ἐδαφίζω (edaphizō)
edaphizō
to raze
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb edaphizō describes the violent act of leveling a structure or city to the ground. Derived from the word for "ground" or "foundation," it carries the force of dashing buildings down until they are flat, much like preparing a threshing floor by beating the grain into submission. This is not merely destruction but a total reduction to the earth’s surface.
In Scripture, this term appears only once, in Luke 19:44, where Jesus predicts the coming destruction of Jerusalem. He uses this strong language to describe how enemy armies would surround the city and tear down its defenses, leaving nothing standing. The image is one of complete military success and total ruin.
Translators typically render this as "tear down" or "level," capturing the finality of the act. It stands in stark contrast to building up, emphasizing a power that can undo human works entirely. The word highlights the vulnerability of even the strongest fortifications against divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word edaphizō paints a picture of total leveling. It describes how a city or building is smashed flat, leaving no stone upon another. In Luke 19:44, Jesus uses this strong imagery to describe the coming destruction of Jerusalem. He warns that without recognizing God’s visitation, even the strongest walls will fall.
This word reminds us that human security is fragile. We often build our lives on temporary foundations, trusting in our own strength or worldly systems. Yet Scripture shows that only what is built on God’s truth endures. The destruction described here is not just physical but spiritual, highlighting the urgency of responding to God’s call.
When we face uncertainty or fear, this passage invites us to look beyond our own efforts. It calls us to seek God’s presence and wisdom, knowing that He alone provides lasting peace. May we find comfort in His sovereignty, trusting that even in loss, His purposes prevail and hope remains for those who turn to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will level to the ground1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδαφιοῦσίν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 19:44
and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn’t know the time of your visitation.”
Jesus uses edaphizō here to vividly predict the total military destruction of Jerusalem, emphasizing that failure to recognize God's visitation leads to complete ruin.