ἐξορύσσω (exorussō)
exorussō
to dig through/out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exorussō describes the violent act of digging out or gouging something away. Its literal force is seen in Mark 2:4, where a paralyzed man is lowered through a roof; the text suggests the crowd literally dug through the covering to reach Jesus. This physical destruction sets the stage for its only other New Testament appearance.
In Galatians 4:15, Paul uses the word metaphorically to describe what his opponents would do to him: gouge out their eyes. The image is shocking and visceral, implying a willingness to inflict severe physical harm or even blinding injury. By choosing this specific term, Paul highlights the extreme hostility he faced from those who claimed spiritual authority.
The word combines a prefix indicating removal with a root meaning to dig or pierce. It appears rarely in Scripture, reserved for moments of intense conflict or dramatic intervention. Its usage underscores the physical stakes involved in the early church’s struggles, reminding readers that the spread of the gospel sometimes came at great personal cost.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek verb exorussō describes a violent digging or gouging action. In Mark 2:4, friends dug through a roof to lower a paralyzed man to Jesus. This physical effort shows how far people will go to reach Christ when barriers stand in the way. It reminds us that seeking God often requires breaking through obstacles, whether they are social, emotional, or spiritual.
Paul uses this same word in Galatians 4:15 to describe extreme hostility. He suggests his opponents would have gouged out their own eyes to help him. This shocking image highlights the intense conflict surrounding the early church. It shows that faith can come at a high personal cost, yet believers continue to stand firm.
This word invites us to consider our own determination. Do we dig through difficulties to find Jesus? Or do we retreat when opposition arises? The text encourages persistence. It assures us that even in conflict, God’s purpose moves forward through those who persevere with courage and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having gouged out1×
- having broken up [it]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξορύξαντες2×
Key Verses
-
Mark 2:4
When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical act of breaking up a roof to lower a paralytic, showing extreme determination to reach Jesus.
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Galatians 4:15
What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
Paul employs this visceral term metaphorically to illustrate the intense hostility and willingness for self-harm exhibited by his opponents.