[Luke 6:5]]), fundamentally redefines the Sabbath. It is not an independent entity to which even God is subject, but rather an institution established by God, over which the Son of Man, as divine authority, holds ultimate jurisdiction. This statement asserts Jesus' divine prerogative to interpret and fulfill the law, moving beyond the letter to the spirit. The simple act of τίλλω thus becomes a pivotal point for understanding Jesus' messianic identity and His authority to bring true rest and freedom.
### Summary
τίλλω (`{{G5089}}`) describes the physical action of "plucking" or "pulling off," a direct and often forceful act of separation. Its limited but highly significant occurrences in the New Testament are confined to the Synoptic accounts where Jesus' disciples pluck heads of grain on the Sabbath. This seemingly minor action ignited a profound theological debate with the Pharisees concerning the proper observance of the Sabbath. Jesus' defense of His disciples, rooted in the principles of human need and divine compassion, culminated in His authoritative declaration as "Lord of the Sabbath." Thus, the simple act of τίλλω serves as a crucial textual anchor for understanding Jesus' reinterpretation of the Mosaic Law, His challenge to legalistic piety, and His ultimate authority over all divine institutions.
TRV