ἀναίρεσις (anairesis)
anairesis
murder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anairesis denotes the act of destroying or killing, carrying the specific weight of murder rather than general death. It is a rare term in the New Testament, appearing only twice, both within the book of Acts. The word derives from the verb anaireō, which means to take away life, emphasizing the finality and violence of the action.
In Acts 8:1, it describes the persecution led by Saul that resulted in the execution of believers. This usage highlights the severe, lethal nature of the opposition faced by the early church. The term is not used for accidental death or natural causes but specifically for intentional homicide committed by human agents.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anairesis points to the stark reality of intentional murder. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Acts, describing the violent persecution that followed the early church’s birth. It is not a term for natural death or accident, but for the deliberate taking of life by human hands.
When Saul consented to Stephen’s execution, he was participating in this grave evil. Yet, even in such darkness, the gospel spread. The scattering of believers did not stop the message; it carried it further. This word reminds us that faithfulness can come at great cost, but God’s purposes are not thwarted by human violence.
For you, this may bring comfort in times of suffering or injustice. You are not alone when facing hostility for your faith. The early church endured similar trials, and God was present with them. His grace sustains us through every season, turning even tragedy into testimony.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- killing2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναιρέσει2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 8:1
Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
This verse uses anairesis to describe the lethal persecution led by Saul, showing how opposition to the church could result in execution.
-
Acts 22:20
When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, consenting to his death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.’
Paul recalls standing by while Stephen was killed, using this rare term to highlight his own past complicity in murder before conversion.