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ἔα

éa

G1436 exclamation

SILEX Entry

Definition

Interjectional command meaning 'leave alone,' 'permit,' or 'let go.' Functions as an imperative used to grant allowance or to dismiss an action. In certain contexts, expresses the sense of 'leave it be' or 'let be,' often to end further interference or objection.

Semantic Range

leave alone, permit, allow, let be, dismiss, interjection commanding cessation or allowance

Root / Etymology

Derived from the imperative of the verb ἐάω (to allow, to permit, to leave alone). The form ἔα represents a direct imperative usage as an interjection or command. The verb ἐάω itself is attested in Classical Greek with the meanings 'to permit,' 'to suffer,' 'to let alone.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἔα is used in Hellenistic Greek, including the New Testament, primarily as an imperative interjection meaning 'let be' or 'leave alone.' It can be found as a dismissive command or a request to refrain from an action. In certain instances, it is equivalent to saying 'enough,' 'stop,' or 'desist.' The usage is consistent with earlier Greek, where the root verb ἐάω similarly meant to allow or permit. The term is infrequent in extant Greek literature but is represented in the LXX and NT. English translations often render it idiomatically as 'let alone,' 'leave her alone,' etc. The older English exclamation 'aha' has also sometimes been used, but this conveys more surprise than the original Greek imperatival sense of disengagement or permission.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparent imperative of ἐάω; properly, let it be, i.e. (as interjection) aha!:--let alone.

Root Family

ἐάω (eaō) — allow, permit, release, let go

Root ἐά- to allow, to permit, to release, to let go
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1439 ἐάω he was allowing

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1436-01 ἔα ea EXCL Ah! Leave it be! Leave it be 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1436-01 Luke 4:34 ἔα ea EXCL Ah! Leave it be! Leave it be
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