ἐξαίρω (exairō)
exairō
to expel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exairō carries the concrete sense of lifting something up and removing it from its place. In the New Testament, this action is specifically applied to social or communal exclusion rather than physical elevation. The word combines a prefix meaning "out" with a root meaning "to lift," creating an image of taking someone out of the community.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 5:13. Paul quotes Deuteronomy to instruct the church to remove the immoral brother from among them. The usage here aligns with Old Testament concepts of cutting off or expelling unclean elements to preserve the purity of the group. It is a decisive act of boundary-setting within the body of believers.
Translators typically render exairō as "expel" or "remove," capturing the finality of the action. Unlike general terms for leaving, this word implies an active removal by the community. The focus is on restoring order by taking the disruptive element out of the midst of the people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word exairō describes a firm action of lifting someone out and removing them from their place. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in 1 Corinthians 5:13. Paul uses it to instruct the church to remove an immoral brother from among them. This is not about physical elevation but about social exclusion within the community of believers.
When a member’s behavior disrupts the unity and purity of the group, the church may need to take decisive action. This act of boundary-setting aims to restore order and protect the body from harmful influence. It reflects a serious commitment to holiness and mutual care among Christians.
Though this word is rare, its meaning reminds us that community life requires honesty and accountability. Removing someone who refuses to repent can be painful, but it is done for the good of all. May you find wisdom in handling such matters with grace and truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do yourselves expel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξάρατε1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 5:13
But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”
This verse shows exairō used as a command to actively remove an immoral person from the church community, emphasizing communal responsibility for maintaining holiness.