ἐξολοθρεύω (exolothreuō)
exolothreuō
to root out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exolothreuō means to destroy completely or root out entirely. It carries a forceful sense of total removal, suggesting that nothing remains after the action is taken. The word combines a prefix indicating separation or out with a root meaning destruction, creating a term for absolute annihilation.
In Scripture, this strong language appears in Acts 3:23, where Peter quotes the Old Testament warning that anyone who does not listen to the prophet will be destroyed from among the people. This usage mirrors the Hebrew concept of being cut off or extirpated, emphasizing a final and irreversible judgment rather than a temporary setback.
Translators often render this word as "destroy utterly" or "root out," capturing its severity. It is not used for minor damage but for a decisive end to existence within a specific group, highlighting the serious consequences of rejecting divine instruction in the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exolothreuō carries a heavy weight, describing an action so complete that nothing remains. In Acts 3:23, Peter uses this term to describe the fate of those who refuse to listen to the prophet Jesus. This is not a warning about minor mistakes or temporary setbacks. It speaks to a decisive and final removal from the community of faith.
For your daily life, this reminder underscores the seriousness of hearing God’s voice. The call to listen is not optional for those who follow Christ. When we tune out divine instruction, we risk losing our place in the people of God. This word invites us to pay close attention to what Scripture says, ensuring our hearts remain open to His guidance.
While the language is stark, it highlights the value of belonging to God’s people. To be destroyed from among them means missing out on the covenant relationship entirely. Let this truth encourage you to stay connected to the community and attentive to the Word. Your place in the body of Christ is precious and worth protecting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be utterly destroyed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξολεθρευθήσεται1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 3:23
It will be that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.’
This verse applies the term to the rejection of Jesus as the prophet, showing that ignoring His message leads to total removal from the people.