μετεωρίζω
meteōrízō
G3349 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to lift or raise into the air; in figurative use, to be in a state of suspense or agitation, particularly mental unrest or uncertainty. Contextually, the verb describes being unsettled, wavering in one's mind, or experiencing inward anxiety about uncertain matters.
Semantic Range
to lift into the air, to suspend, to be mentally unsettled, to be anxious, to waver in uncertainty, to be in a state of agitation or emotional turmoil
Root / Etymology
Derived from μετέωρος ('suspended in the air'; from μετά, 'with, after' + ἀήρ, 'air'), itself likely related to the stem αἴρω ('to lift') by sense. The verbal suffix -ίζω forms denominal verbs, here indicating causative or inchoative action ('to be being raised/suspended'). Thus, μετεωρίζω literally denotes being lifted or left in air (suspended).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hellenistic and later Koine literature, μετεωρίζω is rare. Its basic physical sense (to lift up, raise in air) is largely overshadowed in extant texts by its figurative application—particularly in moral or psychological contexts—to describe emotional or mental agitation, worry, or wavering. Used in Luke 12:29 of the New Testament in the passive (μετεωρίζεσθε), it refers to being anxious or in suspense about material needs. Classical texts more commonly use μετέωρος (adj.) for things in the upper air or figuratively for uncertainty. Later patristic or philosophical writings may employ cognates for inner instability or agitation. English translations often render the word as "be anxious" or "be of doubtful mind" in the New Testament, but these do not always capture the imagery of suspension, wavering, or being 'up in the air' implied by the Greek. Related terms: ταράσσω (to trouble, agitate), διαλογίζομαι (to deliberate, doubt).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of μετά and a collateral form of αἴρω or perhaps rather ἀήρ (compare "meteor"); to raise in mid-air, i.e. (figuratively) suspend (passively, fluctuate or be anxious):--be of doubtful mind.
Root Family
μετεωρίζω (meteōrizō) — to raise, to suspend, to keep in suspense, to unsettle
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3349-01 |
μετεωρίζεσθε | meteorizesthe | V PRS PASS IMP 2P PL |
be anxious | be kept in suspense | be unsettled | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3349-01 |
Luke 12:29 | μετεωρίζεσθε | meteorizesthe | V PRS PASS IMP 2P PL |
be anxious | be kept in suspense | be unsettled |