ξηραίνω (xērainō)
xērainō
to dry
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb xērainō describes the process of drying up, parching, or withering. It captures a physical transformation where moisture is removed, leaving something brittle and lifeless. In the New Testament, this word appears in fifteen verses, often describing natural phenomena that serve as vivid illustrations for spiritual truths.
Its usage spans several concrete images. Jesus employs it to depict seeds scorched by sun (Matthew 13:6) and a fig tree stripped of leaves (Mark 11:20). It describes the wasting away of a body, such as when a man’s hand withered (Mark 3:1), or the drying up of the Euphrates River in Revelation (Revelation 16:12). The word applies equally to crops ripening and liquids evaporating, emphasizing a complete loss of vitality.
Translators typically render xērainō as "dry up" or "wither," preserving the stark imagery of desiccation. This physical reality underscores the fragility of life without divine sustenance, a theme prominent in passages like James 1:11, where the flower of the grass fades as its beauty disappears.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word xērainō brings to mind the stark reality of plants left without water. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this image of withering to show how quickly life fades when it is not rooted in Him. A branch cut off from the vine dries up just as surely as grass scorched by the sun. This reminds us that our spiritual vitality depends entirely on staying connected to Christ.
Yet this word also carries a message of healing and restoration. In Mark, we see a woman whose bleeding was dried up instantly, marking her freedom from long-standing affliction. Similarly, Jesus restores a man’s withered hand, bringing wholeness where there was once brokenness. The same power that removes moisture to reveal fragility is the power that heals our deepest wounds.
James reminds us that earthly glory fades like grass, but God’s word endures forever. When we feel worn out or dry in our faith, we can look to Jesus. He offers living water that never runs dry. Rest in His presence today, knowing that true life is found only in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- withered4×
- was dried up2×
- were dried up.1×
- it withered away.1×
- it withered1×
- is withering away.1×
- is dried up,1×
- has ripened1×
- has been dried up.1×
- dried up1×
- Withers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξηράνθη7×
- ἐξηράνθη.2×
- ἐξηραμμένην2×
- ἐξήρανται.¶1×
- ἐξήρανεν1×
- ἐξηράνθη,1×
- ξηραίνεται.1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 11:21
Peter, remembering, said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away.”
Peter points out the withered fig tree to highlight the immediate power of Jesus' spoken word.
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John 15:6
If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
Jesus uses this term to describe the inevitable fate of any branch that fails to remain in Him.
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Mark 5:29
Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
This unique usage describes the sudden cessation of bleeding, marking a moment of physical healing.
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James 1:11
For the sun arises with the scorching wind and withers the grass; and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So the rich man will also fade away in his pursuits.
The author compares the fading of grass to the temporary nature of worldly wealth and status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does xērainō mean in the Bible?
Why does Jesus talk about trees drying up?
Is xērainō used for healing?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 3 verses
When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.
Matthew 21:19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…
Matthew 21:20When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither away?”