ἐξεγείρω (exegeirō)
exegeirō
to raise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exegeirō means to raise up or arouse someone from a state of rest. It combines the intensive prefix ex- with egeirō, suggesting a forceful or complete lifting. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s letters, carrying a weightier sense than simple waking.
In Romans 9:17, Paul quotes Exodus to describe how God raised up Pharaoh for a specific purpose. Here, the term emphasizes divine sovereignty and intentional activation rather than mere physical movement. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 6:14, it refers to raising believers from the dead through God’s power. The sources link this usage to the Old Testament concept of stirring someone into action or existence.
While often translated simply as "raise," the word implies a decisive act that brings someone into a new state of being. Its rarity in Scripture highlights its theological significance, marking moments where God intervenes directly to fulfill His plans or restore life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exegeirō carries a sense of decisive action, lifting someone from rest into a new state of being. In Romans 9:17, Paul uses this term to describe how God raised up Pharaoh for a specific purpose. This shows that even difficult circumstances are under God’s sovereign control, used to display His power and name across the earth.
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 6:14, the same word points to the future resurrection of believers. It reminds us that our hope is not based on our own strength but on God’s power. This promise offers comfort, knowing that death is not the end, but a transition into new life through Christ.
Whether facing challenges or looking forward to eternal hope, this word assures us that God is actively at work. His purposes are clear, and His power is sufficient for every situation we encounter in our faith journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I have raised up1×
- He will raise out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξήγειρά1×
- ἐξεγερεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 9:17
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
This verse uses the word to describe God's sovereign purpose in raising up Pharaoh to display His power.
-
I Corinthians 6:14
Now God raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.
Here the term refers to the future resurrection of believers, emphasizing God's power as the source of new life.