μεταίρω (metairō)
metairō
to leave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metairoō means to move from one place to another or to depart. It describes a physical relocation, often used in the New Testament to mark Jesus’ movement between locations. In Matthew 13:53 and 19:1, it records how Jesus left Nazareth after teaching there, signaling a shift in his ministry focus.
Its root combines meta ("after" or "change") and airō ("to lift up"). This suggests not just walking away, but being lifted or transferred to a new setting. The word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Matthew, highlighting its use for narrative transitions rather than abstract concepts.
Unlike words that emphasize emotional departure or spiritual leaving, metairoō focuses on the act of moving. It is a practical term for travel and transition, helping readers track Jesus’ journey through the Gospels without adding deeper symbolic weight to each instance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metairoō simply means to leave or move from one place to another. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Matthew’s Gospel. In these instances, it marks Jesus’ physical movement after finishing a teaching session. This practical use helps us follow His journey through different regions without adding hidden symbolic meaning.
For your daily life, this reminds us that transition is a normal part of following Christ. Just as Jesus moved from Nazareth to the borders of Judea, we too move through seasons of change. These shifts are not signs of failure but opportunities to apply His teachings in new settings. Trust that He guides your steps as you navigate these transitions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He withdrew2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μετῆρεν2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:53
When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from there.
This verse marks the end of Jesus' parabolic teaching ministry in Galilee, signaling a narrative shift as He returns to His hometown.
-
Matthew 19:1
When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.
Here the word highlights Jesus’ deliberate movement from Galilee to Judea beyond the Jordan, preparing for further instruction on marriage and discipleship.