138. haireó

Lexicon

haireó: To take, to choose, to prefer

Original Word: αἱρέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: haireó
Pronunciation: hahee-reh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (hahee-reh'-om-ahee)
Definition: To take, to choose, to prefer
Meaning: I choose, prefer.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

choose.

Probably akin to airo; to take for oneself, i.e. To prefer -- choose. Some of the forms are borrowed from a cognate hellomai hel'-lom-ahee; which is otherwise obsolete.

see GREEK airo

HELPS Word-studies

138 hairéomai (a primitive verb, always in the Greek middle voice) – properly, lay hold of by a personal choice.

[The Greek middle voice emphasizes the self-interest of the one preferring (deciding) to grasp or take.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. verb
Definition
to take, choose
NASB Translation
choose (1), choosing (1), chosen (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 138: αἱρέω

αἱρέω, (ῶ: (thought by some to be akin to ἄγρα, ἀγρέω, χείρ, English grip, etc.; cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Lexil. 1:131 — but see Curtius, § 117); to take. In the N. T. in the middle only: future αἱρήσομαι; 2 aorist εἱλόμην, but G L T Tr WH ἑιλάμην, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, cf. (Tdf. Proleg., p. 123; WHs Appendix, p. 165;) Winers Grammar, § 13, 1 a.; Buttmann, 40 (35), see ἀπέρχομαι at the beginning; (participle ἑλόμενος, Hebrews 11:25); to take for oneself, to choose, prefer: Philippians 1:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; μᾶλλον followed by infinitive with ἤ (common in Attic), Hebrews 11:25. (Compare: ἀναιρέω, ἀφαιρέω, διαιρέω, ἐξαιρέω, καθαιρέω, περιαιρέω, προαιρέω.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek verb αἱρέω does not have a direct one-to-one equivalent in Hebrew, but similar concepts of choosing and preferring can be found in Hebrew verbs such as בָּחַר (bachar, Strong's Hebrew 977), which means "to choose, select, or elect." This Hebrew term is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's choice of individuals or nations for specific purposes, as well as human choices in response to God's commands.

Usage: The verb αἱρέω is used in the New Testament to convey the act of taking or choosing, often implying a deliberate or intentional decision. It can also suggest the idea of preferring one thing over another.

Context: The Greek verb αἱρέω appears in various contexts within the New Testament, illustrating the concept of choice and preference. It is often used to describe the act of selecting or choosing with intention and purpose. This verb can be found in passages where individuals make significant decisions, reflecting their values and priorities.

For example, in Philippians 1:22, the Apostle Paul uses a form of this verb when he discusses his personal dilemma between living in the flesh and departing to be with Christ: "If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!" (BSB). Here, the verb conveys the weight of decision-making in the context of spiritual and existential considerations.

In another instance, Hebrews 11:25 speaks of Moses, who "chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin" (BSB). This usage highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of choice, emphasizing the preference for righteousness over temporary pleasures.

The verb αἱρέω is also significant in theological discussions about free will and divine election, as it underscores the human capacity to make choices that align with God's will or diverge from it. This concept is central to understanding the dynamics of faith, obedience, and discipleship in the Christian life.

Forms and Transliterations

αιρείται αιρησομαι αιρήσομαι αἱρήσομαι ειλατο είλατό εἵλατο είλετο είλοντο είλου ελομενος ελόμενος ἑλόμενος ελώμεθα ηρείτο airesomai airēsomai eilato elomenos hairesomai hairēsomai hairḗsomai heilato heílato helomenos helómenos

Englishman's Concordance

Philippians 1:22 V-FIM-1S
GRK: καὶ τί αἱρήσομαι οὐ γνωρίζω
NAS: which to choose.
KJV: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
INT: and what I will choose not I know

2 Thessalonians 2:13 V-AIM-3S
GRK: Κυρίου ὅτι εἵλατο ὑμᾶς ὁ
NAS: God has chosen you from the beginning
KJV: from the beginning chosen you to
INT: [the] Lord that chose you

Hebrews 11:25 V-APM-NMS
GRK: μᾶλλον ἑλόμενος συνκακουχεῖσθαι τῷ
NAS: choosing rather
KJV: Choosing rather to suffer affliction
INT: rather having chosen to suffer affliction with the

Strong's Greek 138
3 Occurrences

αἱρήσομαι — 1 Occ.
εἵλατο — 1 Occ.
ἑλόμενος — 1 Occ.