αἱρετίζω
hairetízō
G140 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make a deliberate selection or choice, typically to prefer one option, person, or course of action over another based on consideration; to select after thought. In extended contexts, may refer to election, preference, or aligning oneself with a particular group or ideology.
Semantic Range
to choose, to select, to make a choice (after consideration), to take sides, to align oneself by preference
Root / Etymology
From αἱρέομαι (haireomai, 'to take, to choose'); formed with the verb-forming suffix -ίζω, indicating habitual or causative action. Thus, αἱρετίζω literally means 'to act so as to choose.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb αἱρετίζω is a rare and literary term in Koine Greek, appearing very infrequently in both biblical and extrabiblical sources. Its usage is closely linked to philosophical language, where being able to 'choose' or 'select' is an act of deliberate preference, especially in moral or philosophical contexts. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term is virtually absent; preference is more commonly expressed by verbs like ἐκλέγομαι ('to choose, select') or αἱρέομαι ('to take, choose'). English translations (e.g., 'choose') do not capture the nuance of the original verb, which often implies an intentional choosing after consideration, rather than simply picking or selecting at random. Related terms include αἵρεσις (hairesis), 'a choice, sect, party,' and αἱρετικός (hairetikos), 'capable of choosing, heretical' in later Christian usage. The root idea is of active, thoughtful selection, sometimes with connotations of forming a distinct group or preference based on one's choice.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of αἱρέομαι; to make a choice:--choose.
Root Family
αἱρετίζω (hairetízō) — to choose, to select, to prefer
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G140-01 |
ᾑρέτισα | eretisa | V AOR ACT IND 1P SG |
I have chosen | I chose | I chose | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G140-01 |
Matthew 12:18 | ᾑρέτισα | eretisa | V AOR ACT IND 1P SG |
I have chosen | I chose | I chose |