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αἴρω

aírō

G142 verb

SILEX Entry

Root αἴρ- to lift, to raise, to carry, to remove

Definition

To lift or raise (something) physically; to take up or carry away; to remove from a place. In extended and figurative usage: to lift up the voice (i.e., speak out or call loudly), to take on responsibility or bear (as a burden, sin, or guilt), to remove or take away abstractly (such as sin, law, or an obstacle). The primary meaning involves a physical or metaphorical sense of elevation, removal, or carrying.

Semantic Range

to lift (physically), to raise (something or oneself), to take up/carry away (objects or persons), to remove (objects, persons, obstacles, or abstract matters), to bear or carry (burdens, responsibilities, or sins), to expiate or take away sin (by Hebraic influence), to lift up the voice (speak or call out), to set sail/weigh anchor (nautical, later usage)

Root / Etymology

From the root αἴρω (λύω root group), generally considered a primary Greek verb with Indo-European connections (cf. Latin tollo). Not obviously derived from another Greek term. May show semantic overlap in Greek with the concept mirrored in Hebrew נָשָׂא (nasaʾ, 'to lift, carry, take away'), especially in Septuagint contexts.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, αἴρω primarily means 'to lift' or 'to raise' something physically (as in Homer, Herodotus). It can also mean 'to remove,' 'to carry off,' or 'to take away.' In Koine Greek (including the New Testament and the Septuagint), its range expands through both direct and metaphorical uses: it can denote the removal of objects, abstract burdens (especially sin or guilt), or people. Figuratively, it can mean lifting up one's voice (to speak out or call), removing or taking away through action or authority, or 'bearing' intangible things such as responsibility, suffering, or sin. The Septuagint often uses αἴρω to render Hebrew נָשָׂא, especially conveying the removal or bearing of sins, which influences its usage in New Testament Greek. Typical English Bible translations like 'take up,' 'carry,' 'remove,' or 'lift,' sometimes fail to capture the breadth of its metaphorical or idiomatic uses. In certain contexts (Acts 27:13), αἴρω is used with nautical nuance, meaning 'to set sail' or 'weigh anchor.' Thus, context is decisive in translation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary root; to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare נָשָׂא) to expiate sin:--away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).

Root Family

αἴρω (airō) — to lift, to raise, to carry, to remove

Word Forms

31 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G142-25 ἦραν eran V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they took up they lifted 12
G142-18 ἆρόν aron V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG take up Lift up 10
G142-02 αἴρει airei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG takes away he lifts up 7
G142-21 ἀρθήσεται arthesetai V FUT PASS IND 3P SG will be taken away will be lifted away 6
G142-28 ἦρεν eren V AOR ACT IND 3P SG lifted up he lifted 6
G142-10 ἆραι arai V AOR ACT INF to take to lift up 6
G142-12 ἄρας aras V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having taken having lifted 5
G142-13 ἄρατε arate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL take Lift up 5
G142-15 ἄρῃ are V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG bear he might lift up 5
G142-14 ἀράτω arato V AOR ACT IMP 3P SG let him take up let him lift up 4

Occurrences in Scripture

101 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G142-19 Matthew 4:6 ἀροῦσίν arousin V FUT ACT IND 3P PL they will lift up
G142-18 Matthew 9:6 ἆρόν aron V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG Lift up
G142-02 Matthew 9:16 αἴρει airei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG he lifts up
G142-13 Matthew 11:29 ἄρατε arate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL Lift up
G142-21 Matthew 13:12 ἀρθήσεται arthesetai V FUT PASS IND 3P SG will be lifted away
G142-25 Matthew 14:12 ἦραν eran V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they lifted
G142-25 Matthew 14:20 ἦραν eran V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they lifted
G142-25 Matthew 15:37 ἦραν eran V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they lifted
G142-14 Matthew 16:24 ἀράτω arato V AOR ACT IMP 3P SG let him lift up
G142-18 Matthew 17:27 ἆρον aron V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG Lift up
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