### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aphairéō**, represented by `{{G851}}`, is defined as to **remove** either literally or figuratively. Its base definition includes actions like to "cut (smite) off, take away." It appears 11 times in 9 unique verses, illustrating its use in both physical and conceptual contexts. The word's meaning ranges from a violent, physical severing to the spiritual act of taking something away.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G851}}` describes two distinct types of removal. It is used literally to describe the violent act against the high priest's servant, whose ear was **cut off** or **smote off** ([[Matthew 26:51]]; [[Mark 14:47]]; [[Luke 22:50]]). Figuratively, the word carries significant theological weight. It is used to describe how the blood of bulls and goats cannot **take away** sins [[Hebrews 10:4]], but also for God's covenant promise to **take away** the sins of his people [[Romans 11:27]]. The word also appears in a solemn warning in Revelation, where God will **take away** a person's part from the book of life if they **take away** from the words of the prophecy [[Revelation 22:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G851}}` is used:
* `{{G645}}` **apospáō** (to drag forth, i.e. (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously):--(with-)draw (away), after we were gotten from): This word describes the action immediately preceding the use of `{{G851}}` in the scene with the high priest's servant, where a disciple **drew** his sword before he "smote off" the ear [[Matthew 26:51]].
* `{{G4685}}` **spáō** (a primary verb; to draw:--draw (out)): Similar to the above, this verb is used in a parallel account where one who stood by **drew** a sword and then "cut off" the servant's ear [[Mark 14:47]].
* `{{G3817}}` **paíō** (a primary verb; to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than τύπτω); specially, to sting (as a scorpion):--smite, strike): This word specifies the blow that accompanies the cutting, as one who stood by **smote** the servant and then used `{{G851}}` to "cut off" his ear [[Mark 14:47]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (from ἁμαρτάνω; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful)): This is the conceptual object that is "taken away" by `{{G851}}`. It is central to understanding the inability of animal sacrifices to **take away** sins [[Hebrews 10:4]] and God's covenant promise to do so [[Romans 11:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G851}}` is significant, highlighting key doctrines of salvation and judgment.
* **Limitation of the Old Covenant:** The word is used to explicitly state that the sacrificial system was insufficient, as it was "not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should **take away** sins" [[Hebrews 10:4]].
* **Promise of the New Covenant:** In contrast, `{{G851}}` is used to articulate the central promise of God's new covenant with His people, where He declares, "I shall **take away** their sins" [[Romans 11:27]].
* **Final Judgment and Divine Warning:** The word is used to deliver a stark warning about the sanctity of scripture. Anyone who dares to **take away** from the words of prophecy will have God **take away** their part from the book of life [[Revelation 22:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G851}}` is a powerful verb that bridges the physical and the spiritual. It describes a literal, violent act of cutting off, as seen in the Gospels [[Matthew 26:51]], but more profoundly, it defines the spiritual removal of concepts like sin [[Hebrews 10:4]], reproach [[Luke 1:25]], and, in a context of judgment, one's place in the book of life [[Revelation 22:19]]. The word effectively conveys a sense of decisive and final removal, whether by a human hand or by divine decree.
TRV